Vietnam has received 80 billion USD in official development assistance (ODA) and preferential loans since 1993, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh at a working session between the Government and a delegation of the National Assembly Standing Committee. Of the total amount, more than 70 billion USD came from low-interest loans (under 2 percent), and 7 billion USD was in non-refundable assistance. ODA has helped Vietnam better its infrastructure systems and ensure social security, particularly in mountainous and remote areas. The funds also helped to accelerate technology transfer and management skills from developed countries, while also creating more jobs for local labourers.-VNA