Latest Foreign Assistance Briefs

- The Saigon Times Foundation (STF) under the Saigon Times Group in association with Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ) last Wednesday handed over scholarships to students in the central province of Quang Ngai. The ‘Long-term scholarship program STF-PNJ’ with total funds of VND150 million is contributed by PNJ.  (thesaigontimes.vn May 30)

- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged $250,000 to help Vietnam’s central province of Quang Nam develop the Payment for Forest Environment Services (PFES) program, an ADB expert said. Nicole Lauren Sorkin, an ADB expert in Vietnam made the statement at a working session with local authorities on May 30. The program, to be carried out in five hamlets in Ma Cooi commune, Dong Giang district from now up to June 2013, is aimed to raise capacity of local officials in the program execution as well as improve livelihoods of the locals. (Vietnamplus.vn May 30)