An afforestation project covering nearly 1,000ha has begun in northern Ha Giang Province's Xin Man highland area, one of the poorest districts in Viet Nam. Investment capital amounting to VND75 billion ($3.6 million) has been provided by Lien Viet Post Bank and the State. This follows a Government resolution in December 2008 to help 62 districts escape dire poverty and involves the entire political hierarchy, business community and public. The project is expected to provide about 500 permanent and from 1,000 to 1,500 seasonal jobs and eventually be s source of timber for the provincial wood processing industry. Participating households are expected to make more than VND25 million ($1,200) per ha in seven years. They can access low-interest loans from the Lien Viet Bank. (Vietnam News Oct 16)
