(VOVworld) – The US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday organised a launch ceremony for the 2014–2018 Country Development Cooperation Strategy for Vietnam.

Deputy Minister of National Defence Nguyen Chi Vinh (L), US Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear (center), USAID Director Francis A.Donovan (R) at a ground-breaking ceremony of a project to clean dioxin at Danang Airport. (Photo: Vietnamnet)

At the ceremony, Joakim Parker, Mission director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam, presented the strategy’s content to USAID partners and representatives from non-governmental organizations, the private sector and the provinces.
According to Parker, over the next five years, USAID will use 344 million USD to improve Vietnam’s trade and competitiveness, contribute to the development of its economic private sector, and encourage all parts of society to boost economic activity. The USAID program will enhance Vietnam’s healthcare system through the prevention and control of bird flu and tackling HIV/AIDS, as well as strengthening Vietnam’s capacity to confront climate change through green growth. USAID hoped that under the program they could complete the dioxin detoxification project at Da Nang Airport, evaluate dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa Airport and boost comprehensive ties between the two countries.
Addressing the ceremony, the US Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, Rena Bitter, said:
“The most important thing about this strategy is that it will keep us on course to pursue development in a sustainable way for the environment, our economy, climate, and people. Our charge is to continue the process in important challenges and to continue partnership with the government, with organizations and the people of Vietnam. Because together we will all make great strides toward a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam”.