ADB supports sustainable water services in Vietnam

The expansion will increase production capacity, install additional water intake pumps, and build raw water transmission pipes from the Dong Nai River intake facility.

The upgrade will help to meet rising water demand of residential and industrial customers in Ben Cat town, Tan Uyen town, Binh Duong new city, and Thu Dau Mot city of Binh Duong province, where industrial zones provide jobs for nearly 1.3 million locals and more than 500,000 foreigners. The financing package also includes a parallel co-financing of $8 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

A further $500,000 in technical assistance will be provided by the e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund, established in 2006 by the Republic of Korea to help ADB’s developing members meet their development goals through the creation and sharing of experience, information, and knowledge.

“This financing will deliver sustainable and efficient water supplies in this fast-growing province, spurring its future growth and contribution to the broader economy,” said Infrastructure Finance Division Director for Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific at ADB's Private Sector Operations Department Jackie B. Surtani. “It is a strong signal to other international financiers that private sector commercial financing of Viet Nam’s water sector is feasible and attractive. We are also very happy to work with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on this transaction to support water sector development in Viet Nam.”

The technical assistance will provide capacity building on financial management and climate-resilient business and operational planning. It will also enhance the legal foundation of the business and operational framework between BIWASE and the Binh Duong Provincial People’s Committee.