IFC in Vietnam

IFC’s strategic priorities in Vietnam focus on developing the financial sector, strengthening the investment climate, promoting private participation in infrastructure and privatization, supporting small and medium sized enterprises, and investing in sectors where domestic demand is growing or where Vietnam has a comparative advantage. Our Advisory Services program has recently targeted cleaner production and environmental sustainability, improved labor and social conditions, and the establishment of new supply chains in agribusiness, among others. IFC’s Advisory Services in Vietnam are delivered primarily through MPDF, a private sector development initiative in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lao PDR, whose donors are Australia, Canada, Finland, IFC, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.

IFC also acts as co-sponsor of the semi-annual Vietnam Business Forum, an important vehicle for policy dialogue between the government, the private sector, and the donor and business communities. These forums have led to the identification of policy priorities for Vietnam’s business and macroeconomic development.

IFC will continue to support viable private sector investments in Vietnam, with strong demonstration and mobilization effects. In FY08, IFC’s commitment in Vietnam totaled US$ 110 million. Our investment target for FY09 is expected to be approximately US$ 300 million.