On Wednesday, Da Nang People’s Committee (PC) Chairman Huynh Duc Tho and PC Vice Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Tuan played host to Mr Ousmane Dione, the Country Director of World Bank (WB) in Viet Nam. 

Chairman Tho (right) and his guest from WB

They together discussed the implementation of the city’s sustainable development project, the relocation of the city’s railway station to Lien Chieu District’s Hoa Minh Ward, and associated urban redevelopment.

Mr Ousmane Dione asked the city authorities to strictly implement the compensation and resettlement plans for the local sustainable development project.  In particular, detailed reports must be submitted to the WB on environmental impact assessments, and complaints from displaced households affected by the project.  He also underscored the need for the city to ensure effectiveness and transparency in the implementation of compensation and resettlement.

Chairman Tho remarked that, over recent years, a total of over 100,000 families affected by local urban development projects have been relocated thanks to the great efforts made by the city authorities and the high level of consensus amongst locals.  He vowed that the city authorities would fulfil their commitments in the compensation and resettlement works, and reduce risks which might occur during bidding activities.

As for the relocation of the city’s railway station, Mr Ousmane Dione proposed that relevant local agencies should work closely with representatives from WB to implement the project effectively. 

In reply, Chairman Tho highlighted the significance of this large-scale project in creating a breakthrough for the development of the northwestern side of the city, and boosting the city’s socio-economic progress as a whole.  He pledged that the city authorities would join efforts with the national government and other government ministries to seek the fundings for this project.  The host also said he would like WB to assist Da Nang to start work on the project as soon as possible.

With regard to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2017 (AELW) in November, the visiting guest affirmed that this large-scale international event would offer a wonderful opportunity for Da Nang to further advertise its image to international friends.  WB is willing to help the city make good preparations for AELW to ensure the great success of the event.