Quang Tri expands cooperation with international non-governmental organizations

In the global arena, Quang Tri province has prioritized foreign affairs and development cooperation, benefiting from the support of international organizations and foreign non-governmental entities to address war-related consequences and societal challenges.

A center showcasing efforts to address the impacts of landmines and explosive remnants in Dong Ha City. Photo: D.T

Quang Tri Province presently collaborates with 34 foreign non-governmental organizations and 23 international organizations in executing development cooperation initiatives.

In addition to maintaining collaborative ties with conventional organizations and partners specializing in mine clearance, such as PTVN, MAG, NPA, and CRS, as well as fields like development support through entities like World Vision International, Plan International, and MCNV, Quang Tri has actively forged connections with several other organizations and sponsors. These include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Irish Aid, and the US Office of Defense Cooperation (CDC). Moreover, the province has established relationships with various foreign non-governmental organizations such as Medipeace (South Korea), Project BOM (South Korea), and GCS (South Korea).

In addressing war consequences, Quang Tri has formulated and executed a comprehensive mine action strategy, including the establishment of a mine action center. The province employs digital mapping for high-contamination zones, integrates advanced technologies in clearance efforts, and establishes a shared database management system for mine clearance activities within the socio-economic development plan.

The coordination between the government, mine action organizations, and local communities is a key focus. Collaborative efforts with organizations like SODI, APOPO, RENEW, CPI, Golden West, MAG, and NPA have significantly reduced annual mine accidents, with nearly 30,000 hectares of land cleared of mines and over 800,000 mines and explosives safely handled.

Through mine prevention education programs, awareness has been raised for 630,000 individuals. Furthermore, almost 1,000 local technical staff have been trained and equipped to sustainably address the consequences of landmines. The goal is for Quang Tri to become the first province in Vietnam, free from the impact of mines and explosives by 2025.

Furthermore, foreign non-governmental initiatives have played a pivotal role in positively impacting access to health services, education, poverty alleviation, and sustainable livelihoods. In the realm of education, nearly 100 school and kindergarten projects have received non-refundable aid from foreign non-governmental organizations. Support in the form of friendly libraries, teaching equipment, and training methods has significantly enhanced the quality of education.

Recent years have seen a focus on foreign non-governmental aid contributing to developing socio-economic infrastructure in health, culture, education, agriculture, forestry, and fishery development. This aid aims to facilitate economic restructuring, fostering the transfer of modern technology, advanced management practices, and human resource training.

Through various programs and projects, numerous schools and campuses have been constructed or renovated, providing safe learning environments for students. Training and capacity transfer activities benefit local officials and individuals, covering livelihood improvement, credit, microfinance, and short-term training courses for civil servants. These efforts promote a modern, dynamic, and integrated working style.

Moreover, foreign non-governmental aid addresses various social challenges, including employment, poverty reduction, epidemics, climate change, gender inequality, and domestic violence. Funding sources contribute to expanding agricultural land, increasing the area liberated from the risk of mines and explosive devices annually, and supporting communities of people with disabilities due to war and Agent Orange/dioxin. Scholarships, livelihood assistance, and access to additional medical training and rehabilitation programs, particularly community-based, are provided.

Children benefit from sponsorship programs by international organizations and foreign donors, actively promoting children’s rights and the rights of people with disabilities. The implementation of international cooperation projects on humanitarian mine action, along with the establishment of organizational and project offices, has generated stable and decent income for approximately 1,000 workers, averaging VND10 million (US$412) per person per month.

Crucially, the outcomes of the collaboration between the province and foreign non-governmental organizations have significantly contributed to enhancing Quang Tri’s ability to implement the foreign policies of the Party and State more effectively. The cooperative process in executing programs and projects through people-to-people diplomacy activities has been extensive, leading to a better understanding within the international community of the Party’s guidelines, policies, and state laws. This understanding, in turn, has resulted in continued support for the province’s socio-economic development, fostering friendly relations and cooperation for mutual growth.

Quang Tri has successfully undertaken numerous peace, solidarity, friendship, and cooperation activities, effectively sharing information and connecting with international friends. Annually, the province warmly welcomes hundreds of volunteer groups from various countries for friendly visits, exchange activities, and tree-planting initiatives.

When observing the overall socio-economic landscape, it is evident that Quang Tri province is experiencing robust growth. This collective achievement is attributable to the support and companionship provided by international organizations, foreign non-governmental entities, and donors. Their assistance has played a vital role in enabling the province to effectively address the aftermath of war and promote the ongoing development of its socio-economy.

Tan Nguyen - Ngoc Mai