PM receives outgoing WB Country Director
On March 28, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a farewell reception for Carolyn Turk, the World Bank (WB) Country Director for Vietnam, as she concluded her tenure. Prime Minister Chinh congratulated Turk on her successful stint in the country and commended the WB’s steadfast cooperation and support for Vietnam’s Doi Moi (renewal) efforts over the past three decades. He highlighted the WB’s significant role as one of Vietnam’s top three development partners and foreign loan providers.
During Turk’s tenure, the Prime Minister noted, the WB played a pivotal role in supporting Vietnam amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and facilitating economic recovery by assisting in the rescheduling of International Development Association (IDA) loan repayments. Additionally, the WB provided vital non-refundable aid to bolster Vietnam’s capacity in preventive healthcare.
Under Turk’s leadership, the WB committed to mobilizing resources for extensive infrastructure projects and advocated for increased non-refundable aid for Vietnam. Furthermore, the organization facilitated institutional improvements and bolstered central and local governance through policy consultations.
Prime Minister Chinh proposed that the WB increase its funding for Vietnam, focusing on pivotal national projects such as those centered on green transition, digital transformation, urban railways, renewable energy, power transmission, smart agriculture, low carbon emissions, and climate change adaptation. He expressed optimism about welcoming the WB President for an official visit to Vietnam, which he believed would strengthen the partnership between the WB and Vietnam.
In response, Turk expressed gratitude to the Government, the Prime Minister, and various Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and localities for their unwavering support during her tenure. She particularly appreciated the Prime Minister’s guidance in establishing a working group to address project implementation issues in Vietnam. Turk affirmed the WB’s continued readiness to support Vietnam in achieving its development objectives.
