Vietnam and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have inked a document outlining a national programme on drug and crime prevention for the 2012-2017 period.

It was signed by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Cao Viet Sinh and UNODC Vietnam Country Manager Zhuldyz Akisheva.

The programme, with a budget of nearly 14.5 million USD to be funded by non-refundable aid, includes five sub-programmes, dealing with trans-national crimes, corruption and money laundry, terrorism prevention, criminal justice and reducing HIV/AIDS and drug demand.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister Cao Viet Sinh said the programme is a joint effort by the Vietnamese Government and UNODC in implementing their joint plan for the 2012-2016 period.

He expressed belief that with the concerted efforts of both sides, as well as support of donors, the programme will make positive contributions to the implementation of national strategies and goals on preventing and combating drugs and crimes in Vietnam .

Each sub-programme under the project will have their specific targets defined basing on research and evaluation of risks, he said.

It will assist the ratification of international conventions and protocols supervised by UNODC, while supporting the process of adopting relevant laws in Vietnam ’s legal system.

Besides, the programme will help Vietnam strengthen its coordination in the field with its neighbouring countries and other Southeast Asian ones, he added.-VNA