At the launching event (Source: baomoi.com).

The project, worth nearly VND 300 billion (US$ 12.9 million), includes non-refundable official development assistance (ODA) capital provided by the Australian government and 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, Counsellor 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 its 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% of enterprises or cooperatives will be led and co-managed by women.

The project will also support the development of policy dialogues and attract US$ 6 million from the private sector in order to conduct business activities.

Source: NDO/VNA