December 14, 2009
World Bank helps Vietnam on livestock breeding competitiveness
World Bank has promised to provide US$65.26 million to aid Vietnam's competitiveness in livestock farming as well as ensuring its food stability.
The agreed pledge was held in Hanoi on December 10 by representatives from the World Bank and the State Bank of Vietnam.
The project is an initiative of the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development (MARD) and costs totally US$79.03 million which aims to increase production efficiency of household producers through the adoption of Good Animal Husbandry Practices.
The project is seen to minimise adverse impacts on the environment by ensuring food safety and hygiene. Slaughter houses and markets selling fresh produce will operate according to the country's hygiene standards.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Nguyen Van Giau said that this is a practical project in the context that food safety has posed a "hot" issue not only in the society but also on the agenda of the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, World Bank's Country Director for Vietnam Victoria Kwakwa said that through the project, the WB is expected to help Vietnam alleviate hunger and reduce poverty in rural areas.
