Foreign assistance has substantially contributed to the socio-economic development of northern Bac Giang province, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Duong Van Thai said at a workshop on August 18.

The official said since Bac Giang has a number of disadvantages, support from foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) through programmes and projects are important, especially to local agro-forestry-fisheries, rural development, healthcare, education-training and social matters.

Since 2012, around 80 NGOs have carried out initiatives in the province worth over 9.7 million USD, mostly in agriculture, healthcare, education, poverty elimination and environmental protection, he noted.

Also at the workshop, participants discussed foreign aid availability and suggested measures to call for foreign support and optimise assistance offered so as to maximise Bac Giang’s sustainable development.

The function was held by the Vietnam Union of Scientific and Technological Associations and its provincial body.-VNA
VNA