HANOI, December 5, 2013 -- On the occasion of the Vietnam Development Partners Forum, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is pleased to announce that its Country Development Cooperation Strategy for Vietnam was recently approved after consultations with numerous stakeholders. The strategy provides the foundation and direction for USAID's development program in Vietnam for the next five years.

"The new U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership reflects Vietnam's importance to U.S. engagement in Asia," said USAID Mission Director, Joakim Parker. "This strategy contributes to the Partnership outlined by our presidents in July, as well as addresses fundamental development challenges. USAID assistance will be focused on collaborative efforts that support the goal of Vietnam's continued transformation into a responsible, more inclusive partner."

Over the next five years, USAID assistance will be oriented around three objectives: enhanced governance for inclusive growth, strengthened institutions to improve health and well-being, and addressing war legacies to advance the U.S.-Vietnam partnership.

USAID will build on 12 years of successful partnership on economic reforms and growth assistance, focusing on broader-based, sustainable growth as the best prospect for progress that benefits all Vietnamese people. USAID assistance will strengthen capacity in government, civil society, the private sector and within vulnerable populations, which is critical  for greater inclusiveness as well as sustainability. USAID's programs will be focused in international health, climate change, disaster mitigation, higher education and vulnerable groups whose social and economic participation are essential to Vietnam's progress. The strategy also covers Agent Orange/Dioxin remediation in Danang.

The strategy informs assistance planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.  To date, 29 USAID missions have completed similar strategies.