Japan to Grant Vietnam $33M to Develop E-Customs

Japan will grant JPY2.66 billion ($33 million) to help Vietnam build an electronic customs clearance procedure (e-customs) system and implement a one-stop customs system, the General Department of Vietnam Customs said. The move aims to help promote bilateral trade between Vietnam and Japan and create better conditions for foreign investors as well as developing e-customs and implement a one-stop customs system that links Vietnam with other ASEAN countries. The fund will be used to deploy the Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System and Vietnam Customs Information System (VNACCS/VCIS) which is based on Japan’s Nippon Automated Customs Clearance (NACCS). Accordingly, Japan will help Vietnam master the system by training personnel and transferring technology to deploy the VNACCS/VCIS. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will send experts to help Vietnam establish long-term strategy on information technology and information technology applications, Chief Representative of JICA Tsuno Motonori said. JICA experts will help set up systems of management system, operation and maintenance as well as upgrading information technology appropriately. These experts will also review the legal framework and make necessary adjustments of system to help strengthen the capacity of Vietnam’s customs officers, Tsuno Motonori said. The project will be build in three years and transfer to Vietnam’s customs in 2014. The General Department of Vietnam Customs earlier started an experimental implementation of electronic customs clearance procedure systems (e-Manifest) for inbound and outbound cargo ships for 2012-2014 period. The trial programs will be piloted at four customs departments in Haiphong, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau and applied for three shipping lines, comprising Maersk Vietnam, OOCL Vietnam and Mitsui OSK Line. (www.customs.gov.vn Mar 22, www.cpv.org.vn Mar 23)

The World Bank approved on Mar. 22 a total of 522 USD million in credit for the development of Vietnam's urban, energy, and forest sectors. Three projects receiving the funds include the Cuu Long ( Mekong ) Delta Region Urban Upgrading Project; the Second Power Sector Reform Development Policy Operation; and the Forest Sector Development Project - Additional Financing. All three projects support the World Bank's new Country Partnership Strategy (2011-2016) for Vietnam, the bank said in a press release. "The approval of the three operations demonstrates the continued strong partnership between Vietnam and the World Bank,” said Victoria Kwakwa, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam. She said these credits help address emerging challenges such as rapid urbanization, the need for an efficient power sector to meet the country’s rapidly growing demand for power to support rapid growth, and the importance of sustainable management of the national forest resources to help move rural communities out of poverty. The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta Region Urban Upgrading Project will improve infrastructure and services for more than 1.5 million people in the Cuu Long ( Mekong ) Delta cities of Can Tho, My Tho, Cao Lanh, Ca Mau, Rach Gia, and Tra Vinh. The bank's International Development Association (IDA) will fund this project with $292 million. The Second Power Sector Reform Development Policy Operation is one of three policy operations that support the Government in implementing reforms in the power sector to facilitate and promote effective competition in power generation; transparency and predictability in electricity pricing and tariffs; encourage investment in power generation; and implement programs and incentives for efficient use of electricity. For this operation, the Bank provides $200 million, half of which comes from IDA, and the other half from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The Forest Sector Development Project aims to promote sustainable smallholder plantation forestry to help raise rural incomes and support biodiversity conservation across Vietnam 's priority conservation areas. The project supports the National Forestry Strategy through restoring and increasing forest cover, promoting market-based approaches to forestry, increasing roles and responsibilities of local forest owners, strengthening protected areas management and conserving biodiversity with the involvement of local communities. Under the Additional Financing operation, IDA will provide an additional 30 million USD over three years to the project covering six provinces in the central coastal region of Vietnam. (vietnamplus.vn Mar 24) Printer-friendly version Send to friend

The World Bank approved on Mar. 22 a total of 522 USD million in credit for the development of Vietnam's urban, energy, and forest sectors. Three projects receiving the funds include the Cuu Long ( Mekong ) Delta Region Urban Upgrading Project; the Second Power Sector Reform Development Policy Operation; and the Forest Sector Development Project - Additional Financing. All three projects support the World Bank's new Country Partnership Strategy (2011-2016) for Vietnam, the bank said in a press release.

"The approval of the three operations demonstrates the continued strong partnership between Vietnam and the World Bank,” said Victoria Kwakwa, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam.

She said these credits help address emerging challenges such as rapid urbanization, the need for an efficient power sector to meet the country’s rapidly growing demand for power to support rapid growth, and the importance of sustainable management of the national forest resources to help move rural communities out of poverty.

The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta Region Urban Upgrading Project will improve infrastructure and services for more than 1.5 million people in the Cuu Long ( Mekong ) Delta cities of Can Tho, My Tho, Cao Lanh, Ca Mau, Rach Gia, and Tra Vinh. The bank's International Development Association (IDA) will fund this project with $292 million. The Second Power Sector Reform Development Policy Operation is one of three policy operations that support the Government in implementing reforms in the power sector to facilitate and promote effective competition in power generation; transparency and predictability in electricity pricing and tariffs; encourage investment in power generation; and implement programs and incentives for efficient use of electricity. For this operation, the Bank provides $200 million, half of which comes from IDA, and the other half from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The Forest Sector Development Project aims to promote sustainable smallholder plantation forestry to help raise rural incomes and support biodiversity conservation across Vietnam 's priority conservation areas. The project supports the National Forestry Strategy through restoring and increasing forest cover, promoting market-based approaches to forestry, increasing roles and responsibilities of local forest owners, strengthening protected areas management and conserving biodiversity with the involvement of local communities. Under the Additional Financing operation, IDA will provide an additional 30 million USD over three years to the project covering six provinces in the central coastal region of Vietnam. (vietnamplus.vn)