Australian aid targets low-income earners

The Australian Government will provide financial support for 13 direct aid projects (DAPs) to northern and central provinces of Vietnam in the 2011-2012 financial year.

Australian Ambassador Mr. Allaster Cox said on April 12 the DAP focus on promoting the generation of additional income sources for low-income communities and the provision of vocational training and healthcare facilities for disadvantaged people, including women and children with HIV/AIDS and former drug addicts.

“The Australian Government’s year-on-year increase of direct aid for Vietnam is a manifestation of our strong support for and willingness to be part of these efforts,” he said.

DAP funding is in addition to Australia’s significant bilateral aid program for Vietnam. The Australian Embassy’s DAP funding reached VND2.75 billion this year, increasing by 9 percent compared to the 2010-2011 financial year.

It is available to individuals and organisations engaged in development activities in Vietnam on a not-for-profit basis. A DAP project often receives a grant of up to VND210 million and grants of up to VND350 million can be available for more complex projects of high merit.