Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on March 12 for Nicola Beer, Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), along with senior leaders of EIB and Brosnan Norden Group of Germany.

Expressing appreciation for EIB’s activities in recent years and gratitude for its contributions to Vietnam’s socio-economic development, especially in infrastructure projects, PM Chinh stated that Vietnam is a developing country with a transitioning economy, focusing on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The country aims to achieve 8% growth in 2025 and double-digit growth in the following years, requiring a large amount of capital.

On the principle of "harmonized benefits, shared risks," the Government chief proposed that EIB, in addition to continuing to accelerate existing projects, provide funding support, help Vietnam mobilize financial resources, and offer preferential financial packages for energy transition projects, large-scale infrastructure, and strategic infrastructure such as transport, healthcare, and education. He also suggested that EIB support Vietnam in establishing and operating international financial centers in the country.

He proposed that EIB and Vietnam sign a new generation ODA agreement with a larger financial scale, lower interest rates, simpler procedures, and fewer stringent conditions. This agreement should not only provide finance for the public sector but also support private economic sectors in Vietnam. Alongside finance, EIB is expected to share management experience, build a sustainable financial system, transfer advanced technology, and train human resources for Vietnam.

Affirming Vietnam's strong commitment to green and energy transitions, especially in cooperation frameworks with the EU and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), the cabinet leader asked EIB to share experience in mobilizing green financial resources, building preferential mechanisms, and creative financial solutions to support renewable energy, emission reduction, and climate change adaptation projects.

Nicola Beer mentioned that as one of the world’s leading banks, EIB has established financial cooperation relations with Vietnam since 1997, supporting infrastructure, environmental, and energy development projects, including metro projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. With its ability to mobilize capital from European countries and financial organizations, EIB is ready and willing to support Vietnam through specific projects and help the country strive for the 8% growth target in 2025 and double-digit growth in the following years.

The EIB Vice President expressed her hope that Vietnam will continue its administrative reforms to expedite the allocation of EIB funds into Vietnam’s development projects and is ready to support Vietnam in developing financial centers, transferring advanced technology, and training human resources and management skills as suggested by the Prime Minister.

Deputy PM urges early signing of new-generation ODA deal between Vietnam, Japan

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang received Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio in Hanoi on February 15.