The Danish government has provided over $4 million for the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak to implement an agricultural and rural development program in the 2008-2012 period. At a working session with the provincial leaders on August 12, Deputy Ambassador of Denmark to Vietnam Lis Rosenholm praised Dak Lak province for its effective use of the Danish aid. To date, the province has allocated over VND45 billion towards implementing the program’s objectives, including increasing agricultural economic growth, developing agricultural and rural infrastructure, improving living conditions for residents, strengthening the protection and use of natural resources, maintaining a sustainable environment and raising management capacity. Between now and 2012, Dak Lak pledges to use the remaining capital effectively, to ensure that agriculture will account for 46 percent of the province’s economy, and 76 percent of rural residents will gain access to safe water. (vovnews.Vn Aug 13)
