Foreign NGO aid contributes to promoting sustainable development in Lao Cai

In the 2020-2025 period, Lao Cai province has received 114 foreign non-governmental aid (NGO) programs and projects with a total committed value of 20.1 million USD, of which disbursement is estimated at nearly 16.6 million USD. This aid source has become an important lever to promote poverty reduction, social security and sustainable development in the locality.

According to Lao Cai newspaper, this success comes from the province's promulgation of methodical policies, notably Decision No. 3375/QD-UBND dated September 17, 2021 on the Program to enhance cooperation and mobilize foreign aid for the period 2021-2025. The Lao Cai Provincial Union of Friendship Organizations was assigned to be the focal point for mobilizing, connecting partners, and closely coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Finance, and the Provincial Police to ensure transparent, effective, and legal operations.

Ms. Le Thi Thanh Huong, Chief Representative of Save the Children in Vietnam, presented 10 billion VND in emergency support to families affected by storm Yagi in Lao Cai province, October 1, 2024. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

One highlight is the clear change in the quality of aid. The 2013-2017 period required 120 aid packages to reach the committed USD 10.9 million, while the 2020-2025 period required only 114 packages, the committed value nearly doubled, showing that Lao Cai has shifted from quantity to quality, prioritizing large-scale, high-impact projects.

Aid is strategically allocated to four pillars: poverty reduction and climate change response (42.7%),education (31.6%), social issues (17.1%) and health (8.6%). Organizations such as ChildFund (Australia), Plan International (UK), Helvetas (Switzerland)... have implemented effective livelihood models, such as developing indigenous agricultural products, adaptive farming techniques, and building new-style cooperatives owned by the people.

Lao Cai province's proactive development of a list of aid calls linked to national target programs further enhances feasibility and meets actual needs. Decision No. 14/2022/QD-UBND on regulations on aid management and use also helps strengthen the trust of international organizations.

These efforts not only help Lao Cai maintain an average GRDP growth rate of 7% per year in the 2021-2025 period, but also enhance its people's foreign relations reputation, creating a solid foundation for the province to continue mobilizing non-governmental resources in the coming time.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/vien-tro-phi-chinh-phu-nuoc-ngoai-gop-phan-thuc-day-phat-trien-ben-vung-tai-lao-cai-214508.html