They shared ideas and discussed possibilities of cooperation between central and local agencies in Vietnam as well as international organizations in policies and the implementation of programs for building new rural areas in a number of countries. They proposed new mechanisms and approaches to these programs taking into account Vietnam’s situation until 2020.

Also high on agenda are approaches to community development and the connection between rural communities and economic development.

Tang Minh Loc, Head of the Cooperatives and Rural Development, said Vietnam wishes to cooperate with international organisations in building new rural areas. He asked the sponsors to give high priority to training, completing infrastructure, improving rural environmental conditions and sharing their experiences in the management of different projects and programs for rural development.

Yuriko Shoji, a representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Vietnam, said the UN will continue to help the Vietnamese Government implement their policies on agriculture and rural development by providing policy consulting and technical assistance during the country’s process of developing new rural areas.

Steve Jaffee, Coordinator at the World Bank (WB) Agriculture and Rural Development Department, said every year WB sponsors nearly US$2 billion for rural and community development projects in countries around the world including Vietnam.

From the initial results of such projects implemented in 11 pilot communes, Vietnam should consider its investment priorities and mobilize the active participation of local people for long-term strategies.