The WB executive in charge of the Asia-Pacific region made the statement during his field trip to projects funded by his bank in Hanoi’s neighbouring province of Ha Tay on February 7.

Jim Adams visited Phu Xuyen district hospital and talked about the project to prevent bird flu and influenza in humans. He also checked bird flu prevention activities in Phuc Tien and An Khoai communes.

Jim Adams is talking with a farmer in Thuong Tin district, Ha Tay province

Speaking after visiting these locations, Mr Adams said he was surprised at Vietnam’s achievements in its efforts to contain bird flu. Vietnam is also ready to receive more assistance to prevent bird flu. The WB is also willing to continue to sponsor Vietnam, he added.

Jim Adams said the WB will grant Ha Tay province US$400,000 to build a new market for better control of fowl trading activities. This week, the WB and the Vietnamese Government will continue discussing measures to help Vietnam contain bird flu.

Vietnam will be able to quickly stamp out bird flu outbreaks once they recur, the WB executive said. Vietnam’s successful model in the fight against bird flu has been applied in over 30 other countries, he added.

Nguyen Huy Dang, vice director of the Ha Tay provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said WB-funded projects have helped raise farmers’ awareness of the need to prevent bird flu. The WB provided 504 households in Phu Xuyen, Chuong My and Hoai Duc districts with fowl breeds of clear origin.