The World Bank's delegation included Mrs. Zayra Romo, Senior Energy Specialist, Infrastructure Program Coordinator, and Head of WB Vietnam's Energy Team, along with senior energy experts. EVN’s side also saw the participation of various departments and units from the corporation.

At EVN's request, the World Bank agreed in March 2024 to provide technical assistance in EVN's procurement process, focusing on two main areas: (1) Data analysis in procurement, providing recommendations on key performance indicators for monitoring procurement activities to enhance transparency and efficiency in EVN and its units; (2) Technical support for Green Procurement, aiming to strengthen capabilities in this area through activities such as training, drafting manuals, and introducing/reviewing international experiences related to green procurement in the power sector.

Mrs. Zayra Romo ( red shirt), Senior Energy Specialist, Infrastructure Program Coordinator, and Head of World Bank's Energy Team in Vietnam, along with senior energy experts.

During the meeting, the World Bank's working group presented a system of procurement data analysis tables, evaluating various aspects such as time, competitiveness, and transparency across different units, funding sources, and procurement types. They also showcased a set of indicators for monitoring EVN's procurement activities, along with recommendations to improve the comprehensiveness and reliability of the current procurement database. This outcome reflects the collaborative efforts between the World Bank and EVN's departments from September 9 to September 16, 2024.

Vice President of EVN, Mr. Nguyen Tai Anh, highly appreciated the results of the session, acknowledging that they met the outlined requirements while also providing direction for future activities to achieve the agreed objectives in the Technical Assistance Agreement. Concerning Green Procurement, Mr. Nguyen Tai Anh requested that the World Bank expedite the progress to complete the initiatives by December 2024.

EVN Vice President Nguyen Tai Anh speaking at the meeting.

At the working session, both parties also took the time to exchange and analyze potential opportunities within the project, agreeing to continue detailed discussions to achieve optimal outcomes.

Mrs. Zayra Romo, representing the World Bank, committed to providing resources to successfully implement the agreement, thus enhancing the effectiveness of EVN's procurement process in the future.

It is anticipated that a Workshop on the Procurement Data Analysis System, involving the World Bank, EVN, and relevant authorities, will be held in November 2024.

Translator: Hoàng Duy Khánh