Attending the meeting, on the lenders’ side, were representatives from the French Development Agency (AFD), the German Development Bank (KfW), along with consulting units and other relevant stakeholders.

On EVN’s side were Vice President Pham Hong Phuong, representatives from EVN’s specialized departments, and Power Project Management Board No. 3 (EVNPMB3) - the unit directly managing the project.

EVN works with delegation from lenders of Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant Project on afternoon of March 13.

At the meeting, the lenders acknowledged EVN’s efforts in implementing the project and indicated their willingness to be flexible regarding the timeline for completing documentation to ensure the quality of the appraisal process.

The lenders also raised several issues related to environmental and social management, biodiversity conservation, occupational safety conditions, and healthcare services at the construction site. In addition, they positively evaluated the outcomes of discussions between EVN and the Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee regarding livelihood support plans for households affected by the project.

Speaking at the meeting, EVN’s Vice President Pham Hong Phuong stated that the Group and relevant units are actively coordinating with lenders, consultants, and local authorities to finalize the project’s environmental and social components. The EVN’s leadership affirmed that the implementation of the Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant Project is being carried out in full compliance with Vietnamese laws, while progressively meeting international standards as required by the lenders.

EVN also noted that it will continue to closely coordinate with relevant parties to review and finalize necessary documents, clarify the responsibilities of each stakeholder during project implementation, and thereby ensure the progress of documentation preparation for appraisal and subsequent steps in mobilizing capital for the project.

Vice President Pham Hong Phuong emphasized that the Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant is a large-scale project with a long construction timeline and the participation of multiple international lenders. EVN will continue to strengthen project management and enhance its organizational structure to ensure compliance with lenders’ requirements and the fulfillment of all related commitments.

Translator: Vân Ly