USAID launches Development Cooperation Strategy for Vietnam
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced its Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) at a ceremony in Hanoi on January 14, outlining the agency’s development assistance programme in Vietnam from 2014-2018.
US Ambassador David Shear said the launch of the strategy started the next period of development cooperation between the two countries, creating a foundation for USAID’s plans, budget allocation and support to Vietnam in the next five years.
In his speech, Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh said he believes that the five-year strategy will assist Vietnam to enhance its capacity in improving the quality of the healthcare system, coping with climate change, solving environmental issues and overcoming the consequences of war.
At the event, USAID signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to officially begin the agency’s new Governance for Inclusive Growth programme.
“The programme exemplifies how we are putting the concepts of our strategy into action,” said USAID Vietnam Mission Director Joakim Parker.
“It supports broad-based growth, including trade, while addressing development issues for women, ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups.”
Parker expressed his h ope that the programme will support Vietnam’s aspirations to be a responsible and inclusive international partner.
The programme will include capacity building support relevant to Trans-Pacific Partnership commitments and activities under the programme. They will be designed to increase the economic and social participation of women, ethnic minorities and vulnerable people.
The 42 million USD programme will be implemented by a consortium led by Chemonics International, a US consulting firm selected through a competitive procurement process.
The MoJ has been assigned the position as the primary counterpart of the programme which will work directly with the National Assembly, Ministries of Industry and Trade, Finance, and Planning and Investment, the State Audit Office of Vietnam and the MoJ .
The programme will also develop partnerships with the private sector, civil society organisations, universities, local governments and development partners on specific issues.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Justice Hoang The Lien said the Governance for Inclusive Growth programme will help create a new cooperative framework between Vietnam, the US and international community in the future.-VNA
