EU launches new development aid programme in Vietnam

Hanoi, December 5 (VNA) – The European Union launched a new multi-annual indicative programme (MIP) for Vietnam in the period of 2014 – 2020 at a press conference in Hanoi on December 4. Pierre Amilhat, EuropeAid’s Director for Asia, Central Asia, Middle East/Gulf and Pacific, said the 400 million EUR programme is designed to assist the country’s socio-economy via boosting energy sector and improving public management and jurisdiction. The aid package saw an increase of 30 percent compared to the figure of the previous seven-year-period. The launch of the programme followed the announcement of the EU and Vietnam on October 13, on the occasion of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit. The programme will help build a more sustainable energy industry through promoting the use of clean and effective renewable energy. One of its targets is to bring electricity to 64,577 household by 2020. Besides, 568,000 household in rural areas will receive help to access electricity from renewable energy sources. While previous MIP focused on health care, trade support, jurisdiction and responsible tourism, According to Pierre Amilhat, development aid for Vietnam is a priority in the EU’s agenda. Currently, the EU is the biggest donor and the second largest trade partner of Vietnam. The two sides are negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement which is hoped to be signed in 2015.-VNA