World Bank pledged to provide a loan worth 65.26 million USD to help Vietnam carry out a project raising the competitiveness of its livestock breeding and ensuring food safety.

The agreed pledge was held in Hanoi on December 10 by representatives from the World Bank and the State Bank of Vietnam.

The project is an initiative of the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development (MARD) and costs totally 79.03 million USD, aiming to increase production efficiency of household producers through the adoption of Good Animal Husbandry Practices.

It is expected that the project will minimise adverse impacts on the environment by ensuring food safety and hygiene. Slaughter houses and markets selling fresh produce will operate according to the country’s hygiene standards.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Nguyen Van Giau said that this is a practical project in the context that food safety has posed a “hot” issue not only in the society but also on the agenda of the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, World Bank's Country Director for Vietnam Victoria Kwakwa said that through the project, the WB is expected to help Vietnam alleviate hunger and reduce poverty in rural areas./.