News analysis
As Japan marks 70 years of giving development aid overseas, questions arise on scheme’s future
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Vietnam's first metro line began running in Ho Chi Minh City on Dec 22, 2024. The project was built with Japanese help through its Official Development Assistance programme.
PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
TOKYO – Vietnam’s first subway system began running on Dec 22 in Ho Chi Minh City, which joins other Asian cities such as Bangkok, Beijing, Jakarta and New Delhi in having metro lines that were built with Japan’s help. Manila is set to be next, in 2028.
It is undeniable that Japan has contributed immensely to the building blocks of Asia’s connectivity through the decades, via its Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme that marked its 70th-year milestone in 2024.