A conference calling for foreign non-government organisations (NGOs) toprovide more aid to the central province of Thanh Hoa was held in Hanoion March 28.

Hosted by the Vietnam Union ofFriendship Organisations (VUFO), the event brought together more than 50international NGOs operating in Vietnam.

Participants discussed ways to attract more non-governmental assistanceto Thanh Hoa in order to further promote poverty reduction and improveliving conditions for local people.

Vice Chairman ofthe provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Dinh Xung said there were 64foreign aid projects, worth 9 million USD, implemented in the localityin 2013. They were focused on the fields of agriculture, ruraldevelopment, health, education, social welfare, environmental protectionand climate change response.

Xung stressed theprojects played an important role in providing livelihoods for localpeople, especially in disadvantaged areas, thus contributing to reducingpoverty and protecting the environment.

Nguyen SongHoan, Director of the provincial Department of External Affairs saidThanh Hoa considers its cooperation with NGOs as one of its keyactivities, and promised it will create favourable conditions foroverseas charitable organisations to operate in the province.

Chairman of the union of friendship organisations in Thanh Hoa, HoangVan Hoang, thanked NGOs for their support to the locality and called onthem to continue assisting the province in realising its povertyreduction and sustainable economic development targets.-VNA