Australian assistance to Viet Nam in 2013-14 will continue to support the Cao Lanh Bridge project. Construction is expected to begin this year.— VNS File Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— The Australian Government will provide an estimated A$159.1 million (US$157 million) in official development assistance to Viet Nam for the 2013-14 period, the Australian Embassy announced yesterday.

Australia remains strongly committed to assisting Viet Nam to overcome poverty and ensure sustainable development as demonstrated by the increase in funding of A$6 million compared to the previous period, Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Hugh Borrowman said.

"This is part of the Government's overall commitment to increase the size of the Australian aid programme to A$5.7 billion up from A$5.2 billion in 2012-13," Borrowman said..

Australian assistance to Viet Nam in 2013-14 will continue to support the Cao Lanh Bridge project. Construction is expected to begin this year.

The bridge will improve access to markets and basic social and health services for residents in the densely populated central Mekong Delta region

"Australia will continue to assist Viet Nam's economic reforms and improve access to essential infrastructure services such as water supply and sanitation," Borrowman said.

"We will also build transport linkages that connect poor areas to key transport and economic corridors. Australia will continue to support Viet Nam's climate change response with a particular focus on the Mekong Delta region.

"We will do this by working with provincial governments and communities on adaptation measures to protect and promote people's livelihoods.

"Australia will provide up to 250 Australia Awards Scholarships in 2013-14. These awards are designed to develop the skills of Vietnamese so they can contribute to development," the diplomat added. — VNS