The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) have presented certificates of merit to 52 international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) in Vietnam in recognition of their contributions to the country’s poverty reduction and sustainable development.

The presentation was made at an annual ceremony to honour INGOs hosted by VUFO in Hanoi on December 16.

Addressing the function, the third of its kind, VUFO Chairman Vu Xuan Hong said the operation of INGOs in Vietnam has also helped increase the understanding and friendship between Vietnamese people and those in other countries.

At the same time, by informing the public and donors about their projects, INGOs have contributed to garnering more support for the country, he added.

Since 1991, Vietnam has set up relations with 900 INGOs.

To date, Vietnam has received a total support of over 3 billion USD from INGOs, which have conducted their activities in 63 cities and provinces nationwide.

INGO-funded projects focus on economic development, health care, education, social issues, dealing with post-war consequence, coping with climate change and disaster aid relief.

Seventy-two INGOs have pledged 153 million USD for poverty reduction programmes in Vietnam in 2013.-VNA