The KfW delegation included Mr. Daniel Plankermann – Country Director of the KfW Hanoi Office in charge of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia; and Mr. Erik Schulte – Project Manager at the KfW Frankfurt Office (via online connection).

Working session between KfW and EVN on May 22, in Hanoi

Representing EVN were EVN Vice President Pham Hong Phuong, alongside representatives from EVN's specialized departments, Power Project Management Board 1 (EVNPMB1), and the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT).

The working session aimed to discuss project implementation details, including: the confidentiality letter, the preparation status of pre-feasibility and feasibility study reports, key design characteristics of the projects, and the tentative implementation schedule.

Accordingly, the two sides updated the planned progress for the Lai Chau Hydropower Plant Expansion Project, invested by EVN, as well as the Power Transmission Grid Investment Project (Phase 1 and Phase 2), proposed by EVNNPT to utilize ODA loans from the German Government.

EVN Vice President Pham Hong Phuong (center) speaks at meeting

Speaking at the session, EVN Vice President Pham Hong Phuong emphasized that these are all key national projects that play a core role in ensuring the electricity supply for Vietnam's power system. Due to urgent time constraints, EVN and its affiliate units commit to simultaneously and aggressively executing all work items to meet the set schedule. He also expressed hope that KfW will continue to act as a facilitator, coordinating and supporting EVN and EVNNPT in working with the Government and the Ministry of Finance to promptly expedite commitments and approvals for this loan.

In addition, one of the focal points specially noted by EVN's leadership was the requirements regarding environmental-social impacts and involuntary resettlement. Drawing from practical lessons learned in previously implemented and ongoing projects, EVN requested that KfW soon review and issue formal requirements and proposals so that both sides can reach an agreement and implement them right from the Environmental Impact Assessment stage.

The EVN Vice President expressed confidence that with a spirit of close cooperation, the projects will be successfully deployed, strictly meeting both the schedule and quality requirements of the investor.

Translator: Vân Ly