The Japanese government has pledged to grant $580,000 to five projects on improving infrastructure in several poor provinces of Vietnam under a signed agreement on Nov 27. The projects focus on improving a water supply system in the central province of Nghe An and upgrading schools in the four northern provinces of Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Hoa Binh and Lang Son. The projects are expected to improve the education environment and living conditions for the locals in these disadvantaged areas, Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Fukada said at the signing ceremony. As one of the largest providers of official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam’s education sector, Japan had invested in 1,900 Vietnamese projects, capitalized at nearly $32 billion. (Quan Doi Nhan Dan – People’s Army Nov 28, Dai Bieu Nhan Dan – People’s Deputy Nov 28, vietnamplus.vn Nov 27)
