This shows an increase of 8.2 percent on the 2010-11 budget for Vietnam.
“The increased funding for Vietnam demonstrates Australia’s long-term commitment to assisting Vietnam to reduce poverty and achieving sustainable development,” said Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Allaster Cox.
Managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Australia’s aid program will assist the country to achieve its objectives in the following areas: strengthening human resource development; economic integration and improving infrastructure, and environmental sustainability (water supply and sanitation, climate change and agricultural research).
Australia’s support will include the design of Cao Lanh Bridge which will deliver significant economic and social benefits by improving transport access for residents in the densely populated Mekong Delta region.
Australia will also provide 245 scholarships to Vietnam in 2012. These scholarships aim to promote knowledge and education links and develop the skills of the Vietnamese people.