VN, Japan discuss progress of projects

The Vietnam-Japan joint development of three major economic and transportation projects, Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, the North-South Highway and North-South Hi-speed Railway, was discussed at a meeting held on Tuesday in the capital city

The second meeting of the Viet Nam-Japan Joint Co-ordination Committee was aimed at reviewing progress and developing a plan for implementation, said the Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc.

Phuc’s speech expressed appreciation for Japanese efforts.

Currently, the plans for the Hoa Lac Hi-teck Park and the two transportation projects, supported by the Japan International Co-operation Agency, were announced as "in progress."

Japan is expected to offer Viet Nam preferential credits during the 2007 fiscal year for the construction of ring road 3, which runs from the Lang-Hoa Lac Highway to Thanh Tri Bridge and the North-South Highway’s section from HCM City to Long Thanh and Dau Giay districts in Dong Nai Province.

Preferential credit would also be provided to help Viet Nam train railway technicians prepare for construction of the hi-speed railway.

The Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam, Norio Hattori, noted that the hi-speed railway project was more complicated than the highway. Thus Japanese private firms would collaborate with Vietnamese counterparts to organise a conference on the hi-speed railway project in Ha Noi over the next few months.

The ambassador also outlined a master plan on capital including ODA and land clearance preparation as major factors in accelerating the hi-speed railway project.

Yesterday’s event included representatives from a number of ministries, including foreign affairs, finance, transport and planning and investment, as well as officials from the Japanese embassy and Japanese agencies in Viet Nam.

(Source: VNS)