The Australian Embassy in Vietnam held a photo exhibition entitled “Cooperation and Developing” on December 5 in Hanoi to commemorate the UN international volunteer day.

The event, which will run until December 12, is amongst activities to prepare for the 40th anniversary of Vietnam- Australia diplomatic ties (February 26, 1973-2013).

More than 80 pictures, taken by volunteers and voluntary agencies across Vietnam, vividly reflect the images of volunteers and their work.

Addressing the event, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Hugh Borrowman spoke highly of the contributions of Australian volunteers to hunger eradication and poverty reduction efforts in Vietnam.

The Australian Volunteer for International Development (AVID) programme has been highly valued in Vietnam for its quality and skilled volunteers.

Among beneficiary countries of the AVID programme, Vietnam receives the third largest number of volunteers with more than 1,000 Australians having worked in Vietnam since two countries established diplomatic ties in 1973. Currently, 80 Australian volunteers are employed by NGOs, research and training institutions, State agencies and even the private sector in Vietnam. Their work mainly focuses on the fields of human resource, economic integration, sustainable environment and other prioritised areas.

In the 2012-2013 fiscal year, the Australian Government has committed a budget of 63 million AUD for the AVID programme in 40 countries in the world.-VNA