The UK Government will continue to provide non-refundable aid worth about US$100 million annually to Vietnam from now until 2011 to help the country maintain economic growth and assist the poor.
The decision was announced by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) at a press briefing in Hanoi on May 20.
Under the Country Assistance Plan for Vietnam, the DFID will focus on three areas: ensuring continued strong economic growth and opportunities for the poor as Vietnam integrates into the global economy, improving the quality and inclusiveness of basic services for the poor, and promoting effective and accountable governance.
The Plan demonstrates the UK’s continuous commitment to Vietnam, aiming to help the country meet all Millennium Development Goals, said Head of the DFID Vietnam, Donald Brown at the press briefing. He added that over the past 10 years, Vietnam has developed a strong and vibrant economy and the greatest poverty reduction of any country in the world.
Since 1992, the British government, through the DFID, has funded many projects in Vietnam, spending approximately US$498 million.