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Articles on the Activities of JICA Vietnam OfficeOctober and November 2005

Index

Japan to study VN’s Competition policy ....................................................................1

Minister Dao Dinh Binh awarded Certificate and Medal for the Cause of Transportation togroups and individuals of international organizations .................................................2

Urban development in Vietnam-A long way ahead.....................................................3

Japanese volunteers win the hearts of locals ...............................................................5

Japan to study VN’s Competition policy

The surveys aim to establish a general view of the conditions for fair trade

competition in Viet Nam.

Hanoi - The Japanese government has signed on to help Viet Nam conduct a study oncapacity building for enforcement of the competition law and implementation of thecompetition policy.The agreement of the study's scope was inked yesterday by Dinh Thi My Loan, Viet Nam'sdirector of Competition Administration Department (CAD) under the Ministry of Trade,and Izaki Hiroshi, the deputy resident representative from Japan International CooperationAgency (JICA).As scheduled, the study will kick off in autumn this year and will be finished by the end ofnext year. The study aims to assist the trade ministry's competition administrationdepartment in enhancing the capacity of enforcing the competition law and executing thecompetition policy.Under the study, a series of surveys will be conducted related to the current situation of thecompetition authorities, the actual conditions of enforcing competition law, and thestructure of the market in Viet Nam.The surveys aim to establish a general view of the conditions for fair trade competition inViet Nam.Market research on several selected economic sectors of the country will also beconducted.The research results will be used as background for executing provisions under thecompetition law in the relevant markets.The study provides technical support for drafting and compiling documents to make thecompetition law and policy public, as well as building a website on the competition policy,increasing the CAD's capacity in establishing measures and practical procedures forenforcing the competition law.A series of meetings on the competition law and policy will be organized at both centraland local level. Japanese experts are planning to exchange experience related tocompetition issues with CAD staff via the seminars.Viet Nam has switched to a market-oriented economy and accelerated its internationaleconomic integration. The competition policy is seen as a crucial contribution to thecountry's trade development.The National Assembly of Viet Nam passed the Competition Law in October 2004, and ithas become effective since July 2005. (Vietnam News, 12 Oct., page:14)

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You can see the list of newspapers that published the news on “JICA assists Vietnam

on competition law” below:

Item Name of article Newspaper Date Page

1 Japan to help Vietnam in capacity

building for enhancement ofimplementation of competition law

Vietnam

EconomicTimes

10th October 2005 4

2 Japan assists Vietnam in implementing

competitive policy

The Laborer

(Lao Dong)

12th October 2005 7

3 JICA to back Vietnam to create healthycompetition

Saigon Times 13th October 2005 2

4 JICA signs up for fair trade study Vietnam

Investment

Review

17th ~ 23 rd

October 2005 10

5 Japan pledges support for Vietnam on

Competition Law

The People

online (Nhan

Dan)

14th October 2005 Website

6 Japan to help Vietnam in capacitybuilding for enforcement of

competition law and implementation of

competition policy

The Law(Phap Luat) 14th October 2005 2

7 JICA funds capacity building forCompetition Law

Intellasia 13th October 2005 Website

8 Japan to study Vietnam’s competition

policy

Vietnam

News

12th October 2005 14

Minister Dao Dinh Binh awarded Certificate and Medal for the Cause of

Transportation to groups and individuals of international organizations

In the morning 13th October 2005 on the occasion of 60 year anniversary of the branch,Minister Dao Dinh Binh awarded the Certificate and Medal for the Cause ofTransportation to 02 groups and 4 individuals of international organizations who havepositively contributed and devoted to the cause of building and development oftransportation in Vietnam

(Cited)4. Medal for the cause of Transportation to Mr. Fumio Kikuchi, Resident Representative ofJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the below main achievements:

- The Detailed Design Study of Cai Mep - Thi Vai International Terminals in theSocialist Republic of Vietnam

- The Study on Urban Transport Master Plan and Feasibility Study in HCMMetropolitan Area (M/P, F/S)

- The Project for Reconstruction of Bridges in Central Vietnam (Phase 2)

- The Project on the Improvement of Port Management System in the SocialistRepublic of Vietnam

- Traffic Safety Promotion Program (Phase 1 & 2)

(Giao Thong Van Tai-Transportation, 14 Oct., page: 1+11)

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Urban development in Vietnam - A long way ahead

HAIDEP or the Hanoi Integrated Development and Environment Program funded by JICAis one of the program with many comprehensive studies and deep knowledge onVietnamese urban in general and Hanoi in particular. Mr. Iwapa Shizuo, the Leader of theStudy Mission of HAIDEP program has had an interview by the reporter of the CapitalSecurity Newspaper (An Ninh Thu Do).

Reporter: In your observation, what are unexpected problems and issues arouse

during the urban development process in Vietnam over the past years? (in terms of

planning, construction and environment)

Mr. Iwapa Shizuo: Current urban planning system is difficult to respond to dynamicchange of urban development. Generally speaking, urban planning is not workingeffectively to influence urban development in a way that desired situation expressed in thecity plan will be realized. Many developments are taking place by many bodies both ofpublic and private sectors. Some are well managed but many of them are not in a goodcontrol. While new developments are physically and technically relatively well managed,improvements and upgrading of existing urban areas have not been adequately attended.Infrastructure development is not properly undertaken to satisfy different needs of thepeople and activities. As a result, a number of problems arouse such as widening gaps inliving conditions and urban services, negative impacts on environment, worsening trafficcongestions and safety, degrading landscape and amenity of life, and so on. Problems andtheir causes observed are more specifically as follows:

(Urban Planning)

What is happening is different from what is expected in the city plan with particularregards to socio-economic and environment aspects rather than physical aspect.Urban planning is not effectively working in control and management of urbandevelopmentUrban planning system lacks effective measures and capacity to implement the plan(Development & Construction)

Construction is not controlled so sufficiently that there are many illegal buildings anddevelopments which threaten safety and landscapeQuality of construction methods is not sufficient in many buildings and developmentsInstitutional framework must be improved in a way to promote good construction andcontrol bad construction.(Environment)

Environment in the city has been degrading in many aspects including among others, thefollowing:Worsening air quality due to sharp increase in motorcycles and other vehiclesWorsening traffic safety due to increase in traffic, undisciplined driving manner of users,weak enforcement and lack of safety facilities.Degrading sanitary conditions due to increase in waste water compared to capacity oftreatment systemDecreasing level of living conditions in existing urban areas due to an increase inpopulation, densification and lack of proper countermeasures.Deteriorating landscape both in urban and rural areas due to insufficient control of illegalbuildings, advertisement boards, cables and public facilities, etc.

Reporter: As an organization involving in many urban development projects in

Vietnam, in your own opinion, what should be countermeasures for Vietnam to avoid

similar mistakes facing other countries during their urban development process?

Mr. Iwapa Shizuo: Promoting and realizing sustainable urban development is a difficulttask requiring long-term policy commitment and efforts of the Government and good

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understanding and support of the people and society as a whole. We must understandurban area is a complicated system in which everything is related each other. For example,transport, land-use and environment are so closely related that construction of a roadbrings about haphazard land development along the road and creates environmentalproblems unless it is properly managed. Then effects of the investment become very small.In order to avoid this kind of ineffectiveness in urban development, following measuresmust be considered:Comprehensive Urban Planning: A good master plan which gives a clear vision,orientations and strategies must be prepared in consensus of all related bodies includingthe people. This master plan must include following aspects:The master plan must integrate all major areas such as land-use, transport, environment,urban services and provide clear orientations for sub-sector plans.The master plan process and output must be properly institutionalized and made open tothe public so that investments can be more effectively promoted.Sub-sector departments must coordinate effectively in formulating, implementing andmonitoring of the Master Plan.Effective Development Methods: Urban planning in Vietnam lacks a set of effective urbandevelopment methods to implement the Master Plan and projects. Key aspects which mustbe attended are:Improved mechanism of private sector participation in urban developmentEffective mechanism to share development benefits among Government, investors andaffected bodies.Improved development control method to encourage investments while public benefits areensured.Smooth supply of Urban Lands: At present, values of lands for development are so highthat acquisition of affordable land and housing for middle to low income groups isextremely limited. Insufficient supply of urban lands also makes resettlement costsnecessary for infrastructure development high and difficult. Improved mechanism for moresmooth supply of urban lands is badly needed.

Reporter: Capital City of Hanoi was and has been shouldering a big burden in terms

of urban infrastructure, power supply, water supply and drainage etc.. In your own

opinion, what should be most imperative solutions for Hanoi in the coming time?

Mr. Iwapa Shizuo: Demand and supply gaps in urban infrastructure services such astransport, power, water supply and drainage etc. have been widening due to rapidurbanization. Although the situation in Hanoi is becoming critical Hanoi still has a goodchance to improve the situation and place the city on sustainable development path unlikeother big cities in the region such as Manila and Jakarta which have lost the timing.Orientations for this include the following:Accelerating Infrastructure Development: The current pace of infrastructure developmentis too slow to catch up with increasing demand. While funding is only a part of theproblem, it is more serious that implementation of projects is time-consuming due toinefficiency in administrative procedure and capacity of developers is more serious.Effective Control and Management of Urban Development and Construction:

Development and construction must be more effectively controlled and managed so thatthey are integrated with adequate public services and at the same time they can contributeto promoting planned urban development oriented in the Master Plan.Establishing Effective Mechanism for Supply of Affordable Housing for Low to Middle

Income Group: It is very urgent to establish a good mechanism to provide affordablehousing for the people, especially those of low income group. Without this, increasingpopulation is forced to concentrate in already densely-populated existing urban areas or tofind places where proper infrastructure is not provided. This results in aggravating manyurban problems such as traffic congestion, poor living conditions, safety and security and

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so on. Hanoi has sufficient space for many people to live and do activities in much betterconditions if urban lands are properly made available.Promoting Better Understanding of Urban Issues by the People: Solving urban problemsis not only the responsibility of the Government but also need good understanding ofproblems and issues as well as support to Government policies by the people. The peoplemust be more deeply involved in the process of urban planning and project development.For example, traffic congestions can be reduced with traffic management. Yet, effectivetraffic management can not be done without disciplined manner of users. An increase inuser charges for infrastructure services needs proper understanding of the people, too.Close Coordination of Related Departments: In order to maximize the effects of anypolicy or project, a good coordination between related departments is inevitable.

Reporter: Thank you very much for your sharing information.

(Capital Security Newspaper, 10 Oct., page:12)

Japanese volunteers win the hearts of locals

A teacher's love

His activeness, enthusiasm, and hard work, has impressed and moved the entire school.SanadaNoboru studies Vietnamese very hard in an effort to communicate with his primarypupils in the northern province of Bac Giang's poor mountainous commune of Ninh Son."Sanada learned all the names of his pupils by taking a photo of each of them and writinghis/her name under the photo to recognize them," teacher Tran Thi Thuy said.She added that now, just two months after his arrival, Sanada can teach his students inVietnamese.His activeness, enthusiasm, and hard work, as well as the care and love he has for hispupils has impressed and moved the entire school, she said."We've never had a foreign teacher at our school before and Sanada has certainly exceededour expectations," Thuy said.We arrived at the school during our field trip to study several Japanese-funded projects oneducation and training in the province last week.We were all drawn to Sanada's lessons. First, he taught the pupils to count in Vietnamese,then English and Japanese, before moving outside for a physical education class."I try to encourage the pupils to do physical activity by combining Japanese methodologywith lessons approved by Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training."It means they have to exercise continuously for a 40 minute session. In the first fewlessons they feel very tired but I try to keep them moving."Now I can tell that my students get really excited about my lessons. I see the eagerness intheir eyes," Sanada said.Fifth grader, Nguyen Thi Hoa said, "All of us, from grade 1 to 5, love teacher Sanada'slessons on the playground. It is as if we play a game together after studying math orliterature.""Before teacher Sanada came we didn't like physical training lessons because they wereboring and sometimes difficult."We love our teacher and hope that he will teach us several other subjects and stay with usforever. Thanks to Sanada, our health has improved and we all feel very well after hislessons," Hoa says.Sanada, who had been teaching at a primary school in Japan, had registered to workvoluntarily in Vietnam."I try to learn Vietnamese at every opportunity 1 have with my Vietnamese adoptedparents, family members, my colleagues and my students."My goal is that by the end of the year I'll be able to teach more subjects such as drawingand music just as I did when I was teaching in Japan. However, the Vietnamese languageis very difficult. I'll have to work very hard," Sanada said.

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Sanada arrived at the mountainous school more than two months ago and lives with aVietnamese retired couple who cook daily meals for him. He calls them his adoptedparents."The food my adopted mother cooks is very tasty. I have not had to deal with any stomatchproblems like my Japanese friends who have poisoning all the time,” he said.His adopted parents said they considered Boru (their nick name for him) their youngestson.“He is so lovely. It must be hard for a young Japanese boy like him to adapt to a verydifferent and strange lifestyle compared to his native homeland”“We try our best to make him feel at home so he will stay with us longer”“After he finishes at school, Boru often helps us with housework and gardening” themother said.Sanada, is one of 60 Japanese volunteers working in Vietnam, and he will finish hisvoluntary mission in Vietnam in mid-2007.It’s not just Sanada’s history moved us. Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam,Takigawa Takuya, also made a huge impression on us with his efforts in bringingJapanese-funded projects to disadvantaged communes in Vietnam. Tak (he told us to callhim that) often participates in activities with Vietnamese such as eating fast food with hisfellow Vietnamese at the embassy and with local beneficiaries of japanese-funded projects.Tak joined us on our field trip to Ninh Son primary school to supervise whether theJapanese money was being used for the right purposes. He listens to local beneficiaries andpeople and asks them if the funded buildings and equipment are useful or not.What surprised us most is that he can eat all Vietnamese food, even mam tom (shrimppaste) and snake dishes. It is very rare that a foreigner can do that."I try my best to do things with Vietnamese people, to adapt to their customs and lifestyle,particularly that of the poor, in an effort to understand what they need so 1 can proposethat to my government for further financial assistance," he said.Tak asked us to team up with him to run articles on what Japanese projects are doing wellin Vietnam and how they could be improved."Our Government and people hope that Japanese funded projects will be effectively usedin improving poor Vietnamese communes’ living standards."If we (Japanese officers in charge of a project) have done something that is not on theright track, you should tell us to get rid of it. We need cooperation between us, relevantVietnamese agencies and project beneficiaries," Tak said.During a field trip to Bac Giang's two Japanese-funded educational projects includingstrengthening the infrastructure of the Ninh Son primary school and improving Cluster -Based Teacher Training and School Management in Vietnam, we were extremelyimpressed with the Japanese officers and experts working on these projects.The Cluster-based Teacher Training and School Management started in September 2004,and is aimed at improving teachers' teaching methodology by encouraging pupils to bemore involved in lessons and learn how to work in groups.The theory is that pupils should raise their hands to participate in class discussions ratherthan simply listen to the teacher's explanation, as they did before.Teacher Nguyen Thi Ha from the Yen Dung primary school in Yen Dung District said thetraining course is really useful."We have to understand the pupils and create favorable learning conditions for them sothey can participate in the lessons more comfortably," Ha said.A teacher should never say any bad words to his/her pupils. He/she should love them andconsider them as friends in order to encourage their involvement in the lesson.About 133 primary schools in Bac Giang have benefited from the project, including basicinfrastructure and teaching materials."The Japanese methodology of teaching and their materials are very advanced and veryuseful to us. It makes us aware that we need to change our old methodology," Ha said.But all Japanese officers like Tak and JICA team leader, Noriyoshi Nagamatsu, expressedtheir concern about the sustainability of the project.

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They asked relevant local agencies to propose suitable solutions to maintain the projectafter the funding ends in August 2007.Japan resumed Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Vietnam in 1991 with a totalamount of JPY 1,108.1 billion (about US$9.6 billion) by the end of 2004 of which the loanis JPY 967 billion, grant aid is JPY 81,1 billion and technical co-operation is JPY 60billion.The money has been invested in many socio-economic development projects, focusing oninfrastructure and personnel resources.In addition, thousands of small and medium grass roots projects have been funded byJapan, including the construction of more than 300 primary schools nationwide andeducational plans for the development of primary education.(Vietnam News, 30 Oct., page: 8)