He made this statement on Thursday while chairing a working session with the AFD delegation led by Hervé Conan, AFD's Country Director in Việt Nam.

In Điện Biên Province, AFD sponsors the project of integrated water resource management to serve the livelihoods, adapt to climate change, and promote socio-economic development in Tuần Giáo District; the project of multi-hazard management in the Nậm Pồ River basin to protect livelihoods, adapt to climate change, and enhance socio-economic development in Nậm Pồ District; and the project of multi-hazard management in the Nậm Rốm River basin to protect livelihoods, adapt to climate change, and support socio-economic development in Điện Biên Province.

Currently, the multi-hazard management in the Nậm Rốm River basin project has initiated construction for six out of out civil works packages.

The remaining package, involving riverbed dredging, will begin after embankment construction. As of now, completed construction value amounts to VNĐ101 billion out of a total VNĐ610 billion, achieving 16.6 per cent of the target. By December 31, 2024, the expected completed value is projected to reach VNĐ121.58 billion.

The integrated water resource management project in Tuần Giáo District includes two components, including construction of the Sái Lương Reservoir in Mường Mùn Commune with a capacity of approximately 5.9 million cubic metres and a water pipeline system and auxiliary structures along a 120-km route.

The total investment for the project is VNĐ1.38 trillion (approximately 53.321 million EUR).

The multi-hazard management in the Nậm Pồ River basin project in Nậm Pồ District is expected to consist of four components. These include construction of anti-erosion embankments; dredging, widening, and regulating the Nậm Pồ River section through Nậm Pồ District's centre; construction of a water-lifting dam on the Nậm Pồ River; and construction of a flood-regulating reservoir and water supply system.

The total investment for this project is VNĐ1.49 trillion (approximately 54.515 million EUR), with a preparation phase spanning two years of 2025–2026 and implementation over four years between 2027 and 2030.

For the Tuần Giáo District project, AFD emphasised the importance of dam safety, support for local residents, environmental impacts, and intercropping with short-term crops during project execution.

Tuần Giáo District was urged to closely coordinate with AFD's relevant agencies during implementation. Additionally, AFD recommended that the provincial People's Committee register to include this project in the medium-term plan for 2026–2030.

For the multi-hazard management in the Nậm Rốm River basin project, AFD highlighted delays in land clearance compensation, which are impacting project progress.

At the current pace, it will be challenging to complete all construction work by 2025.

AFD recommended that Điện Biên Province assess the land clearance process. If the project cannot be completed within 2025, the province should prepare the necessary procedures to transition the project into the 2026–2030 medium-term plan.

Regarding the project in Nậm Pồ District, AFD expressed its willingness to support Điện Biên Province in implementing the project once the province fulfills the necessary conditions.

During the working session, Chairman Đô reaffirmed Điện Biên Province's commitment, along with Tuần Giáo District, to provide all necessary support for AFD’s consulting units during project execution.

Additionally, Điện Biên Province will carry out procedures to register the project for inclusion in the 2026–2030 medium-term plan.

For the multi-hazard management in the Nậm Rốm River basin project, land clearance efforts are currently hindered only by legal procedures. Residents have largely agreed to hand over land for the project, and most construction packages are underway.

The Provincial People's Committee is actively directing local authorities to finalise the legal aspects of land clearance. In terms of timeline, Điện Biên Province is determined to complete the project within the 2021–2025 medium-term plan and avoid extending it into the next phase.

The province expressed gratitude for AFD’s interest and support regarding the project in Nậm Pồ District. Điện Biên Province will continue further studies and propose specific plans to AFD regarding the project’s scale and total investment.

Both parties agreed to meet in March 2025 to discuss and finalise the next steps for implementing the three projects.