The Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long is a bright spot in the region in attracting foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs), not only in terms of aid value but also in management.

The comment was made by a mission from the Committee for Foreign NGOs during a working session with the local authorities on July 20.

The mission called for better communication and cooperation among relevant bodies to enhance the effectiveness of aid in the locality, in addition to luring more enterprises to join the activities.

Local authorities suggested the committee work with the Ministry of Planning and Investment on including culture, sports and tourism in the international NGO funding coverage.

More favourable procedures should be executed in the approval and implementation process of NGO-funded projects in the localities.

They called for more active support from the committee and relevant bodies to promote international aid for the province.

According to the provincial Union of Friendship Organisations, there are 29 NGOs operating in Vinh Long. The province has received over 400 billion VND and 7 million USD from nearly 100 individuals, donors, international and domestic NGOs since 2003.

The proceeds have significantly contributed to local socio-economic development through social projects on poverty and hunger reduction, education, healthcare, rural traffic systems, clean water, environmental protection and climate change adaptation.-VNA