Australia Pledges $132.99M ODA for Vietnam in 2011-2012

The Australian government will provide AUD138 million ($132.99 million) in official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam in 2011-2012, the Australian Embassy said. The embassy also noted that it started receiving document for the direct aid program (DAP) in the Vietnamese northern provinces in 2011-2012 with a deadline of Oct 28, 2011.  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. The fund also helps 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.
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. In 2010-2011, the Australian Embassy has providing aid for 15 projects in 12 nothern cities and provinces in Vietnam, including Quang Tri, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, Ha Nam, Thai Binh, Lang Son, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Hai Duong and Hanoi. (Dau tu – Investment Oct 3 p2)