The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has introduced its 2014–2018 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) for Vietnam, designed to help strengthen the US-Vietnam comprehensive partnership.
At a launch ceremony in Hanoi on January 14, US Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear said the CDCS is the next step in US-Vietnam development cooperation and lays the foundations for planning, budget allocation, and USAID activities in Vietnam during the next five years.
The strategy consists of three targets: strengthening State management to promote broader and more sustainable growth; improving the capacity to protect and advance health and welfare; and promoting the US-Vietnam partnership through initiatives such as dioxin cleanup at Danang Airport and environmental evaluation at Bien Hoa Airport.
Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh thanked the USAID for launching a strategy verifying the two countries' partnership.
He expressed hopes that the strategy will help Vietnam better its healthcare system, cope with climate change, deal with environmental issues, and address the lingering legacy of war.
Deputy Minister of Justice Hoang The Lien and USAID Mission Director in Vietnam Joakim Parker signed a memorandum of understanding on implementing a Governance for Inclusive Growth Programme.
Parker said the programme complements the USAID's governance and economic growth initiatives in Vietnam. It also includes capacity building support relevant to Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) commitments.
The new programme will be implemented over five years. An investment consortium led by US consultants Chemonics International will provide its US$42 million in funding. A competitive procurement process selected the firm.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has been assigned primary responsibility for the programe but will also work closely together with the National Assembly, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the State Audit Office of Vietnam.
It will also develop issue-specific partnerships with the private sector, civil society organizations, universities, and local governments.
MOJ Vice Minister Hoang The Lien said that backed by unanimous support from both governments, the Governance for Inclusive Growth Programme creates a new framework for cooperation and opens up new opportunities for collaboration on legal and judicial issues relevant to Vietnam, the US, and the wider international community.
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