The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) has called on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to actively participate in charitable and development projects, particularly those designed to support poor people.

HUFO President Le Hung Quoc made the appeal at a meeting with representatives from NGOs and officials from southern localities, which was held in HCM City on February 8 to boost cooperation in implementing charitable programmes.

Many NGO representatives urged local authorities to create more favourable conditions and simplify administrative procedures for NGOs to expand their operations in support of the poor.

Last year, HCM City received a total of US$12.5 million in cash and gifts from NGOs as well as foreign organisations and individuals. The donations were mainly poured into the fields of health care, HIV/AIDS prevention and vocational training, benefiting a large number of disadvantaged and disabled children and poor people.

The city also granted licenses to 27 NGOs, raising the total number of NGOs operating in HCM City to 150.

On this occasion, the HCM City People's Committee presented certificates of merits to 27 NGOs for their great contributions to the city’s charitable activities and development in 2006.