World Bank and Asia Development Bank ADB give more.”

Nam blinked in surprise.
“So it’s not like Japan just ‘gives’ us hundreds of bridges, ports, and train stations?”
Kitaro grinned.
“Not quite. It’s more like lending under incredibly generous terms. For example — 2.7 trillion yen in ODA loans, with low interest rates and repayment periods stretching over decades. There are grants too, about 100 billion yen, but less than multilateral funds.”

Nam laughed.
“So… like borrowing a power drill from a kind friend who says, ‘Use it well, and remember to return it.’”
“Exactly. And with that drill, we’ve built Bai Chay Bridge, expanded Noi Bai Airport, the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro, Lach Huyen Port… all big-ticket projects.”

Nam rested his chin in his hand.
“Japan doesn’t just give money. They send experts, transfer technology, train people. I have a friend who studied in Japan on a MEXT – Japanese goverment scholarship.”
Kitaro nodded.
“In Japan, we say, ‘Giving a fish is good, but teaching how to fish is better.’ Sending experts is a way to transfer know-how — but it’s also a way to create jobs for Japanese companies. Those experts don’t come cheap, Nam.”

Nam raised his cup, smiling.
“Then let this coffee be my ‘ODA grant’ — no repayment required between friends.”
Kitaro burst out laughing.
“Next time, make it a ‘Pho ODA’. When you come to Japan, I’ll give you an all-you-can-eat yakiniku ODA in return.”