On August 7, 2025, the dispute resolution process related to the Vietnam Coastal Cities Sustainable Environment Project (P156143) officially concluded without an agreement. The process was facilitated by the World Bank Accountability Mechanism’s Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) and conducted in accordance with the Accountability Mechanism Operating Procedures.
The dispute resolution process was initiated following the World Bank Board’s February 2024 approval of an Inspection Panel recommendation to investigate the project. On February 8, 2024, the DRS offered the Parties the opportunity to pursue a voluntary dispute resolution process, which they accepted on March 12, 2024. Over the course of the process, the DRS facilitated extensive bilateral and joint dialogue with the Parties including six international staff missions.
Although the Parties did not reach an agreement addressing the issues found eligible for investigation, the process supported meaningful engagement and led to the signing of a confidential Memorandum of Understanding in March 2025. Upon the Requesters formally communicating their wish to withdraw from the process and subsequent DRS due diligence, the process concluded in accordance with the applicable Resolutions and Operating Procedures.
The case now proceeds to the World Bank Inspection Panel for investigation.
Case No. 23/03 DRS
English | Vietnamese (unofficial translation)
