The project, worth nearly VND 300 billion (USD 12.9 million), includes the Australian government’s non-refundable official development assistance (ODA) capital and the corresponding capital from the local budget.
It aims to promote gender equality and increase the social-economic status of women in Lao Cai through improving the efficiency of agriculture and tourism development.
The project will be carried out from 2018 to 2021 in Bat Xat, Muong Khuong, Bac Ha, Sa Pa, and Van Ban districts.
Justin Baguley, Counselor of Economic and Development Cooperation at the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, said the Australian government has implemented a number of activities to support the development of Lao Cai.
Through this project, Australia hopes to further enhance cooperative relations with Vietnam, and particularly Lao Cai, as well as empower women in disadvantaged areas, he added.
The project aims to increase the incomes of at least 20,000 women and generate new, paid jobs for 2,000 others by 2021.
At least 15 percent of enterprises or cooperatives will be led and co-managed by women.
The project will also support the development of policy dialogues and attract USD 6 million from the private sector to conduct business activities.
Source: VNA