Sharing strategic priorities and including new sub-sectors: MOT and DFAT agree to extend phase I of Aus4Transport until June 2024
IN BRIEF
The Ministry of Transport in Vietnam (MOT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) once again confirmed their strong commitment to the transport partnership between the two countries on the 1st of April 2022. Both parties met face-to face in a highly anticipated reunion of the Aus4Transport Program Steering Committee (PSC) to discuss overall activity progress, common strategic priorities and the expansion and extension of the Program. In a brief, but intense and effective meeting, the Committee reached several significant agreements, especially in the areas of program governance, budgeting and resources, and future collaboration regarding transport infrastructure in Vietnam.
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The Program Steering Committee (PSC), co-chaired by H.E. Mr Nguyen Ngoc Dong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Transport in Vietnam, and H.E. Mr Mark Tattersall, Deputy Head of Mission of the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, met face-to-face again at the Melia Hotel on April 1. This was the 5th time that the PSC has met since the beginning of the Aus4Transport Program in 2018, and, on this occasion, it brought new faces, achieved several milestones, and addressed moderate challenges.
The overall progress of the Program was considered satisfactory, with all activities having moved forward after being heavily impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. No critical delays have been identified. Stream A activities are almost finalised and current tasks in the ongoing 10 Stream B activities are being implemented in a timely manner.
- The PSC unanimously approved the proposal for a broader development of two Management Information Systems (MIS), one for Inland Waterways Administration (VIWA) and another one for the Vietnam National Railway Authority (VNRA). In line with the directive of the Prime Minister to continue working towards the establishment of an efficient e-government structure, Aus4Transport will increase budget and expand its Scope of Work for these two activities. The Program will further support MOT to develop infrastructure asset management databases, allowing transparent and efficient operation of the transport network at the national level.
- The Committee also approved a study mission for MOT officials to visit Australia. They will be able to observe and learn from the Australian experience on several of Vietnam’s emerging priorities, such as developing and managing the supply chain/logistics following COVID disruptions, effective implementation of e-Government and MIS systems, and good practices on transport investment.
- Regarding Program Governance, one of the most important decisions made was to extend the Program and, consequently, the Subsidiary Arrangement, and contract with the Program Management Contractor until the end of June 2024, ensuring all activities are successfully completed by this date.
- With key new priorities emerging for both governments, the Committee also discussed potential future collaboration and continuity of the Australian infrastructure investment in Vietnam. Both parties are keen and fully committed to deepening the partnership in transport infrastructure, focusing on logistics and supply chains, digital transformation, decarbonisation and new sub-sectors. A multi-disciplinary team will be soon engaged by DFAT to redesign the shape and content of the new program, which is expected to be announced in 2023.
In summary, the meeting, attended by representatives of more than 10 MOT departments and units, demonstrated great collaboration and strong partnership skills between the parties. It was clear that all activities have made significant progress despite the difficulties posed by the ongoing waves of Covid-19, and that positive developments had been possible because of the extraordinary efforts and effective teamwork of all stakeholders.
