As part of her official
visit to Vietnam, U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator
Henrietta Fore presided at a ceremonial opening of the agency's new mission
in Hanoi.
Since the mission has been operating for the past few months, the
ribbon cutting really recognized the growing importance of U.S.-Vietnam
diplomatic and economic relations by USAID's commitment to a locally run
mission. Before that, the mission was a regional office, managed by USAID's
bureau in Thailand.
Health care, education and the environment were among the issues the
administrator and prime minister discussed with Vietnamese officials. Fore
also met with more than a dozen women holding prominent positions in
business, health, education and law to gain their insights on how well
women are advancing under Vietnam's growing prosperity. The administrator
also visited USAID-supported HIV/AIDS and methadone clinics.
Vietnam's effort to rapidly move toward a market-driven economy has
decreased poverty more than 30 percent among that nation's 84 million
people.
Still, problems persist.
Needle-using drug abusers are keeping HIV/AIDS at epidemic levels and
an alarming amount of human trafficking continues. USAID-sponsored business
partnerships, however, have made strides in boosting Vietnam's economy.
Microsoft, Intel and Qualcomm have brought wireless Internet connections to
rural areas and schools while Masterfoods and the World Cocoa Foundation
increased coca production and trade in the nation's Mekong Delta and
Central highlands.
Nearly $100 million in assistance is slated for Vietnam this year, up
from $59 million in 2007 and $37 million in 2006.
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International
Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide
for nearly 50 years.
SOURCE USAID
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