Launching the GREAT 2 Lao Cai Project

Attending the launch ceremony were Mr. Hoang Quoc Khanh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and Head of the GREAT 2 Project Steering Committee of Lao Cai province; Ms. Cherie Anne Russell, Development Cooperation Counsellor, Australian Embassy in Vietnam, and Co-Head of the GREAT 2 Project Steering Committee of Lao Cai province; representatives from the Ministry of Planning and Investment; representatives from the People's Committees of districts and cities in the project area; representatives from businesses, project management units such as Cowater International, co-implementing units, financial institutions, and universities and colleges in the province.

Scenes from the GREAT 2 Lao Cai Project Launch Ceremony.

The project "Promoting Gender Equality through Enhancing the Economic Efficiency of Agricultural Production and Tourism Development (GREAT)" is funded by the Australian Government and implemented from 2017 to 2027 in Lao Cai and Son La provinces with a total aid value of A$67.4 million. This project aims to enhance the economic empowerment of women, especially ethnic minority women, in Lao Cai and Son La provinces.

Phase 1 of the project in Lao Cai province, from 2018 to 2022, was implemented with various activities that helped 6,819 women increase their income; 1,568 women found new jobs; 86% of women participating in the project felt more confident; and mobilized $3.14 million in private investment in agriculture and tourism...

The coordinator presents project information.

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In Lao Cai province, phase 2 of the project will be implemented from 2022 to 2027 in most districts, towns, and cities with a total investment of over 244 billion VND, of which over 236 billion VND is non-refundable ODA capital from the Australian Government.

The project focuses on developing market systems for agricultural products and strengthening tourism capacity, thereby increasing women's economic empowerment. It is expected that over 14,000 women, 70% of whom are ethnic minority women living in Lao Cai province, will benefit from the GREAT 2 Lao Cai Project.

The project is expected to help improve women's income, participation in socio-economic activities, status, and self-confidence in the family, community, and production and business environment. Through the project, it will contribute to supporting Lao Cai province in implementing national target programs and Vietnam's gender equality strategy.

Comrade Hoang Quoc Khanh delivered a speech to launch the project.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr. Hoang Quoc Khanh, Head of the GREAT Project Steering Committee of Lao Cai province, emphasized: With the positive results and impacts after the implementation of Phase 1, Lao Cai province continues to receive support from the Australian Government through the implementation of the GREAT 2 Lao Cai Project. To implement the GREAT 2 Project, Lao Cai province has strengthened the Steering Committee, organization, and operational budget of the GREAT 2 Lao Cai Project Management Board; and completed the project documents and guidelines. To date, all preparations for the GREAT 2 Lao Cai Project have been completed, and the province is committed to implementing project activities immediately after the project announcement and launch ceremony.

Comrade Hoang Quoc Khanh and Ms. Cherie Anne Russell exchanged agreements on the project implementation.

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Previously, in March 2024, representatives from the People's Committee of Lao Cai province and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam signed an Agreement to implement the Project to promote gender equality through improving the economic efficiency of agricultural production and tourism development in Lao Cai province. This is an important legal basis for the GREAT 2 Lao Cai Project to officially move from the preparation phase to the implementation phase.

The GREAT 2 Lao Cai project will be managed and coordinated by Cowater International (Canada) under the authorization of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/khoi-dong-du-an-great-2-lao-cai-post383808.html