•  HCM City committed to effective use of ODA

These fields are bottle-necks that Vietnam is trying to break to promote sustainable socio-economic development, Deputy PM Phuc told JICA Vice President Arakawa Hiroto, in Hanoi on August 29.

Phuc said he hopes Japan will continue to maintain and increase ODA for Vietnam in the future, especially when the two countries are involved in major infrastructure projects to build metro lines in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and Nhat Tan bridge across the Red River.

The Deputy PM suggested JICA support practical activities to mark the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year in 2013 and the 40^th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.

JICA Vice President Arakawa Hiroto briefed Deputy PM Phuc on his working sessions with leaders of related Vietnamese agencies such as the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

He attended the ceremony to start construction of the first metro line in Ho Chi Minh City.

Arakawa Hiroto said JICA will further contribute to enhancing the two countries’ understanding and trust in the fields of mutual concern and bringing their diplomatic ties to a new height.