In 2026, Dak Lak is implementing five ODA-funded projects with combined investment of more than 2.836 trillion VND. The total foreign-funded capital allocated for 2026 amounts to nearly 704 billion VND, and the province has allocated 100% of plan. This includes more than 475.5 billion VND in central government grants alongside 228.4 billion VND in on-lent loans.

The Urban Development Project in the eastern area and along the Ea Nao - Ea Tam stream corridor being expected to receive 350 million USD in ODA loans.

According to comrade Cao Dinh Huy, Director of the Department of Finance, ODA disbursement remains slow because projects must simultaneously comply with procedures and requirements under both Vietnamese regulations along with donors’ requirements, particularly those concerning procurement, site clearance, resettlement and fund withdrawal. Numerous stages require donor approval, while difficulties in adjusting investment policies, carrying out compensation procedures while verifying land origins across several projects have also affected construction progress.

In response, the Dak Lak PPC has intensified efforts to direct project owners and relevant departments combined with agencies to resolutely address bottlenecks, thereby accelerating project implementation and disbursement. A notable measure has been the establishment of a task force to promote the mobilisation of ODA coupled with foreign concessional loans.

For each project, the province has proactively introduced tailored measures to resolve outstanding difficulties. Under the Smallholder Agriculture Climate Change Resilience Project (SACCR), the project owner sought and obtained the donor's approval to adjust the scope of activities, ensuring that the works can be put into operation before December 31, 2027. For the project on improving water-use efficiency in drought-affected provinces, following approval of adjustments to its investment policy alongside feasibility study report, the province is requesting the Ministry of Finance to promptly send a letter to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) concerning amendments to and an extension of the loan agreement.

Buon Triet Reservoir irrigation project in Dak Lieng Commune, funded by ODA.

Alongside efforts to remove disbursement bottlenecks in ongoing projects, Dak Lak has proactively drawn up a list of priority ODA projects for mobilisation during the 2026 - 2030 period, with a view to supporting socio-eco infrastructure development. A key proposal is the Urban Development Project in the eastern area and along the Ea Nao - Ea Tam stream corridor, with a preliminary total investment of approximately 13.543 trillion VND as well as an expected loan requirement projected at 350 million USD.

Regarding site clearance difficulties, comrade Pham Van Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Construction, proposed separating site clearance into a standalone project to allow greater flexibility in managing implementation schedules for ODA-funded projects.

According to the PPC Vice Chairman, comrade Nguyen Thien Van, projects financed by ODA and foreign concessional loans play an important role in developing urban, transport combined with environmental infrastructure. Relevant departments and agencies must therefore coordinate closely to prepare detailed, feasible project proposals, while prioritising key projects with significant spillover effects. In addition, the province needs to proactively engage with the Ministry of Finance together with international organisations to mobilise financial resources, while preparing local budget counterpart funding.

Decisive direction from provincial leaders, coupled with coordinated efforts by departments and agencies, is helping to deliver positive changes while affirming the determination to unlock external funding and generate fresh momentum for rapid alongside sustainable development in the new period.

Translated by KHUONG THAO