The Australian Consulate General in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City has launched the Direct Aid Program (DAP) within a non-refundable aid worth AUD141.3 million ($131.3 million) for Vietnam in the 2014-2015 fiscal year. DAP, which includes governmental and non-governmental projects, will provide loans worth $10,000 each to small-scale development projects with an aim to address humanitarian hardship and advance developmental outcomes for disadvantaged communities in the south (from Danang southwards). The projects will cover those on building classrooms, bridges, toilet and road in rural areas; equipping teaching aid, safe water pipeline; and providing healthcare. The deadline for applications is October 10 and DAP guidelines and application form are available at www.hcmc.vietnam.embassy.gov.au [1]. In the 2013-2014 fiscal year, the agency provided AUD130,000 ($120,820) for 11 projects in different areas ranging from health care to education and infrastructure. (Vietnamplus.vn Aug 13, thesaigontimes.vn Aug 13, Thoi Bao Kinh Te Viet Nam – Vietnam Economic Times Aug 14 p3)
