50220 Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Development Vietnam Partnership Report Update An Informal Report Prepared for the Mid-year Consultative Group Meeting for Vietnam Sapa, June 5- 6, 2008 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This volume serves as an updater to the main report Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Development produced for the full Consultative Group Meeting in December 2007. This volume is the product of teamwork and partnerships in Vietnam, and brings together contributions from many of the joint Government-donor-NGO partnership groups, all working together to help Vietnam achieve its development targets, to improve the co-ordination and to make delivery of Official Development Assistance (ODA) more effective. Its production was only possible through the co-operation, contributions and active support of a wide range of development partners, including Government staff, donors and NGOs. Key contacts (though not necessarily leaders) of the groups, most of which have reported in this volume, are currently as detailed below. Non-inclusion in this volume does not imply non-activity on the part of a partnership group. Poverty Working Group/Poverty Task Force Cao Viet Sinh (MPI); Martin Rama/Doan Hong Quang (World Bank); Nguyen Tien Phong (UNDP) Partnership to support National Target Programs Nguyen Hai Huu/Tran Huu Trung/Tran Phi Tuoc on Poverty Reduction (MOLISA); Tran Van Thuat (CEMA); Tran Phi Tuoc (MOLISA) Gender Action Partnership Tran Mai Huong (NCFAW) ISG Environment Nguyen Thi Tho (MoNRE) People's Participation's Working Group Trine Glue Doan (NGO RC) Partnership on SOE Reform & Equitization Martin Rama (WB); Nguyen Danh Hao (IMF) Partnership Group for SME Promotion and Nguyen Van Trung (MPI); GTZ Private Sector Development Financial Sector Working Group Dang Anh Mai (SBV) Trade Reforms Working Group Martin Rama/Nguyen Minh Duc(World Bank) Vietnam Business Forum Sin Foong Wong (IFC) Education Working Group Tran Ba Viet Dzung (MoET); Noala Skinner (UNICEF); Anouk Van-Neck (EC) Health Sector Working Group Ministry of Health; WHO HIV/AIDS Technical Working Group UNAIDS Forest Sector Support Partnership Nguyen Tuong Van/Paula Williams (FSSP) Natural Disasters Mitigation Partnership Nguyen Si Nuoi (MARD)/Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan ISG-MARD Le Van Minh (MARD-ISG) Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Partnership Le Van Minh (MARD-ISG) Transport Partnership Group Truong Tan Vien (MoT); Masayuki Karasawa (JBIC) HCMC ODAP Trang Trung Son (HCMODAP) Urban Forum Pham Khanh Toan (Ministry of Construction) Legal Reforms Partnership Nguyen Minh Phuong (MoJ) Public Administrative Reform Partnership Ministry of Home Affairs Public Financial Management Partnership Nguyen Ba Toan (Ministry of Finance) Partnership group on Aid Effectiveness Ho Quang Minh (MPI); Kerry Groves (AusAid) Bo Thi Hong Mai (World Bank) managed production of this volume and coordinated the Theme Notes from the Development Partnership Groups. Photo by Lasse Melgaard. Further copies of this report are available from the Vietnam Development Information Center, Ground Floor, 63 Ly Thai To, Hanoi, and at www.worldbank.org.vn , www.un.org.vn and www.vdic.org.vn 2 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ADB Asian Development Bank ASEAN Association of South East Asian Nations AFD Agence Francaise de Developpement CEPT Common Effective Preferential Tariff CIDA Canadian International Development Agency CIE Center for International Economics CIEM Central Institute for Economic Management CPNET The government information network CPRGS Comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy CPLAR Cooperation Program on Land Administration Reform DANIDA Danish International Development Agency EU European Union FAO Food and Agricultural Organisation GDP Gross Domestic Product ILO International Labour Organization ISG International Support Group JICA Japanese International Cooperation Agency JBIC The Japan Bank for International Cooperation KfW Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau LPTS Legal Professional Training School LMDG Like-Minded Donor Group MDG Millennium Development Goal MOJ Ministry of Justice MOT Ministry of Trade NGO Non-governmental Organization NORAD Norway Agency for Development NSCERD National Steering Committee for Enterprise Reform and Development ODA Official Development Assistance ONA Office of National Assembly OSS One-Stop Shop PPA Participatory Poverty Assessment RPA Regional Poverty Assessment SDC Swiss Development Cooperation SIDA Swedish International Development Agency SPC Supreme People's Court SPP Supreme People's Procuracy UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNODC United Nations Office of Drug Control UN United Nations UNFPA United Nations Population Fund UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund UNESCO United Nations Educations, Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organisation UNV United Nations Volunteers UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee VDG Vietnam Development Goal VHLSS Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey VNU Viet Nam National University SBV State Bank of Vietnam WB World Bank WHO World Health Organisation WTO World Trade Organization 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS PEOPLE'S PARTICIPATION WORKING GROUP...............................................4 FINANCIAL SECTOR WORKING GROUP.......................................................9 SME PARTNERSHIP GROUP .......................................................................15 FOREST SECTOR SUPPORT PARTNERSHIP...............................................................23 ISG ENVIRONMENT.................................................................................31 ISG-MARD...............................................................................................33 NATUAL DIASTER MITIGATION PARTNERSHIP GROUP..................................37 TRANSPORT PARTNERSHIP GROUP............................................................42 -4- PPWG Partnership Note June 2008 People's Participation Working Group (PPWG) Partnership Note Ha Noi, June 2008 The People's Participation Working Group (PPWG) was established in 1999 as part of a network of thematic development partnership groups. As a partnership group, the PPWG provides inputs to the Consultative Group (CG) meetings held semi-annually between the government and donor committee. The PPWG is an informal network and forum for international organisations, NGOs, government employees, donors, project managers, consultants, researchers, etc. to meet and exchange information and ideas on issues relating to people's participation, grassroots democracy and civil society. The group is open to all those who are interested in participating and contributing to sharing information and carrying out joint goals and objectives. The PPWG is made up of a voluntary Steering Committee (SC) and a broad group of members representing a wide group of stakeholders. Presently, there are 275 organisations and individuals signed up to the PPWG email list, many of which take part in PPWG activities organised by the PPWG SC. The group is co-ordinated by an elected Chairperson, which is assisted by the SC. This SC currently consists of 20 members and includes representatives from UNDP, the World Bank, Embassy of Finland, and international and Vietnamese NGOs, who meet regularly to organise relevant thematic workshops and other events. The current Chairperson is VUFO-NGO Resource Centre Managing Co-director Mrs. Trine Glue Doan. The PPWG Mission The mission of the PPWG is to act as a platform to provide people and civil society organisations with opportunities to exchange information, participate and contribute to Vietnam's development and poverty reduction processes. 1. Update on key PPWG activities in 2008 1.1. PPWG strategy revision A key activity for the PPWG during 2008 has been continuing the revision of the PPWG strategy towards finalising the document by the end of May 2008. Since its establishment in 1999, various changes in Vietnam have offered new opportunities for the PPWG to play a role in sharing information and experiences on people's participation, civil society development and in relation to policy making. In response to these broad range of changes, the PPWG decided to analyse the latest developments in Vietnam and update the PPWG strategy, including its overall goal and objectives, and strategic directions from 2008 to 2010. Originally, it was planned to develop a strategy for the period 2006-2010 to be fully aligned with the period of the government's Socio Economic Development Plan 2006-2010. However, due to the delays in the process, the strategy paper covers a shorter time frame of 2008-2010. The process of revising the strategy lasted from early 2007 until the end of May 2008 and used a strategic analysis framework that included a context and stakeholders analysis, an environmental scan and SWOT analysis. Members of the SC fully participated in this -5- process, and inputs and comments from PPWG members were sought during a consultation workshop held on May 6 in Hanoi. Following the strategy revision process, it was agreed that the overall goal of the PPWG is that by 2010, an enabling environment for enhancing people's participation will be actively supported by the PPWG, which will result in improved contributions by civil society to development and poverty reduction processes in Vietnam. This goal will be achieved through the following objectives and key activities. Objective 1: The PPWG acts as a platform for the exchange of information, knowledge and experiences for the benefits of its members For this objective to be achieved, it will be essential that the PPWG, in particular the SC, concentrates its efforts on continuously creating a mechanism that enables its members to share information, knowledge, experiences and resources that have impacts on people's participation and civil society development. The PPWG will also continue to build on its accumulated strengths to select the most important and interesting opportunities for its members to share and exchange information and knowledge in areas relevant for, and based on the needs of, its members in promoting people's participation in Vietnam. This includes, for the period 2008-2010, the new Grassroots Democracy Ordinance, the current government "socialisation" policy of public services delivery, and the draft strategy on Anti-corruption 2010-2020. Objective 2: PPWG promotes thematic dialogue amongst key stakeholders at different levels The PPWG seeks to enable open dialogue amongst international and Vietnamese NGOs and important stakeholders from government, mass organisations, academia and donors, to foster discussions on relevant issues related to people's participation and civil society development and other specific themes and issues selected by the group. Promotion of thematic dialogue continues to comprise an essential part of the work of the PPWG. In the past, several thematic meetings have been organised, which received positive feedback from PPWG members and other stakeholders. The PPWG will continue to organise these events but will try to further reach out to include more key stakeholders (VNGOs, mass organisations, networks, etc.) who have an interest in, and influence on, the issue of people's participation. Extra efforts will be made during 2008 to increase and diversify the membership of the PPWG. Objective 3: PPWG's links to policy development PPWG pro-actively seeks opportunities to bring value-added inputs to decision-making processes affecting policies and initiatives relating to people's participation, grassroots democracy and civil society development. While acknowledging the opportunities for enhancing people's participation, the PPWG also recognises the challenges that exist in the current socio-political environment. The new aid modalities such as direct budget support, the new Decree on Collaborative Groups, and the limited mechanisms for bottom up/participatory approaches in planning are only a few examples of current development trends with unclear incentives for inclusive participation. For further information on the revised strategy or to read the full document, please visit http://ngocentre.org.vn/node/119. -6- 1.2. PPWG Events in 2008 Consultation Workshop: PPWG's Draft Revised Strategy 2008-2010 & Activity Plan Venue: 63 Ly Thai To, the World Bank Building, Vietnam Development and Information Centre Time: May 6th, 2007, 14:00 to 16:30 As part of the strategy revision process outlined above, an important step was to receive feedback from PPWG members on the revised draft strategy and seek comments and advice for successfully implementing the new strategy. The meeting also included a presentation on UNDP's current and planned key programmes and activities relating to peoples' participation, civil society, and grassroots democracy in Vietnam, UNDP feedback on the PPWG strategy, and a presentation relating to how the UNDP might link their work with, and support, the strategy and related future activities. For more information, presentations and meeting minutes, please visit http://ngocentre.org.vn/node/6652. Workshop: Evidence-Based Policy Development in VASS Venue: Room 3D at the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences (1 - Lieu Giai, Ba Děnh, Hanoi) Time: May 16, 8:30In collaboration with the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), UNDP is supporting research in the field of evidence-based policy advocacy in Viet Nam. The aim of this work is to develop the capacity of Vietnamese researchers to use research based on scientific evidence to inform and support sound government policies. Within the framework of the "Assistance to the 20-year Review of Doi Moi" project, VASS is undertaking an assessment of the ways in which evidence-based research currently links to policy development in Viet Nam. As part of this work, a workshop was organised in collaboration with the PPWG on May 16 to bring together VASS researchers and members of the PPWG, which included representatives from NGOs, civil society organisations (CSOs) and donors, to share experiences about the role that research has played in shaping policy dialogue and decision-making processes. The workshop consisted of an introduction to key concepts and tools related to evidence-based policy advocacy; a discussion of experiences from abroad that highlight the potential links between CSOs, NGOs and research institutes; a presentation of the results of the needs assessment on evidence-based policy advocacy that has been carried out in VASS; and a presentation outlining the experiences of the PPWG in relation to policy development. As follow up to the meeting the PPWG and VASS will meet to further discuss concrete initiatives to strengthen the links and collaboration between VASS researchers and members of the PPWG. For more information, presentations and meeting minutes, please visit http://ngocentre.org.vn/node/6652. 1.3 Other activities in 2008 Support for development of implementation circular for Decree 151 on Collaborative Groups During the first half year of 2008, the PPWG has provided support for the Department for Cooperatives under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) for the development of an implementation circular for Decree 151 on Collaborative groups. -7- Among other activities, this included technical and financial support for the organisation of a consultation workshop held on March 14. The PPWG also facilitated participation of the target group of the decree and circular, namely collaborative groups and local authorities from more than 10 different provinces. After the workshop, the PPWG and MPI drafting team continued to work on a dissemination plan and other necessary support for grassroots collaborative groups. 2. Activities planned for 2008 2.1 PPWG outputs and thematic focus As a part of the strategy development, the PPWG developed three sets of outputs and activities for the period 2008 to 2010. During the second half of 2008, the PPWG will develop a more detailed workplan to implement these outputs and activities. PPWG has also identified a number of key themes and issues central to people's participation and civil society development in Vietnam. These themes and issues will provide a focus for the outputs and activities of the PPWG until 2010 and include the following areas: The changing legal and policy framework for people's participation and civil society. During the past few years, the Government of Vietnam (GoV) has demonstrated its determination to promote the growth and increasing role of civil society organisations (CSOs) and the active participation of people at all levels in promoting socio-economic development nation-wide1. Several legal documents have been, or are in process of being, drafted, offering new opportunities for CSOs and people's participation. As the legal framework is constantly changing, it is important to take ongoing stock of the opportunities and implications provided by these changes. Local governance. People's participation and CSO's roles are key themes in relation to local governance issues, including planning and budgeting processes, local legislative bodies, political representation at the local level, and the electoral system, etc. As the legal framework is changing, is it becoming even more important to focus on the practice of application and opportunities and constraints in relation to this area. Civil society and anti-corruption. In recent years, Vietnam has witnessed increasing dialogues relating to highlighting and strengthening the role of civil society in support of the Vietnamese Party-State's anti-corruption efforts. Currently, the government of Vietnam is in the process of drafting its long-term anti-corruption strategy for the period 2010-2020. Enhancement of civil society's roles and contributions are among the three key issues to be dealt with in this strategy. Socialisation (Xa Hoi Hoa). The 'socialisation' concept has gained higher prominence in government policy following Resolution No. 90/CP (21.8.1997) on "directions and guidelines for the socialisation of activities and operations in the fields of education, health and culture". Decree No. 73/1999/ND-CP (19.8.1999) on "the policy of encouraging the socialisation of activities in the fields of education, health, culture, sports and games" took the idea further, but 1 VDR/PRSC Consultation Exercise, VUFO-NGO Resource Centre, 2006. -8- the idea of engaging the people in the delivery of public services, either as collaborative groups or as private sector actors, is larger and more pervasive, and appears in other sectors as well. 2.2 Specific activities planned for the second half of 2008 Support for the development of implementation circular for Collaborative Groups Decree The PPWG will continue its support for the development of an implementation circular for Decree 151 on Collaborative Groups. Moreover, the PPWG will also support awareness-raising and capacity building for the implementation of the decree. Among other activities, this will include training workshops for collaborative groups and commune level officials. Workshop: Lobby and Advocacy Workshop Lobbying and advocacy in Vietnam is not so common, especially lobbying or advocacy activities involving CSOs, as they lack the skills, experiences and tools to participate in this area. This workshop will aim to provide a forum for various stakeholders, especially INGOs and CSOs supporting or working at the grassroots level, to learn and share their experiences regarding evidence-based policy advocacy. The workshop will support the sharing of good practices and establish a network among stakeholders and CSOs on lobbying and advocacy towards social changes and pro-poor policies for sustainable development. Thematic Meeting: Update on legal environment and civil society organisations (CSOs) The GoV has shown determination to promote the growth and increasing role of CSOs and the active participation of people at all levels in promoting socio-economic development nation-wide. Following this trend, the PPWG will organise an annual workshop to provide updates on information and increase awareness among CSOs about the overall legal environment affecting civil society, and identify and discuss opportunities and constraints for CSOs concerning their participation in Vietnam's socio-economic development process. Thematic Meeting: Civil society and anti-corruption. This meeting will focus on exploring how civil society can play a role in the Party-State's anti-corruption efforts, and the GoV's ongoing process of drafting its long-term anti-corruption strategy for the period 2010-2020. One of the three key issues of the GoV's strategy is enhancing civil society's roles and contributions to anti-corruption efforts. -9- FINANCIAL SECTOR PARTNERSHIP May 30, 2008 The Government-donor financial sector working group was established in late 1999 to discuss the proposed banking reform program developed by State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) with an aim to support implementation of that program and to coordinate donor support on banking reform. Since that time, the working group has expanded beyond just banking reform and now covers a wider range of financial sector issues, including those in capital market development, policy bank reform, non-banking financial institutions, deposit insurance, etc.. From among the authorities, representatives of the Ministry of Finance (MOF), State Securities Commission and other relevant institutions as well as the SBV participate in the working group meetings. The partnership on financial sector reform is informal but serves as an effective forum in which the Government and the donors can periodically share information on the financial sector reform, provide updates on current financial sector developments, technical assistances and projects, and coordinate various donor assistance activities. In addition, the working group meetings serve as a forum to identify assistance needs and seek donors' support for those. Strong Government Ownership Implementation of the Government's financial sector reform program continues with strong donor support as evidenced by the number of related assistance projects as well as the amount of financial support provided by the Donor Group. The working group is now meeting regularly, and the most recent meeting was held on May 30, 2008. At this meeting the discussion focused on the key economic issues that the country is currently facing with, such as inflation. Other topics discussed included the development of the securities market and industry, reform of policy-based finance, feasibility of national automated clearing house, and contribution of the donors within the sector and coordination among them. The meeting was hosted by the SBV and the World Bank, with the participation of approximately 10 most active donors in the sector. SBV Updates of Macroeconomic Situation During the meeting, the SBV provided an update on the current critical economic issues, with the focus on inflation, credit growth, capital flows and policy actions. For the past decade, the Vietnamese economy experienced high economic growth. Consumption, investment, especially exports and services developed at a high pace. However, economic overheat has been evident for the past two years, and the country is now faced with soaring inflation. The CPI for 2006 was 6.6%, while those of 2007 and the first 4 months of 2008 were 12.6% and 11.6% (cumulative of the four months), respectively. The reasons for the alarming rate of inflation are many as cited by the SBV. Most notably, inflation in key international commodities including oil and food has been "imported." Secondly, natural calamity and diseases are causing a supply shortage. Thirdly, strong capital inflows caused expansionary pressures on the liquidity. Fourthly, strong consumption and investment needs by individuals and firms caused high credit growth. Fifthly, aggressive fiscal policy over the year to promote economic growth has amplified the domestic demand. - 10 - Trade and current account deficits started from 2002 following a previous 3-year period of surplus, and the former reached a record high of USD11.4 billion (or equivalent to 60.8% of exports) only for the first 4 months of 2008 as compared to USD 14.1 billion for the whole year of 2007. Strong remittances helped to reduce the current account deficit, and the all-time record high FDI and FII further helped the balance of payments. For the year 2007, pledged FDI reached USD20.3 billion (2006: USD13 billion). Net disbursed FDI scored USD6.55 billion, representing a 183% increase as compared with that of 2006. The number for the first quarter of 2008 was USD1.46 billion, 11.18% higher than that of the first quarter 2007. FII for 2007 was USD6.24 billion, showing a 4.7-fold increase as compared with that of 2006. For the first quarter of 2008, it was USD1.36 billion, showing a 25.09% increase as compared with that of the first quarter of 2007. Net foreign borrowing was USD2.12 billion for 2007, or a 13.46% increase as compared with that of 2006. The number for the first quarter of 2008 was USD691 million, increasing 71% as compared with the number for the first quarter 2006. The strong growth of the credits and liquidity was also presented and analyzed. Credit growth in 2007 reached 53.89% while the number for 2006 was 24.77%. The first quarter of 2008 it was 12.86%. The substantial increase in consumer imports of 70%, strong investment needs for business expansion and establishment, booming real estate and stock-based borrowings in 2007 were all cited as reasons for the high credit growth (fueled by relatively low lending rates and loose lending practices). Resulting worrisome ups and downs of the real estate, securities, forex and gold markets in late 2007 and early 2008 were analyzed to explain the corresponding actions taken by the Government and the SBV. The Government has given the top priority to fighting inflation, instead of economic growth, and introduced a series of concerted actions; e.g., budget expenditure for Government activities was planned to be reduced by 10% for 2008; planned constructions and investments by SOEs have been scrutinized and some canceled or postponed (especially those in real estates and securities markets); subsidies were provided to withhold the prices of foods, gas, and the other basic goods from increasing. The SBV doubled its reserves requirement in June 2007 to reach 10% and further increased it to 11% in February 2008. In early 2008, the SBV issued compulsory bills of VND20 trillion to reduce total liquidity, and over the period, increased VND base rate from 8.25% to 8.75% and most recently to 12% (refinancing rate: from 6.5% to 7.5% and currently 13%, discount rate: 4.5% to 6% and currently 13%). The SBV also endeavored to curb credit growth by strengthening its supervision of loans granted by banks, and restricted securities-collateralized loans to 3% of each bank's total loan outstanding. The limit was later reformed to be 20% of each bank's charter capital. Forex band was relaxed (from ±0.25% - ±0.5% - ±0.75%-±1%). These policy actions started to yield some encouraging results. Total liquidity growth has slowed down (January 2008: 45.4%, February 2008: 39.3%, and March 2008: 35.65% on an annualized basis). Inflation has been partly curbed; exports increased by 25% for the first quarter of 2008, while the number for May 2008 alone was 27.2%. FDI commitment for the first 4 months of 2008 increased by 41%, while disbursement rate increased by 26%. Foreign borrowing indices are within manageable range. Looking forward, the Government and the SBV still give top priority to inflation curbing. They reduced the economic growth target for 2008 from 8.5-9% to 7% while continuing to tighten the monetary and fiscal policies. Flexibility of the forex control will also be increased. The SBV also committed to the donor community that data disclosure - 11 - will be enhanced in the near future to secure the transparency of its policy actions and its credibility to the public, international donors and investors. National Automated Clearing House (NACH) The SBV presented on the necessity to establish a National Automated Clearing House. On 29th December 2006, the Prime Minister approved the project of non-cash payment in 2006 ­ 2010 with orientation towards 2020 in Decision No. 291/2006/Q - TTg in which the NACH Project is defined as a focal project and a component to construct a synchronized, modern and complete national payment system. The major functions of NACH includes: (i) performing clearing for transactions of retail payments (e.g., clearing of commercial bills/checks, payment order/collection order, money transfer and processing periodical payments such as those for electricity, water, telephone, insurance premium, etc.,); (ii) card switching system; and (iii) electronic commercial payment system (B2B, B2C, B2G,etc.). The SBV envisioned two possible options for NACH. One is that SBV contribute partial investment, along with investments from private partners to establish a new NACH center. In the future, this Center would perform the function of national card switching center if no other card switching organization is able to meet the nation- wide demand for the service. In such a case, the Center would ensure all necessary conditions in terms of organizational structure, ownership/governance as well as technologies and business processes. The other is that the SBV will restructure and upgrade the current Card Switch Center into NACH (like the CUP model of China), provided that owners of the Center agree and that the Center proves its capacity to become a general financial switch center capable of developing other retail inter-bank payment services and meeting requirements of organizational structure, scale, infrastructure, human resources, etc. The donors were informed of the action plan for the establishment of NACH for their possible supports in the process: Proposals for technical assistance to set up the project in early 2008. Conduct a feasibility study in QIII/2008. Establish a Standing Committee to design a project to construct NACH, take necessary steps to prepare for the construction of the Center and formulate regulations for operation in Quarter IV/2008. Initiate the construction of the Center (construct infrastructure, buy equipment and machinery, software solutions, etc.,) in 2009. Start the Center's operation in 2010. Reform of Policy-based Finance The Vietnam Bank for Social Policy (VBSP) presented on the policy-based finance, which has by far received less-than-expected supports from the donor community. VBSP was established by PM Decision No. 131 in December 2002, by restructuring the Bank for the Poor (which was previously established by separating from Agribank). It is tasked with providing preferential and targeted credit under different Government's programs with a mandate to support the poverty reduction of the country and contribute to the national socio-economic development. VBSP's charter capital currently stands at VND8 trillion (expected to reach VND10 trillion in 2010), and its - 12 - loan outstanding is approximately VND40 trillion. Its loans are extended in the form of entrusted lending through various mass organizations (e.g., Women's Union, War Veterans' Union, Youth's Union, and Farmers' Union, etc.) with some parts of lending contractual procedures signed by both sides at all levels. These mass organizations are responsible for disseminating information on VBSP lending, selecting borrowers, and collecting interest payments. VBSP disburses loans and collects principal payments directly. VPSP conducts co-supervision and risk management with these mass organizations. Over the years, VBSP has proven records of poverty reduction for the country. As a result of their operation, more than 1,232,000 people got out of poverty; more than 1,400,000 new jobs were created; the country's poverty rate was reduced from 20% (2004) to 14,7% ( 2007); more than 630,000 students could afford their study by borrowing from VBSP; and 100 % of the communes gained access to the services provided by VBSP. However, VBSP recognizes and admits it weaknesses in its IT and human resource capacity, corporate governance and risk management. The bank plans to enhance its operational and financial sustainability in the years to come. In the mean time, the bank seeks external supports especially from the donors in order to fulfill its goals. For example, the bank proposes to be included in the national payment system built under the two World Bank projects. It also requests supports for its microfinance programs. Securities Industry Development Representative from the State Securities Commission (SSC) presented on the development of the securities market and its development needs. The market has grown dramatically with a boom of listing since late 2006. The Securities Law, which came into effect from 2007, enhanced the legal framework. The number of listed companies has now reached 288 while the total market capitalization, 23% of GDP. It once reached 40% of GDP in 2007. More recently, it has been cooled and even depressed by tightening measures against the overheated economy. However, the Government clearly recognizes the importance of the capital markets in mobilizing domestic long-term resources to finance the economic development. Meanwhile, challenges to strengthen the market infrastructure and the regulatory and supervisory capacity of the SSC are mounting. SSC noted that the capital markets were still new to Vietnam and Vietnamese people, and that staff of SSC came from MOF and SBV without practical experiences in the securities and capital markets. Although the Securities Law enhanced the legal framework, its enforcement needs to be strengthened. To do so, SSC's supervisory capacity and skills need to be enhanced, and the market and regulatory infrastructure needs to be upgraded. SSC, therefore, seeks support of donors in those areas. Donor Support for the Reform Agenda The donors shared information regarding their past, current and future activities. Comprehensive information regarding donor activities is provided in Financial Sector Assistance Matrix (as attached) which is periodically updated with inputs from the donors and published through the World Bank's website so that each donor can learn - 13 - what other donors are doing. It is meant to help donors avoid duplications and enhance the coordination and synergy. Following are the donors providing presentations in the meetings: The World Bank (WB) briefly presented on the two lending projects that are under preparation, namely Financial Sector Modernization and Information Systems (FSMIS) which is supporting the restructuring of the SBV and Financial Market Infrastructure Development (FMID) which is supporting the securities market and SCIC. An introduction to a potential project to support policy banks (tentatively named as Policy Bank Reform Project) was also made to the participants for information sharing. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) introduced its advisory services it has extended to the financial sector, including its supports to enhance the legal framework for secured transactions (to broaden the range of pledgeable assets and, therefore, enhance the access to finance) and its infrastructure (e.g., collateral registry). The IFC is preparing to support the SBV's NACH initiative and the development of the securities market in coordination with the World Bank's FMID project, focusing on regulatory compliance by market participants, OTC market development, corporate bond issuance and corporate governance). The Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided a briefing on its series of Financial Sector Program Loans, its supports to the capital markets and continued support for strengthening the microfinance for Vietnam. Germany's Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) discussed its supports in three main areas: (i) capital market development, (ii) SBV supervision activities and reforms, and (iii) the bank regulatory framework. KfW also shared its plan to support the capital markets and the microfinance. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided key details of their supports to the SBV's payment system improvement and interbank money market development, and explained its plan to step up the support by bringing in two resident advisors from Bank of Japan and the Ministry of Finance. Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has also been supporting the reform and capacity building of policy banks (Vietnam Development Bank and VBSP). The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and its Star Program focused their supports on regulatory framework and legal reforms with respect to the SBV Law and Credit Institutions Law. Although not present at the Donor Meeting, the Luxembourg Development Agency (Lux Development) started providing a comprehensive assistance to support securities market development. CIDA of Canada has been actively supporting the supervisory capacity building effort of the SBV while AFD of France has been active in supporting the microfinance and VBSP. Proposal For A Potential Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) In the past Financial Sector Donor meetings, SBV repeatedly requested the donor community to establish an MDTF to support the financial sector reform and development. SBV Deputy Governor asked the World Bank to facilitate the effort, and - 14 - the World Bank has sought the donors' opinions for an appropriate mechanism of such an MDTF. The World Bank shall first draft a concept on MDTF for the SBV to communicate the Government's needs of supports in the financial sector to donors and solicit their feedback to the idea. Next Steps for the Working Group The Donor group will meet again in the 4th quarters of 2008 to address a broader range of topics in the financial sector. In the meantime, the donors will be asked if they have any specific areas of concern or questions which they would like to be addressed for inclusion in the meeting agenda. The comprehensive matrix covering the technical assistance and lending support provided by all donors on the Government's financial sector reform agenda will be updated with completed projects moved to a separate section of the Matrix. The Financial Sector Assistance Matrix continues to be organized by beneficiary institution and then by function for ease of navigation, with active links to the appropriate contacts for each project. It will continue to be posted on the World Bank Vietnam Country Office web site (www.worldbank.org.vn). - 15 - THE PARTNERSHIP GROUP FOR SME PROMOTION AND PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT (SMEPG) Ministry of Planning and Investment, 26 May 2008 REPORT TO THE CONSULTATIVE GROUP The SMEPG meeting convened at 1:40pm on 26 May, 2008, at the Ministry of Planning and Investment. The meeting was co-chaired by Ms Doris Becker, GTZ and Ms Trang Nguyen, IFC MPDF. Participants included: from Government: MPI/ASMED from donor and international: DANIDA, DFID, EC, EU, GTZ, ILO, JBIC, JICA, IFC MPDF, NORAD, SDC, SECO, VNCI, UNDP, UNIDO, and the Italian Embassy. Opening remarks by GTZ - Ms Doris Becker Ms Doris Becker, GTZ co-chair, opened the meeting at 1:40pm, noting that the last SMEPG meeting was one year ago, and recommended more frequent meetings for sake of communication and progress. Ms Becker stated the meeting's objectives: · To get to know government priorities · To view what working groups are doing and how it is contributing to government priorities · To determine how SMEPG should work in the future: what changes should be made, taking into account ownership harmonization alignment and aid efficiency · To determine how to contribute to VBF · To elect a new co-chair (to replace GTZ and co-chair with IFC MPDF) ASMED progress update - Mr. Hieu, Mr. Cuong Mr. Hieu, Deputy Director General of ASMED, welcomed all participants and gave brief introductory remarks before introducing his colleague Mr. Cuong, Director of Int'l Cooperation Division, to give update on the latest progress. Highlights in ASMED's latest progress included: Consolidation and simplification of business registration: A single registration number for business registration, statistics, tax and customs has been created. There will be a new joint circular that will eliminate tax registration, seal engraving permit, as well as a standard business dossier Revision and Amendment of Decree 90: A Drafting Committee has been set up Implementation progress of SME Development Plan 2006-2010 `First stop shop' established in Thai Nguyen province, with two more provinces to follow SME White Paper Annual report on SME sector to be given to Prime Minister, with expectations for an upgrade to `SME White Paper' A look back over one year: www.business.gov.vn Website averages 4,000 hits/day, up from 1,500 hits/day one year ago. Website gives updates, links, meeting minutes, etc. - 16 - Comments on ASMED progress update Q: DANIDA representative, Ms Mimi Groenbech, requested information on how ASMED is helping other provinces develop (outside the provinces highlighted in ASMED's update) ­ in order for there to be more equitable progress. A: ASMED's Mr. Hieu answered that the larger cities have already set-up five-year response plans, and that other provinces have put plans into preparation, however some provinces have not submitted plans. ASMED requested donor participation in getting provinces to submit five-year plans. PRESENTATIONS FROM WORKING GROUPS 1. National policy reform - VNCI, Mr. Jim Winkler MEMBERS: ADB, DANIDA, IFC MPDF, GTZ, EU, UNIDO, USAID/VNCI Mr. Winkler gave an overview of the magnitude of all actions going on under the 5 Year SME Action Plan 2006-2010. His presentation gave credit to the various member organizations and agencies for their specific projects and contributions made to the implementation of the Plan. Mr Winkler highlighted actions/projects as broken down by the following groups: Group 1: Simplification of procedures related to business registration and market entry Group 2: Improved access to land Group 3: Improved access to finance Group 4: Improved competitiveness of SMEs Group 5: Development of human resources Group 6: Improved social attitudes towards private SMEs Group 7: Managing implementation of Action Plan He then listed other activities ongoing, including: conferences, training courses, RIA, strengthening policy dialogue, information dissemination, developing provincial economic government assessment tools. Mr. Winkler closed with notes on future actions, including the need for combining efforts, resources, and assisting ASMED in monitoring mechanism for implementation of SME action plan. Comments on National Policy Reform presentation Q: JBIC. Mr. Noriyasu Matsuda, Commented that work with the World Bank policy matrix was currently under review and that there had been good coordination work with MPI but that future work (i.e. action proposals for Policy 8) should be better integrated. Also noted the effect of VN's macro-economy on SMEs and suggested that more information on credit growth, monetary policy, inflation measures and their influences on SMEs be studied/made available. Having access to such information (i.e. credit growth rates) would greatly aid SME investment. A: GTZ. Seconded the need to review macro-economic impact on SMEs. A: ASMED. Noted such information is important to support SME access to finance, and gave the example that Decree 90 sets up provinces with credit fund, but only 3 provinces have set them up. - 17 - Q: UNIDO. Mr. Fabio Tabbo, Requested information on new projects, as UNIDO had secured funding for a second phase that focused on classification development between Italian companies and VNese companies Q: IFC MPDF, Ms Trang, Agreed on the need to follow up on timeline on second phase A: The second phase should begin in 3Q of 2008, after summer, as currently in the process of finalizing workshops. 2. Local economic governance MEMBERS: ADB, DANIDA, EU, VPSSP, GTZ, IFC MPDF, ILO, UNIDO, VNCI The speaker noted the Group's objective to improve member coordination on local economic governance through joint activities, periodic meetings, with a focus on administrative reforms for investors and business. The Group's activities included: Supporting the introduction of One Stop Shops in provinces (for business registration, tax code registration, and seal making) Through training and development of nationwide computerized registration systems, the review of all relevant Laws for consistency, the creation of an enterprise implementation taskforce, and the simplification of land access and investment procedures. Support of local governments in implementing initiatives for local economic development Through strengthening of provincial business associations, and the strengthening of these associations in policy and service provision. Also backed business start- up activities through entrepreneurship training, and business start up contests The speaker made special mention of the success of the National Conference on Local Economic Governance in mid-November 2007, then closed his remarks with suggestions for future focus that included a possible second national conference, and continued experience sharing, joint activities, and coordination between donor projects. Comments on Local economic governance presentation: Q: PRISE (formerly of ILO), Ms Jenny Ikederg and DANIDA representatives requested further information on activities over the past year, in order to determine possible fits with their respective agency agendas, and wanted to know whether business sector support programs were province-focused. DANIDA representative briefed the participants on DANIDA program targets. Q: UNIDO. Noted that the matrix needs to be updated to make it easier for interested agencies to determine where to focus involvement. Q: IFC MPDF: Noted that Groups have produced lots of trainings, development materials, and that this called for creation of a mechanism beyond just information sharing, so that redundancies could be eliminated whenever a Group or project/program moved into another province. Q: GTZ. Agreed and asked where this information could be made available (web-page?) Also suggested that this information should not just be for donor use, but for institutional use as well 3. BDS/sectoral approaches ­ Ms Ricarda Meissner, EU MEMBERS: DANIDA, SNV, ADB, DFID, GTZ, EU, ILO, VNCI, IFC MPDF, WB - 18 - Ms Ricarda Meissner gave overview of the history of the Group, explaining that it began as two groups: BDS and Sub-sector promotion, then merged. The intention was to keep small, share information, coordinate and cooperate in areas including: value chains, clusters, linkages, provincial competitiveness, collective competitiveness (for Sub-sector), and capacity building, demand analysis, etc (for BDS). Operations strove to initiate synergies, avoid duplication, develop Good Practices, improve feedback, share new approaches. Ms Meissner then touched on what the Group had produced: regular project presentations, document sharing, joint activities on good practice, joint actions on value chains, and noted the National Workshop on Promotion of SMEs in Value Chains on 20 March 2008 as an example of cooperation. She wrapped up her presentation by noting that while the Group had quickened mobilization of resources, avoided overlap, but also proposed issues for SMEPG to focus on: · How to overcome SME group fatigue (participating in too many meetings), · To organize chairs at least every 6 months, · Update matrix, and pool case studies and good practices for donor cooperation · Introduce joint lessons learned and instrument development for use by ASMED, VCCI, and other donors Comment on BDS/sectoral approaches presentation: Q: GTZ: Recommended that SMEPG use this Group's experience/recommendations to see who should be members, how to organize in future. Q: EU: Wanted to know how best to work with ASMED, and how ASMED will use various Group's work for future to perfect organization. A: ASMED, Mr. Cuong. Remarked that Groups were strong and active in past year. ASMED first has to review everything, and all this information will be put on ASMED portal, which will help provinces see progress, training, etc. Also, training for SME, for example, has gone on for over 3 years, with lots of good information, and it could be useful to put on website as well. Mr. Cuong also wanted to see more priority on SME development in the future, especially on competitiveness. 4. SME finance - Mr. Fabio, UNIDO: Mr. Fabio listed the Group's main activity targets: · SME Development Program Loan, Central Regions Livelihood, etc. · SME Enterprise Development Funds, Market Access for the Poor, Advisory and investment assistance to individual financial institutions · SME Finance project, Support to SBV to improve regulatory framework for leasing business, Finance for Development · Assistance to Establish National and Provincial SME support infrastructure He closed his presentation by remarking that the Group was trying to compile all information in single matrix, and acknowledged that some projects were not in the matrix. He looked forward to receiving feedback on the matrix. Comments on SME finance presentation: - 19 - Q: EU. Should we focus on one matrix, or is it more practical to have a number coordinated through WGs? A: IFC MPDF. Matrix is owned and operated by ASMED. It is therefore an issue for ASMED A: ASMED. There have been a few matrixes besides ASMED (at least 3); proposed to work in one matrix only, as it will be easier to update. A: IFC MPDF. Proposed a mechanism to periodically chase-up matrix updates Q: UNIDO: Useful to have a list of all donors and whoever else is involved A: ASMED. Co-chair should assume this responsibility 5. Sustainable business practice - Ms Eleonore of IFC MPDF and Ms Binh of ILO IFC and ILO are collaborating on the Better Work Vietnam, a project still in the development stage. Work to begin in 2H 2008 to improve labor standards and competitiveness, and will initially focus on garment sector. Goal is to scale up 70 factories in first year to 700 factories over five years, with pillars of enforcement and social dialogue working on an industry-based scheme of three components: enterprise assessment, enterprise advisory and training, stakeholder engagement. The project is designed to be self-financing by end of year 4, and independent by year 5. Operations are to assess factories, priorities and create, monitor and update improvement plan. All results to go into an information management system. The program is expected to improve working conditions, reduce duplication, enable greater access to training and technical assistance, and enhance Vietnam's reputation for ethical sourcing location. Comments on Sustainable business practice: Q: IFC MPDF: Proposed to open floor up to other activities of sustainable businesses practices A: UNDP, Helena: Noted that UNDP was developing a program addressing labor, corruption, human rights, education, and other issues Q: DANIDA working with MOL and VNCCI. Commented that there should not be overlap with training, working environment, etc., and pushed for increased transparency in working partners Q: EU: Has worked with MOLISA. Commented that there needs to be more on worker's rights and problems with real worker representation, as many companies do not give full contracts with workers, which is pushing the increase in strikes A: IFC MPDF, Ms Eleonore: factory component will access labor issues Q: IFC MPDF. Proposed that a climate change agenda be put on future SMEPG agenda 6. Follow up cooperation with VBF ­ Ms Giang, VBF IFC Ms Giang explained that the forthcoming VBF agenda would be divided in three parts: · Perception of VN business environment, · Dialogue between Government and Private Sector on Banking and Capital Markets · Distribution and Manufacturing, Taxation Other issues to be explored during the Forum include education (with regard to labor market), tourism, and infrastructure. ___________________ - 20 - DISCUSSION ON FUTURE PRIORITIES AND COOPERATION MECHANISMS ASMED, Mr. Cuong. Presented ASMED positives, noting that it provides a platform for donors, investors for determining where to focus efforts, begin activities. Mr. Cuong also stated that ASMED acts as a good focal point to maximize synergies (i.e. SME development plan), and provides continuity between those agencies and organizations entering and those exiting. Mr. Cuong proposed a limit of seven working Groups, and felt that a rigid working group structure was not necessary. He then listed a number of priorities to prepare amendment for Decree 90 for promotion of SME development, and recognized assistance from UNIDO, Japan, and others. The priorities/important issues are: · Clearer definition of SME, · Creation of mechanism to coordinate monitoring of support activities, · Improve means for increasing SME access to finance · Establish more SME technical assistance · Create more support programs (i.e. EU project) for new version of Decree 90. IFC MPDF Co-chair then opened the meeting up to other themes, and re-iterated earlier repeated calls for improvement in knowledge management and resolution (expansion/contraction) of Working Groups. Q: ASMED, Mr. Cuong. Proposed that there should be one meeting (rather than two) with a replacement of other with a partnership group with different, selected topic. A: VNCI, Mr. Winkler. Stated that working groups work with administrative procedures and regulations, but that no one knows all necessary rules and regulations. Stressed that an inventory be taken and publicized so that everyone knows obligations. Once this had been established, then next steps would consist of review and simplification. Mr. Winkler then noted that there was an Advisory Council for Administrative Procedures Reform, with a Special Task Force, and petitioned interested donors with relevant technical assistance to get involved to do inventory and review. He then reminded the meeting that Project 30 is to be launched July 30, to run through 2010, and that it would be on-line, accessible, but needs technical and financial support. He re-itereated the great benefits to FDI and job creation and that it would help modernize systems, increase skills, and reduce burden to business and citizens. Q: DANIDA. Complimented the plan, then asked how it ties in to the SME Development Plan, as SME Plan developing slowly in provinces? Wanted to know whether there would be a tie in on the national level? A: ASMED, Mr. Hieu. Mr. Hieu stressed the importance of the 5 year plan, and noted that VN's business environment had improved, including in provinces. However, Mr. Hieu repeated that promotion of the plan is difficult in provinces, as more resources are needed, and knowledge of SME development is very limited. ASMED wants to increase support from donors to help provinces prepare a strong 5 year plan. Also, every province has to set up an implementation board for their 5 year plan, but some - 21 - provinces have not set it up because they have not understood the need for such a process. Q: GTZ. Proposed to reduce Working Groups (many representatives in many groups, easily fatigued), but wondered how to simultaneously increase exposure of Working Groups and their agendas? Asked for clarification of ASMED's role in the Partnership Group, and wondered if donors to coordinate themselves or to help ASMED design plans, strategies - and if so, which plans ASMED was interested in influencing? Requested opinions on who should be in this Group to achieve impact and what does ASMED want from this Group? A: ASMED, Mr. Hieu. Stated that ASMED needs to improve capacity with respect to its role as coordinator in order to better concentrate priorities. A: ASMED, Mr. Cuong. Believed that ASMED's role was not to determine whether to reduce or increase Group; ASMED's responsibility was to focus on priorities. Also, in answer to coordination queries, Mr. Cuong felt that ASMED does do some coordinating, but does not see itself as coordinator of coordination. Q: IFC MPDF. All support regulatory reform at macro level (Project 30), and supportive of organizing forum around macro-regulatory reform issues. Proposed that VNCI coordinate a national forum on regulatory reform. A: VNCI. Agreed - based on consensus of meeting with Govt and donors showing it to be a priority. Remarked that it would be a good way to bring national and provincial leadership together, as a way to work on both national and provincial reform, and gather valuable provincial input. Also noted the potential replication opportunities from such a forum. Q: IFC MPDF. Proposed that DANIDA have a round-table discussion on coordination (with experience from Ghana). A: DANIDA: Agreed Q: EU. Requested clarification as to whether there was a proposal to continue with small groups, or bring it back to larger Group? A: ASMED, Mr. Cuong: Believed too many presentations in past meetings drained attention and effectiveness. But left sub-group and coordination totally up to donors. Q: GTZ. Asked whether to review working group and actually make progress. Did presenters feel responsible for keeping up working groups? Do working groups feel there should be a decision? Q: EU. Further to GTZ's question, wondered if it would be beneficial to reshuffle topics and/or consolidate? Proposed the possibility of creating a small group to work for input on White Paper, noting that it could be easier than requesting every donor to make input. A: ASMED, Mr. Cuong: Stated that while it was the decision of the sub-group, he recommended meetings every six weeks or so. As for core Group, noted historically it had been twice a year, but now 1 meeting per year, with1 practical, related event. - 22 - Q: IFC MPDF: Proposed Working Groups determine how best to continue, with a recommendation ready in three months, when all re-convene for the DANIDA round table discussion. ACTION POINTS: VNCI: To organize national forum on Project 30 in November ASMED: To request for input on Decree 90 and supporting update of development plan. UPDATE matrix of activities Minutes will be submitted to mid-term CG IFC MPDF co-chair then thanked Doris and GTZ for co-chairing the past year, and proposed new co-chair (alphabetical order): ILO. ILO accepted Conclusion - ASMED Mr. Hieu closed the meeting by remarking on the amount of valuable information that had been exchanged, and thanked the participants. Mr. Hieu again petitioned to receive more donor support on Decree 90, the 5 Year Action Plan, and SME development in Vietnam. - 23 - Forest Sector Support Partnership (FSSP) Report in the first six months, 2008 The Forest Sector Support Partnership (FSSP, or the Forestry Partnership) is a broad framework for collaboration between the Government of Vietnam and all stakeholders, who are interested in the forest sector in Vietnam. The FSSP Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed in November 2001, and runs through 2010. In 2006, the Forestry Partnership agreed to support implementation of the Vietnam Forestry Development Strategy (VFDS, 2006-2020), which was approved by the Prime Minister in February 2007. FSSP provides a valuable means by which the Government, other national partners, and international partners can exchange information and views on strategic sector issues. The Partnership serves as a channel for coordinating dialogue and technical review of important issues, such as the 2004 revision of the Forest Protection and Development Law, other legal documents, the forest sector 5-year plan (2006-2010), and the Vietnam Forestry Development Strategy. The Partnership has achieved this dialogue through meetings of its Partnership Fora, Partnership Steering Committee, Technical/ Executive Committee, Regional Forestry Networks, and more informal exchanges, including "virtual" or electronic dialogue, i.e. policy and technical review feedback from international partners via email. This report has been prepared by the FSSP Coordination Office (FSSP CO), serving as the secretariat for the Forestry Partnership and the day-to-day management unit of the Trust Fund for Forests (TFF), which is supported by several FSSP partners. The report provides an update on major forest sector performance and Forest Sector Support Partnership activities during the past 6 months and some key activities planned for the final half of 2008. Implementation of the Sector Strategy. The Partnership supports the implementation of the Vietnam Forestry Development Strategy. The implementation is organized according to the five major programs of the Strategy: · Program 1: Sustainable Forest Management and Development; · Program 2: Forest Protection, Biodiversity Conservation, and Delivery of Environmental Services; · Program 3: Forest Product Processing and Trade; · Program 4: Research, Education, Training, and Extension; and · Program 5: Renovating Forestry Institutions, Policy, Planning and Monitoring Implementation of the Vietnam Forestry Development Strategy in the first six months of 2008 The FSSP Annual Review Meeting was held in Hanoi on 16 January 2008. The meeting provided FSSP partners with a MARD update on the forest sector performance and implementation of the Vietnam Forestry Development Strategy (VFDS) in 2007 via the implementation of 5 VFDS Programs. Also in the meeting, VFDS Market Place - 24 - was an initiative to map out Partners' support in VFDS implementation with separate exhibition of 5 VFDS Programs. VFDS Market Place results provided a good input for the VFDS Coordination Committees in their coordination work. The following sections highlight a few recent key forest sector development under each program, especially for those supported by the Partnership. Program 1: Sustainable Forest Management and Development This program focuses on supporting sustainable forest management, of both natural forests and forest plantations, with a major emphasis on production forestry and production of forest seedlings. It also includes support to forest land allocation, community forestry, and non-timber forest products. MARD's Department of Forestry (DoF) is the focal point for this program. On 14 January 2008, the Government promulgated Decree No. 5/2008/ND-CP, on Forest Protection and Development Fund. This Fund was set up in order to mobilize social resources to forest protection and development, forestry socialization, improvement of awareness and responsibility for forest beneficiaries on forest protection and development, and improvement of capacity and effectiveness for forest owners on forest management and protection, contributing to VFDS implementation process. The Fund supports the programs, projects and non-project initiatives, which have not been received investment from state budget, or not yet meet the investment requirements. Several FSSP partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Conservation Union (IUCN), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and GTZ have provided support to efforts on establishment of the Fund. Also on 14 January 2008, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development issued Circular No. 5/2008/TT-BNN, guiding the elaboration of forest protection and development planning and plan. On 15 January 2008, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development issued Document No. 123/BNN-LN, guiding pilot establishment, management and utilisation of the Community forest protection and development fund for 40 communes under Community Forestry Program funded by TFF. This fund was set up in order to strengthen awareness and responsibility for local people on community forest and improve capacity and effectiveness of sustainable forest management and protection within the community. The 5 Million Hectare Reforestation Programme (5MHRP, also known as Project 661) is a national target program for the forestry sector, with major investments from the government budget. It promotes both production forestry and improved management of protection and special-use forests. Follow- up the Decision No. 100/2007/QD-TTg of July 6, 2007, amending and supplementing a number of points of the Decision 661/QD- TTg of July 29, 2007 on objective, mission, policy and implementation of the Five Million Hectare Reforestation Project, on 2 May 2008, a joint Circular No. 58/2008/TTLT-BNN-KH T-TC among MARD, Ministry of Planning and Investment and Ministry of Finance was issued, guiding the implementation of the Prime Minister's Decision on objective, mission, policy and implementation of the Five Million Hectare Reforestation Programmefor the period of 2007 ­ 2010. Program 2: Forest Protection, Biodiversity Conservation, and Delivery of Environmental Services. - 25 - This program focuses on supporting forest protection and conservation of biological diversity, and thus has a major emphasis on protection and special-use forests. It also supports ongoing work relating to Payment for Environmental Services (PES). MARD's Department of Forest Protection is the focal point for this program. Efforts are ongoing to improve forest protection, especially reduction of forest fires. The project on forest fires prevention and fighting capacity building for forest rangers in the period of 2007 ­ 2010 has been implemented. Early detection of forest fires was enhanced through MODIS remote sensing system. The projects on forest land allocation and supporting sustainable field cultivation have also been developed and carried out. In terms of biodiversity conservation, the Elephant conservation action plan has been implemented in two out of three priority areas. Wildlife conservation and development plan for 2008 ­ 2015 was developed and submitted for approval. MARD is now developing technical regulations on forest protection and nature conservation. The Forest Protection Department has finished the special-use forests (SUFs) planning review and is now submitting for approval. An investment proposal for SUF is under development. A SUF monitoring and evaluation system has been developed and operated with support from the Vietnam Conservation Fund (VCF). Efforts to pilot Payment for Environmental Services (PES) are ongoing in Dong Nai and Da river basin. This pilot will help to improve PES ­ related policies. Program 3: Forest Product Processing and Trade This program focuses on promotion of the processing and marketing of timber and non- timber forest products. As such, then, this program supports the efforts of many private sector initiatives, from small-scale to large-scale enterprises. MARD's Agro-forestry Product Processing and Salt Industry Department is the focal point for this program. Several FSSP partners, including EU, WB and GTZ, are currently supporting the overall survey on wood processing industry of Vietnam in 2008. This effort is the follow-up activity of the pilot survey in Dak Lak province with support from Vietnam ­ German Forestry Programme. A database will be developed to establish a common information system for wood processing companies and will be connected to the forest product database of DARDs. Program 4: Research, Education, Training and Extension (RETE). This program focuses on forestry research, education and training for those working in the forestry sector, and forestry extension. While it considers each of these elements individually, the program also aims to promote linkages among research, education, training, and extension, to provide responsive and demand-driven support to those managing Vietnam's forests and forest land. MARD's Department for Science and Technology is the focal point for this program. An economic-technical norm on agricultural extension projects, which includes forestry extension, has been issued. Meanwhile, considerable efforts are underway in the National Agricultural Extension Center to develop extension projects, including those related to - 26 - forestry, i.e. intensive cultivation of species for pulp materials, intensive cultivation of big trees and NTFPs, etc. Program 5: Renovating Forestry Institutions, Policy, Planning and Monitoring. This program focuses on overall reform and modernization of the forest sector institutions, updating of the policy and legal framework, and improvement of planning and monitoring functions. MARD's Department of Forestry Department is the focal point for this program. The forest sector is working on development of comprehensive forest sector information systems and an integrated information technology (IT) portal. Work on this issue was authorized by the Minister on the basis of the Decision 3427 in November 2006. Some initial support has been provided by the Partnership, most notably through support to the development of selected modules under the Forest Sector Monitoring and Information Systems (FOMIS), such as the forest sector monitoring indicators and database, and the forestry ODA database (see further discussion below). Partnership Secretariat (FSSP Coordination Office). The functions of the Partnership secretariat, or FSSP Coordination Office, are organized according to 4 major result areas: (1) coordination activities; (2) communications and information activities; (3) functioning, or day-to-day management, of the Trust Fund for Forests; and (4) management of the FSSP Coordination Office. Main activities implemented by the Partnership and FSSP CO in early 2008 Coordination activities · The FSSP Annual Review Meeting was held on 16 January 2008. More than 80 participants representing line departments of the Government at central and provincial levels, multi-lateral and bilateral international organizations, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and representatives from private sector, participated in this FSSP meeting. The 2007 Forest Sector Development Report was presented in the meeting by Vice Minister Hua Duc Nhi. It provided an overview of the forest sector in 2007, reviewing both the general context for the forest sector in Vietnam, and its implementation of forestry development tasks. The VFDS Implementation Update was presented by 5 VFDS Programs Sub- committees, providing the implementation of VFDS via the activities of 5 VFDS Programs. Besides, after the meeting, the position of International FSSP Co-chair was handed over. Dr. Laslo Pancel, on behalf of the German Embassy, is now taking the role of FSSP Co-chair from Mr. Michel Evequoz, who has been served in the position for more than two years. · Regional Forestry Networks (RFN). - RFN Meetings in the first half 2008: with support from the FSSP CO, four meetings were organized in March 2008. To promote information sharing in a broader scope, there have been efforts to have join meetings of networks, i.e., the meeting between the Northwest and the Northeast Forestry Network held in Sa Pa Town, and another between the Southern and the Central Highlands Network held in Da Lat City. In these meetings, all networks reviewed the activities done in 2007 and prepared plans for 2008, as well as shared information on sectoral issues, which network members found common interest. Implementation of the - 27 - Decision 147 on development of production forests, seedling management and State Forest Enterprise (SFE) reform were major issues that all networks' members showed interests and discussed during the meetings. - Assist RFNs in mobilizing resources to carry out their priority activities: FSSP CO will continue seeking additional support from partners for RFN activities. · Support the 5 Coordination Sub-committees for 5 Vietnam Forest Development Strategy (VFDS) Programs: the FSSP CO has worked closely with Heads and Secretaries of 5 VFDS Coordination Sub-Committees during the preparation for VFDS Market Place, which has been held during the FSSP Annual Meeting. The affiliation matrices of 5 VFDS Programs have been updated after the meeting and sent out to all FSSP partners for their further update. · Support the preparation and organization of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Week and the 22nd Session of Asia-Pacific Forestry Committee (APFC). It is the main and foremost activity of the FSSP CO in early 2008. This super event was held at the National Convention Center, Hanoi, Viet Nam, from 21 to 26 April 2008. The main objective of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Week was to provide an opportunity for various stakeholders and forest managers to share perspectives and seek solutions to the most challenging issues that forests and forestry sector are facing currently in Asia-Pacific region. The event attracted more than 700 participants from 57 countries. More than 50 partners provided support to the Forestry Week in terms of financial and in-kind contributions. Thirty events, including three plenary sessions and the 22nd Session of APFC, were organized by FAO and various partner organizations as part of the Forestry Week. An Information Market Place featured 27 organizational booths, 55 posters, a photo exhibition, and three book launchs. FSSP has put considerable efforts in the process of preparation and organization of this super forestry event, as role of the Secretariat. · Coordination with other initiatives: the Partnership has put effort into coordination and information-sharing with a wide range of other initiatives, Ministries, departments, partnerships and experts. - Provide input for the comparative analysis of all MARD partnerships, which was undertaken with support from the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development; - Support Vietnamese stakeholders, which are Non-governmental Organizations (NGO), in accessing to National Forestry Program (NFP) grants through FAO. Up to now, there were 8 applications for the grant, of which two grant agreements has been signed in 2007 for the Institute for Sustainable Forest Management and Forest Certification, and the Consultative Institute for Socio-Economic Development of Rural and Mountainous Areas (CISDOMA), and one application from Viet Nam Forest and Timber Association (VIFORES) is under consideration for granting. - Provide inputs for the Planning Mission from Finish Embassy for new project on Communication and Information Technology in Forestry Sector (CIT). Communications and information activities. · Forest Sector Monitoring and Information Systems (FOMIS). - 28 - o Analytical report of 2005 baseline data (named Sector Indicators and Baseline Data Report 2005) has been prepared, published and widely distributed in hardcopy, CDROM and web. o 2005 baseline data has been processed and input into a structure relational database. An open database with dynamic reporting system is being designed. The result will be a web application with tabular, graph/chart and GIS reports (GIS function will be a pilot one). o The database for forestry legal documents is being developed with web interface. It will be the place for storing and sharing legal documents of the forest sector with bilingual interfaces and documents. o FSSP CO has been working with the Department of Forestry in the implementation of the project "Forest Sector IT application and development to 2010", which is approved by the Minister of MARD. · Communications. The FSSP CO continues to promote information sharing through its routine activities, such as operation of its website, and briefing numerous visitors about Partnership and sector activities. o The FSSP Newsletter volume 18 focused on the topic of Monitoring and Evaluation has been prepared and distributed at the annual review meeting of FSSP and to broad stakeholders in provinces. The next volume, which will be published in the second half of 2008, will focus on the hot topic "Forest and Climate Change". o Information on Forest Sector and FSSP activities were disseminated via collaboration with partners and mass media, i.e. VTV, VOV, newspapers and major events, especially the Asia Pacific Forestry Week and the 22nd Session of APFC. o FSSP website maintained with all FSSP and TFF activities. The upgrade of FSSP website has been completed. An improved version of the FSSP website will be launched as soon as the problem of lease line resolved. Trust Fund for Forests. · Functioning of TFF in place - Board of Directors: The 4th BOD meeting was organized on 4 March to discuss and approve the TFF 2008 work plan and budget and monitoring plan of TFF's funded projects. - Follow­up Fiduciary Risk Assessment (FRA). Following findings from FRA in late 2007, the FSSP CO has discussed and agreed with MARD and TFF donors for follow up actions, which focus on monitoring and supervision of TFF grants, and have been reflected in the 2008 work plan. - Preparation of New MoU: MARD and TFF donors discussed and agreed on the extension of the initial phase of the TFF for one additional year, through the end of 2008, to allow more time to prepare the next phase. · TFF Portfolio Management - The TFF database has been developed to manage the TFF project portfolio and is being updated. - Annual Audit of TFF was carried out during April and May. The final report will be submitted in June 2008. - 29 - FSSP Coordination Office. · 2007 Annual Audit CO Trust Fund (April and May 2008) · CO continued discussion with MARD leaders and donors to seek additional funding for CO Trust Fund, 2008 ­ 2010. · Office moving: as from March 2008, the FSSP CO is located in MARD Office at 3rd Floor, Building A8, No. 10 Nguyen Cong Hoan street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi. Main activities to be implemented by the Partnership and FSSP CO in late 2008 Coordination activities. · Partnership Meetings - FSSP Forum will be organized in conjunction with Vietnam Forestry Day in late November 2008; and - TEC Meetings will be organized regularly to discuss sector and partnership issues. · Support 5 Coordination Sub-Committees of Vietnam Forest Development Strategy (VFDS) Programs to organize meetings to review priorities and resources, including government budget and current ODA support for each program. · Support Regional Forestry Network Meetings. Communications and information activities. In 2008, there are some changes to the development activities of the Forest Sector Monitoring and Information System (FOMIS). Following the implementation of the project "Forest Sector IT application and development to 2010", the sector monitoring indicator-based database and the forestry legal document database will be developed in modular model, so that they can be merged into the larger information system of the whole forest sector. The first module which will be designed is an open web database application with dynamic reporting system for storing, processing and analyzing data of the sector indicator set. Data of 2006 and 2007 for the indicator set will also be collected and processed. The second module will be the web database application for forestry legal documents. Besides, FSSP CO will continue to coordinate with and provide support to the Department of Forestry in implementing the project "Forest Sector IT application and development to 2010". In addition, the Partnership will continue to provide routine information sharing through the Partnership website, newsletter, etc. Trust Fund for Forests. ­ Regular update of TFF management database ­ Request for proposals and applications according to BOD decisions ­ Assist ICD in appraisal of new TFF applications. ­ Prepare bi-annual reports (progress and financial) to TFF donors FSSP Coordination Office. In the second half of 2008, the FSSP CO will work to seek additional support for CO Trust Fund 2008 ­ 2010. Mid-year revision of 2008 annual work plan and budget will be made, and 2009 annual work plan and budget will be prepared. Some Possible Success Indicators for second half of 2008 · Continuation of implementation of the Vietnam Forestry Development Strategy (2006- 2020). - 30 - · A FSSP Forum will be organized successfully in conjunction with Vietnam Forestry Day in late November 2008. · Greater FSSP support to decentralization of activities. · Climate change and its financing mechanism with updated information will be disseminated to broad audience. · Other information dissemination on key sector and partnership activities will be enhanced. · The Trust Fund for Forests management will be strengthened and aligned with MARD's administration system, and the TFF will support key forest sector strategic priorities (as identified in the Vietnam Forestry Development Strategy (VFDS), forest sector 5-year plan, and forest sector 2008 annual work plans). · The Forest Sector Monitoring and Information Systems (FOMIS) will be further developed at national level, i.e., for monitoring implementation of VFDS and 5-year plan, reporting on international environmental agreements, etc. For further information, contact the FSSP Coordination Office, 3rd Floor, A8 Building, No. 10 Nguyen Cong Hoan Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Telephone: (84-4) 762 9412 Email: fssp@hn.vnn.vn Website: www.vietnamforestry.org.vn - 31 - ISGE International support group For natural resources and environment Ministry of natural resources and environment Mid-term Partnership report of 2008 for consultative group conference in june, 2008 Introduction: ISGE Vision Government and donor activities on environment and natural resources management are harmonized and coordinated, leading to effective pollution prevention, high environmental quality, and the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources in Vietnam. ISGE Mission International Support Group on Natural Resources and Environment (ISGE) is a catalyst and focal point for aid harmonization and policy dialogue. It initiates discussion, support the co-ordinations of the Government and donors activities in the field of environmental and natural resources management, and helps building consensus on environment and natural resources priorities, strategies, legislation, institutional capacity building, and development programs among key stakeholders such as line ministries, businesses, civil society, and the donor community. Progress: Since its reactivation in 2004, ISGE has received interests and supports from all members and stakeholders. The first period of ISGE operation (2004-2007) is extended to June 30, 2008. It has successfully met its targets designated for the first period. In preparation for the next period of ISGE with a vision towards more effective operation, Final Draft of the Framework Arrangement on supporting ISGE in the period of 2008-2010 and its Work Plan have been developed. These documents will be presented for approval at the Meeting of ISGE Steering Committee in June 2008. The main focus of ISGE activities in this period is thematic dialogue (Policy Dialogue Platforms - PDP) on natural resources and environment, in which the PDP on Climate Change has been initialized and started to organize the dialogue on climate change related issues. Its first activity is to support the development of the National Target Programme to Respond to Climate Change (NTP). Under this PDP, the concept and first and second drafts of NTP have been received very valuable and positive comments for finalization. Then MONRE continues to receive constructive contributions from donors to update the NTP which is planned to be submitted to the Government by the end of the second Quarter of 2008 for it can be discussed by the second section of National Assembly 2008. - 32 - In first 5 months of 2008, the following activities have been implemented: - As planned for 2008, ISGE Plenary Meeting was organized on 05 March 2008. The Meeting aimed at consulting and seeking support from donor community for the development and enforcement of three major programmes of MONRE which are: (1) Action Programme to implement Vietnam commitments in WTO integration, (2) Legislation Development Programme, and (3) National Target Programme to respond to climate change; - The first workshop of PDP on Climate Change organized on 23 January 2008. Following the NTP concept presented in this workshop and the Plenary Meeting, there are a number of workshops on climate change adaptation supporting to the NTP development with participation from donor community, line ministries and concerned organizations. The CCPDP has acted as an important forum for policy dialogue, experience sharing and information dissemination on climate change issues among MONRE, other ministries/sectors, international/national organizations, and interested partners; - Consultation for the UNEP Programme on Environment in the framework of one UN initiative was also partly supported by ISGE; These are good facility for the effective contribution of concerned stake-holders - Information sharing: the website of ISGE is updated continuously and the Newsletter is published once every two months. Up-coming activities: The ISGE Workplan 2008-2010 provides a general framework for development of ISGE annual workplans. Due to various approaches for new period of ISGE, the development of the workplan 2008 has been delayed. ISGE Secretariat has consulted directly with key donors for ISGE Workplan 2008 to be finalized and approved by the end of June 2008. ISGE activities in 2008 will focus on following issues: - To promote ODA effectiveness of natural resources and environment (NRE) sector, focusing on assistance to thematic policy dialogue platforms; - To promote policy dialogues on NRE legislation, Climate Change, Biodiversity, Water Resources Management, Pollution Control, and Environmental Services; - To consult to implementation and policy dialogue of selected NRE priorities such as environmental standards, NRE sustainable development strategy, sectoral strategy on environmental protection, cleaner production policies, `environmental industry' sector, etc; and - To update information for ISGE website and publish regular ISGE newsletter. - 33 - INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP - MARD An update: First 6 months 2008 5 Key Areas for 2006-2010 · Facilitation of policy dialogue · Support coordination of foreign - funded programs and projects · Information collation and dissemination · Capacity building and management processes · Monitoring and evaluation Activities done in the first six months of 2008 Key area 1: Facilitation of policy dialogue 1. 14th meeting of ISG Steering Board: held on 26th Feb. 2008 approving ISG performance analysis 2007, Work plan 2008 and reviewing the progress of MARD's implementation of 5-year Agriculture and Rural Development Plan. 2. International Cooperation Network A workshop to review the Network's performance in 2007 and develop the workplan 2008 was held on 16th January, 2008. A training course on workshop on diplomatic protocols for the Network members. The training course was attended by 68 members, with the lecturers from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the former Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Vu Khoan. Completion of recruiting Coordinator for the International Cooperation Department. The network carried out many activities, including sharing of information relating to the ARD sector's operation and donors' activities via Monthly Briefings and quarterly Newsletter. Information sharing via emails has been regularly maintained, by which useful information and reports of various themes have been shared to the network members. 3. Food Safety Collecting information relating to food safety activities done in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through a PAB questionnaire to develop a Matrix on food safety to (i) help to produce a foundation for coordination strengthen & information exchange among relevant stakeholders of fields as well as for MARD, (ii) identify gaps of food safety to let donors and private investors know where they can contribute effectively. . In coordination with FAO and WHO to facilitate the establishment of joint adhoc group on Food Safety. The objective of this Group is to coordinate future activities on Food safety among the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and international donors. - 34 - In parallel with the preparation of the inter-ministry Adhoc Group on Food Safety, ISG is also facilitating the formulation of an informal ad-hoc group on food safety under the framework of the International Cooperation Network of MARD. The objective of the MARD's group is to support the Ministry to implement the Action Plan on Food Safety of the year 2008. 4. Provincial dialogues Initial efforts and consultations with some 4 core donors and partners such as IFAD, World Bank, FAO, INGO resource centre, FSSP - Partnership, Thua Thien Hue Rural Development project have been made to establish close coordination to promote province dialogues on policy issues. 5. Supporting the formulation of Rural Development Strategy Facilitating the working visit of Prof. Joachim ­ Director General of IFFRI, under the framework of the assistance given by the AusAID, to Vietnam to support Vietnam in the formulation of Rural Development Strategy. The Minister, unfortunately, had been engaged in an urgent meeting called by the Government in the same time, so Prof. Joachim trip was canceled. ISG has urged IPSARD to renew Prof. Joachim working visit in June; A meeting of the ad-hoc group to update: (i) the progress of the proposal "Agriculture, Farmer, and Rural", (ii) the performance of the ad-hoc group is to be held in June. The composition of the group include representatives from MARD (Department of Cooperative Economics and Rural Development, International Cooperation Department, Planning Department, Department of Livestock, Department of Crops Production, Department of Agro-forest Commercial Processing and Salt Industry and IPSARD) and donors' communities (AusAID, SIDA, SDC, WB, IFAD, Oxfam UK, Oxfam Hong Kong, Helvetas, and SNV,...); Several meetings and discussions with World Bank and related departments in MARD to formulate the Workshop on Scenarios for the Rural Development Strategy to be held in June; A workshop for consultation with international communities on the Proposal "Agriculture ­ Farmer - Rural" to be held in 12th June. The workshop is chaired by MARD and World Bank. 6. Dialogue with ISG core donors ISG core donors meeting held on 13th March, 2008 for consultation to finalize the workplan 2008 with a special attention to budget issues (budget plan 2008 and cost norm) for more effective performance in the year 2008. Frequent discussions with ISG core donors for consultation on policy issues, cooperation possibility and others during the implementation of the Workplan 2008. 7. Sector's key programs Delivered questionnaires to update information on the sector's key programs. A matrix on the sector key programs in 2008 was made and shared widely in the MARD and with the international communities. KEY AREA 2 ­ Support Coordination of Foreign ­ funded Programs and Projects - 35 - 1. Support implementation of Hanoi Core Statement on aid effectiveness Facilitated the study "Documenting experiences with regard to the possible application of sector approaches in ARD in Vietnam: Are sector-partnerships effectively contributing to enhanced aid effectiveness?" . This joint MARD/Global Donor Platform for Rural Development process documentation exercise will contribute strategically to the efforts of MARD and its international partners to further enhance the effectiveness of ODA and national investments in ARD in Vietnam. The final draft is under the finalization. Supported the working mission of the Study "Mutual Accountability "funded by The German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This Study forms part of the preparatory process for the Accra High-Level Forum on Aid. Frequent sharing and updating information and publications regarding the HCS to all the members of the international cooperation network in the ARD sector. 2. Supporting sector partnerships ISG has been working actively with RWSS-P, NDM-P, FSSP-P, and PAHI in order to find the way to support them and cooperate in terms of information system and other potential aspects. So far, information sharing among ISG and partnerships has been strengthened and done regularly. The on-going joint MARD/Global Donor Platform for Rural Development process documentation exercise would contribute to improved operation of partnerships and coordination between ISG and the partnerships. Involved in the joint 4-partnership workshop on non-water disaster management (including NDM-P, FSSP-P, PAHI, ISG) held on 27th May, 2008. 3. Coordination with the sector's foreign-funded projects/programs ISG has carried out a lot of discussions with the foreign-funded projects/programs such as POSMA project, STOFA project, PAR project, rural development related projects, etc. to seek for cooperation opportunities for joint- activity and information sharing. KEY AREA 3- Information Collation and Dissemination 1. Information System (MIS), publications Publications: ISG Newsletters (quarterly): 1 issue was published in May 2008 ISG Monthly Briefings (monthly): 5 issues have been published, disseminating updated information concerning international cooperation activities by GoV/MARD and donors ISG Brochure is disseminated widely. ISG website ISG Website (regularly updated, weekly and at request): many reports and presentations have been posted for sharing with all stakeholders. A legal update has been ongoing with summaries in English language, which is highly appreciated by donors and MARD. - 36 - 2. Supporting sector's information system. Support for the running of website for International Cooperation Department-MARD, which is now available at http://icd.mard.gov.vn MARD ODA database (regularly updated with information of new projects). This database has been integrated into the Database on the ICD website. Integrated database (including 5 components: ODA, FDI, legal/policy documents, MARD organization and structure, and consultancy pool): regularly updated. ISG in collaboration with MARD Office to publish a book introducing the international experts and foreigners who have great contributions to the sector and who were honored with the Medal by MARD Minister. Provides advise/comments to the development of the website of the Legislation Department. KEY AREA 4- Capacity Building and Management Processes 1. Human resource development for MARD and ISG Secretariat Continued coordination with CECI to seek for a volunteer on communication to support the improvement of ISG's information tools and to develop policy dialogues at provincial level. Recruited a program officer and coordinator for International Cooperation Network to improve ISG Secretariat capacity. Development of an oversea study-tour to China for some staffs of ICD, ISG and other departments for learning experiences in ODA coordination & policy dialogue. KEY AREA 5- Monitoring and Evaluation Participate in the SDC project for M&E system supporting management in ARD. ISG Mid-year report (+ financial statement) completed. Auditing ISG finance for 2007 conducted in June. - 37 - NATURAL DISASTER MITIGATION PARTNERSHIP (NDMP) Progress Notes for Consultative Group Meeting June 2008 A. BACKGROUND The Natural Disaster Mitigation Partnership (NDMP) was initiated following the historical floods in seven provinces of central Vietnam in 1999. The coincidence between the flooding and the conduct of a Government of Vietnam-Donor Consultative Group Meeting (CG Meeting) created a momentum among Government of Vietnam, Donors and NGOs towards pursuing disaster reduction rather than disaster response. The NDMP Preparatory Phase (or Phase I) covered interventions in central Vietnam and was implemented from 2002 to 2003. In its second 2.5 year phase initiated in July 2006, NDMP, as a Government-donor forum, aims to realize its overall objective which is: "To support the achievement of national goals and objectives through a coordinated, strategic, sector-wide approach to natural disaster mitigation in Vietnam." Further to this, NDMP has four key specific objectives: 1. To manage and share information for improved coordination and awareness raising in natural disaster management, 2. To advise the Government and facilitate dialogue on legislation, policies, and strategies on natural disaster management, 3. To facilitate capacities building and strengthening for the application of integrated approaches to natural disaster management and for implementation of the NDMP, and 4. To support the coordination of resource allocation to achieve the efficient use of resources in natural disaster management (including facilitating the development and funding of priority disaster management projects). At its core NDMP consists of a Steering Committee (SC) and a Secretariat with a number of associated working groups and other bodies. The SC guides NDMP management with members selected according to the Partnership's Memorandum of Agreement and includes representatives from National (MARD, MOF, MONRE, MPI, MOT, MOC, MOLISA), and Provincial (Nam Dinh, Quang Ngai, and An Giang) Government bodies, and Donors. NDMP funding comes from five key donors: UNDP, AusAID, SIDA, the Royal Netherlands Embassy and the Embassy of Luxembourg. The Government of Vietnam also supports the Partnership through the allocation of office space, resources and some staff to the Secretariat. B. KEY DEVELOPMENTS - 38 - Since the beginning of NDMP Phase II there have been a number of key developments in the field of disaster management in Vietnam that have had a direct affect on NDMP. These include: · The adoption of the Law on Dykes by the 11th National Assembly of Vietnam in November 2006 which was put into effect in 1st July 2007, · The major storms and floods of the 2006 and 2007 storm season, · The approval of the National Strategy for Natural Disaster Prevention, Response and Mitigation to 2020 in November 2007, and · The rise in prominence of climate change as a key issue in development and disaster management and the increased emphasis placed on climate change issues and activities by the Government and other stakeholders. Each of these developments has had significant, but differing affects on NDMP and its workplan. In each case NDMP has served a crucial role, particularly in relation to information management and sharing. C. OUTCOMES TO DATE Below are the significant outcomes of the Natural Disaster Mitigation Partnership to date, grouped according to the 4 specific objectives of NDMP. 1. Management and sharing of information for improved coordination and awareness raising in natural disaster management The NDMP Website has been established at www.ccfsc.org.vn/ndm-p and is regularly updated with disaster management related information. The website has undergone several upgrades and is NDMP's most used and most successful information sharing tool. An online Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) repository of information has been developed and incorporated with the support of the DIPECHO funded Advocacy Network Initiative (DANI) Project. An NDMP Newsletter is distributed monthly to disaster management stakeholders at the central and provincial levels, including donors and NGOs. A total of 600 copies are printed in Vietnamese and English and distributed by the NDMP Secretariat each month. NDMP played a crucial role in information sharing between stakeholders following the major storms and floods in the later half of 2006 and 2007. While not strictly aligned with the Partnership's mitigation focus, its role in this instance was seen as extremely valuable for Government and international partners alike. A Non-Water Induced Disaster Management workshop was organized and run in cooperation with 3 other MARD based partnerships (PAHI, FSSP and ISG). NDMP initiated and lead the preparation for the workshop held on 27th May 2008, which resulted in a network with non-water induced disaster managing agencies and a sub-page on non-water induced disaster management on NDMP Website. 2. Advising the Government and facilitating dialogue on legislation, policies, and strategies on natural disaster management A major achievement for NDMP has been the successful coordination of wide consultations among government agencies and international partners on the - 39 - National Strategy for Natural Disaster Prevention, Response and Mitigation to 2020. Since its approval, NDMP has also contributed a great deal towards awareness-raising and implementation planning activities relating to the National Strategy. A study was commissioned into the integration of disaster management into socio- economic development planning in Vietnam. The study reviewed the current level of integration and provided stakeholders with recommendations for improvement. A subsequent forum was held for representatives from line ministries and all 64 provincial administrations to consider and discuss the study findings and recommendations. A National Workshop on Climate Change and Natural Disaster Management in Vietnam was held on 22 November 2007, jointly chaired by MARD, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) and UNDP. The workshop provided an opportunity to update and exchange information and knowledge on the impact of climate change on natural disasters in Vietnam, and to identify directions for action. A follow up workshop on flood management and climate change on the Mekong River Delta was held in early December 2007. In January 2008 a national workshop entitled Towards an Action Plan for Climate Change Adaptation of the Agriculture and Rural Development Sector was supported by NDMP. The major outcome of the workshop was an agreement by the relevant departments on the process for developing the Action Plan, and key elements to be included in the Plan. 3. Facilitating capacities building and strengthening for the application of integrated approaches to natural disaster management and for implementation of the NDMP A workshop on Integrated Natural Disaster Mitigation Approaches: Experience in project formulation and management was held in April 2007. The workshop featured lessons learnt from integrated disaster risk reduction projects under the framework of NDMP Phase I and other projects implemented by international organizations. A study tour to Australia was conducted for members of the NDMP Steering Committee to gain knowledge and understanding of Australian disaster management arrangements, in November 2007. The tour exposed SC members, who also serve dual roles as decision makers in different sectors in Vietnam, to Australian experiences and approaches to disaster management. In January and April of 2008, NDMP ran training courses for central and provincial government officers on Project Formulation and Management for Natural Disaster Mitigation. 60 government staff attended the training courses aiming to improve capacities in writing project proposals and project management in general. 4. Supporting the coordination of resource allocation to achieve the efficient use of resources in natural disaster management (including facilitating the development and funding of priority disaster management projects) A matrix of natural disaster prevention, response and mitigation programs and projects has been developed and updated based on information collected from a wide range of agencies operating in Vietnam. The matrix serves as a useful reference tool for assisting in the coordination of investment and resource allocation in disaster management. - 40 - NDMP provides on going support and consultation to all stakeholders, and in particular provincial administrations, to promote the harmonization of overseas development assistance in the field of disaster management. As mentioned above, NDMP made a major contribution to the coordination of response and relief activities initiated by the Government and international partners during the 2006 and 2007 flood and storm seasons. Recognized role in post-disaster recovery coordination has helped NDMP build up prestige to take over the role of an adviser for international donors on resource allocation for disaster preparedness and mitigation based on local needs and government priorities. D. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE A mid-term review of NDMP will be conducted in June 2008 with the results to be presented at next NDMP Steering Committee meeting in July. A progress report will also be presented by the NDMP Secretariat along with a proposed workplan for the remainder of Phase II. It is expected that over the coming months, NDMP will continue its work to support the Standing Office of Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control (CCFSC), including: The fulfillment of its on going roles in relation to information sharing and supporting the coordination of resource allocation for disaster mitigation in Viet Nam. Continued support in the implementation the National Strategy for Natural Disaster Prevention, Response and Mitigation to 2020, Continue to facilitate MARD on the issue of Climate Change in co-ordination with MONRE. Contribution to institutional capacity development and the facilitation of dialogue and advice on legislation, policy and strategies in disaster management through support to MARD and CCFSC in identifying relevant needs and facilitating to address the needs. Given the current environment of strong commitment to, and investment in, disaster management, NDMP has not only a duty to support all stakeholders in this area, but a great opportunity to further enhance the outcomes achieved for the disaster management sector and the people of Vietnam. - 41 - TRANSPORT PARTNERSHIP GROUP June 2008 1. Partnership Assessment 1.1. The status of the partnership group Since its establishment in July 2000, the partnership group has consolidated information and experience on projects and programs in the transport sector in order to encourage alignment of support and improvement of aid effectiveness. The partnership group is currently moving toward a forum of active discussion on sector issues and in joint policy formulation. Besides the follow-up discussion on "MOT Restructuring", "Road and Bridge Maintenance and Management" and "Traffic Safety" from previous meetings, the 16th transport partnership group meeting focused on "Quality Control and Safety Management" and "Expressway Development Strategy". 1.2. The structure of the partnership group Presently MOT and JBIC jointly chair the partnership group meetings with participants from MOT-affiliated organizations and donors involved in the sector, such as ADB, JICA and WB. The partnership group meetings are held every half a year. Besides the regular meetings, the partnership group has organized working groups on specific issues, which promote more active discussion and coordination. 2. Achievement of the partnership group in the last 6 months of 2008 2.1. The 16th Transport Partnership Group Meeting The 16th transport partnership group meeting was held on May 27th, 2008. The meeting focused on the five issues as follows; (i) "MOT restructuring" to follow up the direction of MOT reform, (ii) "Capacity building for VRA" to confirm the progress of establishment of sustainable road and bridge maintenance and management system, and to share the progress of VRA's institutional restructuring, (iii) "Quality Control and Safety Management" to share the basic concept and future direction, (iv) "Traffic Safety" to report the current progress of preparation of Master Plan and the project activities supported by donors, and (v) "Expressway Development Strategy" to share the MOT's view for expressway development. In addition, JICA made a brief explanation on the progress of VITRANSS2, Railway Technical Standard and Roadside Station Master Plan. 2.2. The progress of the partnership group and support for implementation of the new SEDP (1) MOT Restructuring In the 16th transport partnership group meeting, MOT shared the progress of the institutional reform within MOT and the related institutions. Decree 51/2008/ND-CP on MOT's function, task, authority and organization structure was signed by Prime Minister on 22nd April 2008, new institutional arrangement of MOT and the affiliated agencies have been determined accordingly. In line with new Decree, MOT established three new departments: 1) Department of infrastructure, 2) Department of Environment and 3) Department of Traffic Safety and VRA transformed into a general department. It is expected that Decisions by MOT Minister regulating functions, task, authority and structure of new Department and new VRA will be in place in June 2008. MOT sets a roadmap to be no longer in the role of Project Owner as to play the function of State management in the time to come. Lately, several PMUs including 18, 5, 9, and Bien Dong have been decided to go to VRA. PMU85 and PMU Thang Long, for the time being, remain under MOT for accomplishing on-going projects under direct management of MOT. PMU My Thuan and PMU 1 are being piloted to be transformed - 42 - into the One-Member State Limited Company. The partnership group confirmed the necessity of capacity building for newly established departments and new VRA, the donors also expressed their willingness to support further development of and consultations on MOT's reform. (2) Capacity Building for VRA In accordance with Decree 51/2008/ND-CP on MOT's function, task, authority and organization structure, VRA became a General Road Administration (GRA) and the apparatus of GRA is under preparation. GRA will take responsibility for carrying out three functions: 1) Project owner for category A and B projects where MOT is the line agency, 2) Line agency for category C projects; and 3) Agency for projects not financed by State budget. On May 6th 2008, MOT issued its Decision to transfer PMU18, PMU5, PMU9 and PMU Bien Dong to GRA. On May 9th 2008, PMU 7 was newly established with the merging of former PMU7 under VRA and PMU9. The establishment of new departments under GRA and additional staff deployment from MOT and/or the related agencies to VRA are expected in near future. The partnership group members requested MOT and VRA to secure the effectiveness and efficiency of ODA project implementation in order to avoid duplications and unnecessary transactions among the stakeholders in the transition period to decentralization. In addition, VRA shared the current progress of establishment of sustainable road and bridge maintenance and management by using HDM4, ROSY and VBMS. The partnership Group reconfirmed that budgetary request should be more feasible based on accurate data to be collected in nationwide, and the Road Fund mechanism also should be considered in order to secure appropriate budget for maintenance and new investment. (3) Quality Control and Safety Management Recently the needs for safety management and quality control in infrastructure construction projects have come into public limelight in response to drastic expansion of infrastructure development in Vietnam. It was found the necessity of establishment of comprehensive framework for safety management and quality control in transport sector, because there is no mechanism to enforce the regulations on safety management and quality control at the moment. MOT in particular TCQM is in charge to analyze the existing system and to elaborate a road map for establishment of safety management and quality control in transport sector in close coordination with MOC. JBIC expressed its willingness to support TCQM. (4) Traffic Safety In the 16th meeting, JICA shared contents of the interim report of the study for Traffic Safety Master Plan in Vietnam, which has been conducted since August 2007. The JICA study team will finalize the Final Report by September, 2009 and feedbacks from the study will be translated into reality as the Action Program for National Road Traffic Safety 2008-2012. TSPMU shared the current progress of the implementing projects on Traffic Safety supported by World Bank and JBIC. TSPMU also shared some challenges necessary for smooth implementation of traffic safety projects i.e. 1) clarification of status of NTSC, 2) active participation of PMUs and 3)strengthening of TSPMU's capacity for playing a key role in the field of traffic safety. The partnership group reconfirmed the necessity of enhancing strong leadership and coordination capacity of NSTC and TSPMU to keep close coordination among many stakeholders in cross- sectoral manner and to ensure steady enforcement of traffic safety measures. - 43 - (5) Expressway Development Strategy In response to recent economic and infrastructure development, the demand for construction of expressways is increasing dramatically. The Master Plan for Expressway Development, has been submitted to the Prime Minister in April 2008, defines the strategy of having the total network of 5753 km of expressway nation wide, and developing 2600km of expressway by 2020. In order to expand expressway network to supply a demand timely, MOT has continued to take consideration into the effective utilization of several resources, more specifically, the mixture of domestic and ODA funds. Because one of the outputs of VITRANSS2 is a Master Plan on the North-South Expressway and Pre-F/S for priority sections, MOT and the related donors expect to get feedbacks from VITRANSS 2 for their enhancing prioritization. The partnership group agreed to keep further discussion between MOT and the donors. 3. Actions for the next 6 months at mile stones for 2008 (1) MOT's restructuring MOT keeps effort to carry forward administration reform in sustainable and appropriate way so that MOT and the related institutions will improve public investment and ODA management system, including procurement, quality control, financial management and asset management in a balanced manner. The partnership group members will continue to cooperate with each other to elaborate necessary actions contributing to MOT's reform. (2) VRA Capacity Building MOT and VRA will keep efforts to facilitate establishment of sustainable project implementation system with careful analysis on the existing project implementation mechanism including role of the PMUs. In order to secure appropriate amount of budget for maintenance and new investment, MOT and VRA will keep effort to keep close coordination with MOF. Donors will support the effort to be made by MOT and VRA. VRA will make efforts to accomplish and maintain its database for road and bridge maintenance management and to strengthen linkage between maintenance planning and its budgeting system to secure appropriate amount of budget for maintenance. Donors keep supporting in VRA for necessary capacity building. (3) Quality Control and Safety Management MOT, especially TCQM will make effort to analyze the existing regulations and system on quality control and safety management in transport sector, and to elaborate a "road map for establishment of comprehensive quality control and safety management system in transport sector" in close coordination with MOC. In particular, JBIC will work closely with TCQM. (4) Traffic Safety NTSC and TSPMU will keep efforts to enhance its coordinating and leading role in the field of traffic safety in order to align and mobilize diversified stakeholders' resources as well as donors' supports. Donors will support this effort in close coordination each other. (5) Expressway Development Strategy MOT and donors will make efforts to keep dialogues each other and to make a "comprehensive express highway development plan" in order to maximize effectiveness of investment and resources from the government, public and private enterprises and donors. The partnership group members will continue to share feedbacks from VITRANSS 2.endix 1 - 44 - TRANSPORT SECTOR ASSISTANCE PROJECTS IN VIETNAM TRANSPORT PARTNERSHIP GROUP PROJECT DONOR STATUS DURATION CONTACT Road Improvement ADB Completed 1993-2001 Sai Gon Port ADB Completed 1994-2001 Second Road Improvement ADB Completed 1997-2003 Third Road Improvement (including ADB Completed 1998-2005 pvallely@adb.org Implementation of Sector Development Policy ldthang@adb.org - ISDP component) GMS: HCMC-Phnom Penh Highway ADB Completed 1998-2005 pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org GMS: East-West Corridor ADB Completed 2000-2006 pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org Provincial Roads Improvement ADB Ongoing 2001-2008 pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org Central Region Transport Network ADB Ongoing 2005-2010 pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org GMS: Ha Noi - Lao Cai Railway ADB/AFD Ongoing 2006-2010 pvallely@adb.org pbroch@adb.org ldthang@adb.org salomons@groupe-afd.org megueullec@groupe-afd.org, sylvain.biard@missioneco.org Kunming-Haiphong Transport Corridor: Noi ADB Ongoing 2007-2008 pvallely@adb.org Bai-Lao Cai Expressway (Engineering Loan) Investment Loans ytanaka@adb.org ldthang@adb.org Noi Bai-Lao Cai Expressway (Investment Ongoing 2008-2012 Loan) GMS: Southern Coastal Corridor ADB/EDCF Implementation 2007-2011 pvallely@adb.org (Korea)/AusAi ldthang@adb.org d Ho Chi Minh­ Long Thanh ­ Dau Giay ADB/JBIC Engineering Loan pvallely@adb.org Expressway Engineering Loan Ongoing ldthang@adb.org Investment Loan Firm 2008 under Preparation Stage Ho Chi Minh City Metro Rail (Engineering ADB Preparation Stage Firm 2008 hjenny@adb.org Loan) pvallely@adb.org Preparation Stage Firm 2009 ldthang@adb.org Ho Chi Minh City Metro Rail (Investment Loan) Expressway Preparation Facility (Engineering ADB Preparation Stage Firm 2008 ytanaka@adb.org Loan) pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org HCMC Second Ring Road ADB Preparation Stage Firm 2009 pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org Central Mekong Delta Transport Connectivity ADB Preparation Stage Firm 2009 pbroch@adb.org (two bridges over Tien and Hau rivers) pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org Ben Luc ­ Long Thanh Expressway ADB/JBIC Preparation Stage Firm 2009 ytanaka@adb.org pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org Transport Infrastructure in Northern ADB Preparation Stage Firm 2010 pvallely@adb.org Mountainous Provinces ldthang@adb.org Second Northern GMS Transport Network ADB Preparation Stage Firm 2009 pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org GMS: Ha Noi ­ Lang Son Expressway ADB Preparation Stage Firm 2010 ytanaka@adb.org ldthang@adb.org - 45 - pvallely@adb.org Ha Long ­ Mong Cai Expressway ADB Preparation Stage Firm 2011 ytanaka@adb.org pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org HCMC Outer Ring Road ADB Conceptual 2011 pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org GMS: Second East-West Corridor ADB Conceptual pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org Provincial Transport Development ADB Conceptual pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org Railways Rehabilitation II ADB Conceptual pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org Ha Noi Urban Transport ADB/ Conceptual pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org GMS: Southern Coastal Corridor, Phase 2 ADB Conceptual pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org Ha Noi Metro Rail ADB/AFD Conceptual hjenny@adb.org pvallely@adb.org ldthang@adb.org Review of Rural Road Strategy DFID On going May 2005 ­ April Simon Lucas 2006 s-lucas@dfid.gov.uk Transport sector co-ordination DFID/JBIC On going November 2004 - Yoshifumi Omura, JBIC:y- (SEDP inputs and other co-ord. support) March 2006 omura@jbic.go.jp Simon Lucas: s- lucas@dfid.gov.uk Bridge Inspection and Repair Project Finland/ Ongoing 2003-2006 thaiduckhai@cftd-group.com FINNVERA Mauri.Mottonen@finnroad.fi F/S on rehabilitation of Long Bien bridge France (MoF) Completed 2004 sylvain.biard@missioneco.org F/S on tramway line France (MoF) Completed 2004 sylvain.biard@missioneco.org F/S on pilot rail urban transportation line France (MoF) Completed 2005 sylvain.biard@missioneco.org Modernization of the signaling and France (MoF) Completed sylvain.biard@missioneco.org telecommunications system of the Hanoi - Vinh railway (phase 1) Modernization of the signaling and France (MoF) Ongoing sylvain.biard@missioneco.org telecommunications system of the Hanoi - Vinh railway (phase 2) Procurement of equipments for the repairing of France (MoF) Completed sylvain.biard@missioneco.org locomotives Rehabilitation of 4 railway tunnels at Hai Van France (MoF) Completed sylvain.biard@missioneco.org Pass Procurement of equipments for the France (MoF) Ongoing sylvain.biard@missioneco.org maintenance of the rail track between Hanoi and Vinh Hanoi Pilot Metro Line Nhon - Hanoi Railway France Ongoing 2007-2010 sylvain.biard@missioneco.org Station (MoF/AFD/ megueullec@groupe-afd.org FFEM) salomons@groupe-afd.org Vietnam Railways Project GTZ Ongoing 2001- 2006 Nguyen Van Tau gtzvr@hn.vnn.vn Hanoi ­ Ho Chi Minh City Railways Bridge JBIC Completed 1994 - 2005 Yoshifumi Omura, JBIC Rehabilitation Project y-omura@jbic.go.jp National Highway No.1 Bridge Rehabilitation JBIC Completed 1994 - 1999 Ai Miura, JBIC Project a-miura@jbic.go.jp National Highway No. 5 Improvement Project JBIC Completed 1994 - 2004 Ai Miura, JBIC a-miura@jbic.go.jp National Highway No. 1 Bridge Rehabilitation JBIC Completed 1996 - 2005 Ai Miura, JBIC Project a-miura@jbic.go.jp Hai Van Tunnel Construction Project JBIC Completed 1997 - 2007 Ai Miura, JBIC a-miura@jbic.go.jp - 46 - National Highway No. 10 Improvement Project JBIC Completed 1998 - 2007 Ai Miura, JBIC a-miura@jbic.go.jp Second National Highway No. 1 Bridge JBIC Completed 1999 - 2006 Ai Miura, JBIC Rehabilitation Project a-miura@jbic.go.jp Da Nang Port Improvement Project JBIC Completed 1999 - 2006 Yoshifumi Omura, JBIC y-omura@jbic.go.jp Coastal Communication System Project in JBIC Completed 2000 - 2007 Yasuhisa Ojima, JBIC Southern Vietnam y-ojima@jbic.go.jp Binh Bridge Construction Project JBIC Completed 2000 - 2007 Ai Miura, JBIC a-miura@jbic.go.jp Bai Chay Bridge Construction Project JBIC Completed 2001 - 2008 Ai Miura, JBIC a-miura@jbic.go.jp Cai Lan Port Expansion Project JBIC Ongoing 1996 - 2008 Yoshifumi Omura, JBIC y-omura@jbic.go.jp Hanoi Urban Infrastructure Development JBIC Ongoing 1997 - 2008 Yasuhisa Ojima, JBIC Project y-ojima@jbic.go.jp National Highway No. 18 Improvement Project JBIC Ongoing 1998 - 2008 Ai Miura, JBIC a-miura@jbic.go.jp Rural Development and Living Standard JBIC Ongoing 1999 - 2006 Yasuhisa Ojima, JBIC Improvement Project III (Rural Road) y-ojima@jbic.go.jp Transport Infrastructure Development Project JBIC Ongoing 1999 - 2009 Yasuhisa Ojima, JBIC in Hanoi y-ojima@jbic.go.jp Hai Phong Port Rehabilitation Project (Phase JBIC Ongoing 2000 ­ 2008 Yoshifumi Omura, JBIC II) y-omura@jbic.go.jp Sai Gon East-West Highway Construction JBIC Ongoing 2000 - 2010 Yoshifumi Omura, JBIC Project y-omura@jbic.go.jp Red River (Thanh Tri) Bridge Construction JBIC Ongoing 2000 - 2010 Ai Miura, JBIC Project a-miura@jbic.go.jp Can Tho Bridge Construction Project JBIC Ongoing 2001 - 2009 Ai Miura, JBIC a-miura@jbic.go.jp National Highway No. 1 Bypass Road JBIC Ongoing 2001 - 2009 Ai Miura, JBIC Construction Project a-miura@jbic.go.jp Tan Son Nhat International Airport Terminal JBIC Ongoing 2002 - 2008 Yoshifumi Omura, JBIC Construction Project y-omura@jbic.go.jp Small-Scale Pro Poor Infrastructure JBIC Ongoing 2003 - 2009 Yasuhisa Ojima, JBIC Development Project (Rural Road) y-ojima@jbic.go.jp Third National Highway No. 1 Bridge JBIC Ongoing 2003 - 2009 Ai Miura, JBIC Rehabilitation Project a-miura@jbic.go.jp Transport Sector Loan for National Road JBIC Ongoing 2004 - 2010 Ai Miura, JBIC Network Improvement a-miura@jbic.go.jp Hanoi ­ Ho Chi Minh City Railway Line JBIC Ongoing 2004 - 2009 Yoshifumi Omura, JBIC Bridges Safety Improvement Project y-omura@jbic.go.jp Cai Mep-Thi Vai International Port JBIC Ongoing 2004 - 2012 Yoshifumi Omura, JBIC Construction Project y-omura@jbic.go.jp New National Highway No.3 and Regional JBIC Ongoing 2005 - 2011 Ai Miura, JBIC Road Network Project a-miura@jbic.go.jp Nhat Than Bridge Construction Project JBIC Ongoing 2006 - 2010 Ai Miura, JBIC a-miura@jbic.go.jp Small-Scale Pro Poor Infrastructure JBIC Ongoing 2006 - 2010 Yasuhisa Ojima, JBIC Development Project (II) (Rural Road) y-ojima@jbic.go.jp Northern Vietnam National Roads Traffic JBIC Ongoing 2007 - 2012 Ai Miura, JBIC Safety Improvement Project a-miura@jbic.go.jp North-South Expressway Construction Project JBIC Ongoing 2007 - 2017 Yoshifumi Omura, JBIC HCM-Long Thanh-Dau Giay y-omura@jbic.go.jp Hanoi Ring Road No. 3 Construction Project JBIC Under preparation 2008 - 2013 Ai Miura, JBIC a-miura@jbic.go.jp The Study on Urban Transport Master Plan JICA Completed 2002-2004 PhanBinh.VT@jica.go.jp and Feasibility Study in Ho Chi Minh lethithuhang@jica.org.vn Metropolitan Area (HOUTRANS) - 47 - Detailed Design Study of CAI MEP-THI VAI JICA Completed 2004-2006 Kobayashi.Kenichi@jica.go.jp International Terminals lethithuhang@jica.org.vn The Project on the Improvement of Port JICA Ongoing 2005-2009 Kobayashi.Kenichi@jica.go.jp Management System lethithuhang@jica.org.vn The Project for Traffic Safety Human Resource JICA Ongoing 2006-2009 Kobayashi.Kenichi@jica.go.jp Development in Hanoi (TRAHUD) lethithuhang@jica.org.vn The Study for Traffic Safety Master Plan JICA Ongoing 2007-2008 Kobayashi.Kenichi@jica.go.jp lethithuhang@jica.org.vn The Study for Roadside Stations Master Plan JICA Ongoing 2006-2008 BinhPhan.vt@jica.go.jp lethithuhang@jica.org.vn The Comprehensive Urban Development JICA Completed 2004-2007 Kobayashi.Kenichi@jica.go.jp Programme in Hanoi Capital City (HAIDEP) lethithuhang@jica.org.vn The Study on the National Transport JICA Under preparation 2007-2008 BinhPhan.vt@jica.go.jp Development Strategy (VITRANSS2) lethithuhang@jica.org.vn The Project for Reconstruction of Bridges in GOJ/JICA Pending 2003-2006 Hayashi.Masayuki@jica.go.jp the Central Area ­ Phase 2 lethithuhang@jica.org.vn Project for Reconstruction of Bridges in the GOJ/JICA Pending 2005-2008 Hayashi.Masayuki@jica.go.jp Northern Mountenious Provinces lethithuhang@jica.org.vn Project for strengthening training capabilities JICA Completed 2001-2006 Kobayashi.Kenichi@jica.go.jp for Road Construction Workers in Transport lethithuhang@jica.org.vn Technical and Professional School No.1 Building Railway Technical Standard Set JICA Under Preparation 2007-? PhanBinh.VT@jica.go.jp lethithuhang@jica.org.vn Advisor on Railway Planning and Management JICA Under Preparation 2007-2008 PhanBinh.VT@jica.go.jp lethithuhang@jica.org.vn Feasibility Study on Urban Railway System of KfW completed 1999-2000 Mr. Richter, Mr. Nguyen Van Hanoi Minh office@kfwvn.com Supply of Modern Railway Cranes KfW Ongoing 2000-2003 Mr. Richter, Mr. Nguyen Van Minh office@kfwvn.com Workshop Programme Danang KfW Ongoing 1999 - 2005 Mr. Richter, Mr. Nguyen Van Minh office@kfwvn.com Main Line Locomotives KfW Ongoing 2001-2007 Mr. Richter, Mr. Nguyen Van Minh office@kfwvn.com Hopper Suction Dredger KfW Ongoing 2000-2005 Mr. Richter, Mr. Nguyen Van Minh office@kfwvn.com Vietnam Railway Control Center KfW Ongoing 2007-2010 Mr. Richter, Mr. Nguyen Van Minh office@kfwvn.com Urban Transport Improvement Project WB Completed 11/1998-6/2005 Shomik Mehndiratta smehndiratta@worldbank.org Inland Waterways and Port Rehabiltation WB Completed 03/1998-04/2006 Simon Ellis Project sellis1@worldbank.org Mekong Transport and Flood Protection WB Ongoing 06/2001-06/2006 Maria Margarita Nunez Project mnunez@worldbank.org Road Network Improvement Project WB Ongoing 12/2003-9/2008 William D. O. Paterson wpaterson@worldbank.org Road Safety Project WB Ongoing 2005-2010 William D. O. Paterson wpaterson@worldbank.org Hanoi Urban Transport Development Project WB Ongoing 2006-2011 Shomik Mehndiratta smehndiratta@worldbank.org Mekong Transport Infrastructure Development WB Ongoing 2006-2011 Simon Ellis project sellis1@worldbank.org Northern Delta Transport Development WB Ongoing 2008-2012 Baher El-Hifnawi Project melhifnawi@worldbank.org - 48 - Multi-Modal Transport Regulatory Review WB Completed 5/2005-1/2006 Baher El-Hifnawi (PPIAF) melhifnawi@worldbank.org Study on Consolidation and Development of WB Completed 6/2005-1/2006 Shomik Mehndiratta bus System in HCMC (PPIAF) smehndiratta@worldbank.org Second Rural Transport Project WB/DFID Completed 01/05/2000 - pid1pmu18@fpt.vn 12/2005 Simon Lucas s-lucas@dfid.gov.uk or Phuong Thi Minh Tran ptran1@worldbank.org Third Rural Transport Project: WB/DFID Ongoing 2006 - 2010 pmu5@hn.vnn.vn Simon Lucas s- lucas@dfid.gov.uk Simon Ellis sellis1@worldbank.org Rural Road Surfacing Reasearch WB/DFID Ongoing 01/05/2003 - RITST or Robert Petts 7/2006 intech-trl@fpt.vn - 49 -