Authorities of Hanoi have approved a VND154 billion ($7.3 million) project, funded by the World Bank, to improve competitiveness of animal husbandry and food safety in Vietnam’s capital city, state media reported. Of the sum, around VND122.8 billion ($5.84 million) will be sourced from the World Bank, while the rest will come from the city budget and the project beneficiaries. The project, to be implemented in the 2010-2014 period, will encourage animal raising in Tran Phu commune, Chuong My district and upgrade ten slaughtering houses and 33 markets in almost all districts in the city. Hanoi is among 12 cities and provinces in Vietnam to benefit from the $79.03 million Livestock Competitiveness and Food Safety Project, with $65.26 million financed by the WB. Other beneficiaries include Thai Binh, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Cao Bang, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Long An and Lam Dong. According to the WB, Vietnam’s agriculture contributes 22% of the country’s GDP and accounts for over 60% of its total labor force. Animal husbandry is expected to account for some 42% of the agriculture sector’s GDP in 2020, up from the current 27%. (Ha Noi Moi –New Hanoi Nov 11)
