During the 2013-2017 period, Vietnam will concentrate on attracting foreign assistance for its agriculture, forestry, fisheries, rural development, healthcare, education and training, vocational training, culture and sports. It was stated in the national program on promoting and calling for foreign non-governmental assistance in the mentioned period which was set up under a decision signed by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on July 10. The money will also be used to deal with social issues, environmental protection, addressing post-war consequences, natural disaster prevention and mitigation, and relief aid. The aid will be adjusted to make it more suitable for the country’s orientations in socio-economic development and poverty reduction strategy as well as each locality’s plans and priorities. Disadvantaged, mountainous and ethnic provinces will receive special attention. In rural areas, the program will focus on sustainable poverty reduction in the poorest districts, socio-economic development in ethnic regions, vocational training, handicraft trade growth, job generation and infrastructure development. In urban areas the aid will be used to boost vocational training and create jobs, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and prevent and combat HIV/AIDS and other social evils. Decision No. 40/2013/QD-TTG will take effect from September 2013. (vietnamplus.vn July 13)
