The two sides discussed the project on integrated water resources management for climate change adaptation in Tuần Giáo District, Điện Biên Province.

The project aims to enhance irrigation capabilities and establish concentred zones for macadamia and coffee cultivation across 21,000 hectares in Tuần Giáo District, ensuring water supply for 35,000 local residents.

It involves constructing a reservoir with a capacity of 5 million cubic meters and a 120km-long pipeline system.

The total investment is over VNĐ1.33 trillion (51 million euro).

AFD has pledged a non-repayable grant of 1.5 million euro to support sustainable agriculture on sloped terrain, facilitate carbon credit certification, and install automated control systems for pipelines.

These efforts are expected to create favourable conditions for agricultural development, particularly for macadamia and coffee, catalysing socio-economic growth in Tuần Giáo District.

AFD plans to engage an independent team of expert consultants to evaluate dam safety, formulate disaster response strategies, and maximise water resource management.

They will also address environmental impacts during dam construction, manage compensation for land clearance and pipeline installation, boost economic benefits for local communities utilising project water, and allocate resources under the non-refundable grant.

Technical support and future implementation plans are also priorities.

AFD has urged the Điện Biên Provincial People's Committee to promptly issue an official document committing to specific aspects of the project.

During the meeting, leaders of Tuần Giáo district committed to adhering strictly to dam safety regulations and pledged close cooperation with AFD's consultants throughout the project.

They will clear and relocate vegetation from the reservoir area before filling it with water.

To bolster local incomes during the initial stages of macadamia cultivation, the district intends to intercrop with crops like corn and upland rice.

Tuần Giáo aims to channel water from the project into the central reservoirs of existing water supply initiatives, benefiting local residents.

Deputy Chairman of Điện Biên Province People's Committee, Lò Văn Tiến, discussed with AFD the development direction for industrial and fruit-bearing trees as substitutes for traditional crops in Điện Biên province.

He affirmed the importance of the project for agricultural production in Điện Biên, especially in Tuần Giáo District.

The Điện Biên Provincial People's Committee agreed with AFD's project specifics and requirements.

The province will promptly formalise commitments for counterpart funding to AFD. It will also strengthen guidance to ensure close collaboration among departments, sectors, and Tuần Giáo district for the project's effective implementation.