A conference to strengthen and expand partnerships with non-governmental organisations is being held in the central province of Nghe An on July 10 and 11.

Vietnam has established an effective, mutually-respectful and equal partnership with NGOs which have been involved in humanitarian activities across the country, said participants who represent Nghe An authorities, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations and many NGOs operating in the country.

The number of NGOs operating in Vietnam rose from 200 in the early 1990s to 750 in 2008, and their aid for the Southeast Asian Nation reached more than 250 million USD the same year.

In particular, Nghe An is a top destination for NGO aid. Since 2005, the province has welcomed 100 projects, which have helped reduce poverty and raise the community’s awareness.

The province hopes to attract NGO’s aid to rural and agriculture development, hunger eradication and poverty reduction programs, as well as the prevention of natural disasters and coping with climate change.

Other areas are expected to benefit, such as healthcare services, water-supply safety and environmental protection, general education and vocational training, and in particular, traditional handicrafts.
During the two-day conference, the participants will tour a number of NGO-funded projects on agricultural development and rehabilitation./.