Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (right) welcomes Philippe Le Houerou, CEO of the International Finance Corporation, in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc received Philippe Le Houerou, CEO of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank (WB) Group, in Hà Nội on Thursday.

At the reception, PM Phúc praised the co-operation between Việt Nam and the IFC in terms of financial funding and advice on macro-economic and financial policies.

Le Houerou said Việt Nam is a suitable partner for the IFC, highlighting an increase in IFC activities in Việt Nam recently as well as the significant potential for bilateral collaboration on infrastructure.

The IFC can help Việt Nam switch to clean energy, build power lines and boost the use of liquefied gas, the CEO said, adding that the corporation wants to continue supporting the development of Việt Nam’s small- and medium-sized enterprises. He said he hoped for assistance from the Vietnamese Government and the PM during this process.

PM Phúc agreed, stressing the potential of the private sector in Việt Nam.

Pointing to the risk of energy and electricity shortages in the country, the Government leader asked the IFC to assist Việt Nam in developing renewable energy and upgrading overloaded power lines in key areas.

He also called for help from the IFC in environmental protection, energy, clean water, finance and poverty alleviation.

Agreeing with his host, Le Houerou said that the IFC is strengthening its financial and securities consultations for Việt Nam and the corporation is committed to working closely with Vietnamese ministries and sectors to tap the country’s growth potential. — VNS