Quang Tri attracts 25 foreign-invested projects to support socioeconomic growth

Since the beginning of 2025, Quang Tri Province has mobilized 25 new non-governmental foreign aid projects and non-project grants (NGO aid) aimed at addressing the consequences of unexploded ordnance (UXO), promoting socio-economic development, and reducing poverty in the locality, with a total committed value of over US$2.3 million.

Since the beginning of 2025, non-governmental foreign aid projects implemented in Quang Tri Province have primarily focused on areas such as support for people with disabilities, post-war recovery, education and training, and healthcare. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, compared to the same period in 2024, the number of mobilized projects has increased, but the total value of committed aid has declined.

James Browne, Minister of State at the Department of Justice of the Government of Ireland, and Deirdre Ni Fhalluin, Ambassador of Ireland to Vietnam, participated in a communication campaign on child marriage prevention at A Xing Secondary School, Lia Commune, Huong Hoa District. Photo: H.T

Currently, 29 foreign non-governmental organizations and 11 international organizations are implementing projects in Quang Tri Province. These organizations generally have a clear understanding of the legal framework governing their operations in Vietnam. They comply with their registered purposes and areas of activity, operate within the law, and maintain good relationships with local partners.

In recent years, the province has placed greater emphasis on allocating counterpart funding for non-governmental aid programs and projects. Most organizations now require local financial contributions when planning project implementation. This co-financing demonstrates the local government’s initiative, commitment, and collaboration in ensuring sustainable project outcomes.

At the same time, these projects have been integrated into the province’s socio-economic development plans, which has improved their overall effectiveness. This integrated approach has been well-received by donors, non-governmental organizations, and local communities.

However, during the first five months of 2025, projects related to unexploded ordnance were significantly affected by a 90-day suspension of US foreign development aid, which began on January 24, 2025. This suspension was part of a policy review by the new US administration to assess the effectiveness and alignment of aid programs with its foreign policy priorities. As a result, UXO clearance projects in Quang Tri were halted for 1.5 to 2 months, disrupting planned activities and timelines committed to donors.

To strengthen cooperation and improve the effectiveness of foreign non-governmental aid, thereby enhancing the province’s international partnerships, Quang Tri will continue to raise awareness among government officials, mass organizations, and the general public about the importance of collaboration with foreign non-governmental organizations and other development partners.

At the same time, the province will continue to disseminate the policies of the Party and the laws of the State to help foreign organizations and partners understand and comply fully with the relevant legal requirements.

Between 2017 and 2022, Quang Tri Province mobilized over US$100 million in non-governmental foreign aid. These projects made significant and effective contributions to poverty reduction, post-war recovery, and socio-economic development in the province.

Notably, the implementation of these projects created jobs for more than 1,000 local workers, with an average monthly income of around VND10 million per person.

Compared to 2017, the number of workers employed in foreign-funded projects in the province had increased by 140 to 150 percent by 2022. Currently, Quang Tri has one of the highest numbers of workers engaged in non-governmental projects among all provinces and cities in the country.

Thu Ha - Ngoc Mai