GCF - a global competition programme for Vietnamese businesses - was launched by DANIDA.

GCF Chief advisor, Amarnath Reddy said GCF plans to fund 50-60 projects for Vietnamese private businesses. The programme will be implemented in the eight provinces and cities of Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, An Giang, Can Tho, Nghe An and Thanh Hoa from late 2011 to 2013 with a total non-refundable aid package of VND216 billion.

Similar seminars will be held in Nghe An and Thanh Hoa provinces.

GCF aims to sharpen the competitive edge of Vietnamese private businesses that specilise in export by enhancing access to proper trade services, introducing new creative trading methods and expanding export markers.

To join GCF programme, businesses and organisations in the eight provinces must have new trading initiatives, good management, strong human resources and financial capacity.

In Phu Yen, GCF will focus on aquaculture, seafood processing, agricultural and forestry production and exports, tourism and handicrafts.

This is the second time GCF has been implemented in Vietnam. From 2006 to 2010, GCF provided VND135 billion for 51 businesses, associations and five business initiatives in the four provinces of Ha Tay, Nghe An, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong. The programme helped generate nearly 6,400 new jobs, provide new skills for more than 8,100 workers and raise export value to an additional VND58 billion.