Australia Plans $150M ODA for Vietnam in 2011-2012

Australia plans to increase its official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam to AUD137.9 million ($150 million) in 2011-2012, up 8.2% compared to last year’s estimated budget for the country, the Australian Embassy announced May 11.
“The increase shows Australia’s long-term commitment to assist Vietnam to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development,” Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Allaster Cox said.
Australia’s aid program aims to assist Vietnam to achieve its objectives in strengthening human resource development, economic integration and improving infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, Cox noted.
“In 2011-2012, we will continue to assist Vietnam’s effective integration into the world’s economy and improve access to essential infrastructure services such as water supply and sanitation and transport linkages that connect poor areas to key transport and economic corridors,” he said.
The aid program is managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).
Australia’s support will include design of the Cao Lanh Bridge which will deliver significant economic and social benefits by improving transport access for residents in the densely populated Mekong Delta region of Vietnam.
Earlier, Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said at a meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem that Australia government continues to prioritize its ODA to Vietnam in the coming years. (Quan doi Nhan dan – People’s Army May 12 p8, www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn May 11)