Released on 5 July 2006

Australia and the Netherlands co-funding for community-based small activities in Vietnam

HANOI – The Australian and the Royal Netherlands Embassy have jointly provided an amount of AUD1.12 million (more than VND13.4 billion) in 2006 to support community-based small activities in Vietnam through the Australian Small Activities Scheme (ASAS).

This year, 17 projects in 14 provinces have received funding under the scheme. Supported activities will focus on livelihood improvement and environment protection; vocational training and job creation for disabled people; building shelter for disabled, orphan and children affected by dioxin; trafficking prevention and support for the return of trafficked women. Started in 2002, this cooperation is a practical example of donor harmonisation in action. With 3 co-financing agreements with AusAID in 2002, 2005 and 2006, up to date, the Netherlands has contributed over USD1.7 million to support small projects under the Australian Small Activities Scheme.

The Australian Small Activities Scheme (ASAS) is a component of the Vietnam-Australia Development Cooperation Program administered by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) of the Australian Embassy Hanoi. The Scheme is to support small initiatives which contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development in Vietnam. ASAS grants are available to government, non-government organizations and community groups engaged in community development activities in Vietnam on a non-profit basis.

The Australian Government through the Australian Small Activities Scheme has provided over AUD 8 million to support small innovative poverty reduction activities since 1995.

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For further information please contact:

Ms Susan Mckeag, First Secretary
AusAID, Australian Embasssy, Hanoi
Tel: 04-8317754, Fax: 04-8317706
E:mail: [email protected]