Ireland finances poverty reduction programme

(VOV) - Ireland has committed EUR13.29 million to a programme on socio-economic development in Vietnam’s disadvantaged communes (known as programme 135) over the 2013–2015 period.

A financial agreement to this effect was signed in Hanoi on December 13 between Irish Ambassador to Vietnam Damien Cole and the government’s Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs (CEMA) chairman Giang Seo Phu.

The funding will be used to help ethnic minority people escape poverty in Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Dien Bien, Bac Kan, Thanh Hoa, Quang Ngai, Kon Tum, and Tra Vinh.

It is also intended to assist improving living conditions in disadvantaged mountainous communes and narrow development gaps separating ethnic minority groups and the Kinh majority.

The Vietnamese and Irish Governments will evaluate the programme annually, identifying any difficulties and challenges as early as possible.

The Vietnamese Government is responsible for ensuring the money is not wasted.

CEMA Vice Chairman Son Phuoc Hoan said Vietnam has introduced many policies preferencing investment in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. International organisations have also supported Vietnam’s development goals and particularly Programme 135.

Hoan thanked the Irish Government for the financial aid and expressed hopes Ireland and other development partners will continue to support Vietnam’s poverty reduction programme.

Ambassador Damien Cole reiterated Ireland’s pledge to help improve living conditions for millions of poor people.

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