Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Umeda Kunio on December 5 announced grants from the Japanese government worth a total of 1.2 million USD to eight grassroots development projects in Vietnam.

They are part of Japan’s Grassroots Grant Assistance Programme launched in 1992, which has supported 630 grassroots projects in Vietnam, with Official Development Assistance (ODA) totalling 53 million USD.

The latest projects include new classes for three primary schools in the provinces of Thai Nguyen, Nam Dinh and Nghe An. Each commune will get assistance of up to 80,000-85,000 USD.

The Paediatrics Department of central Quang Tri province’s General Hospital and Binh Chau Commune Healthcare Centre in northern province of Hoa Binh are set to have their facilities improved thanks to the aid worth 83,000 USD and 87,000 USD respectively.

The Da Nang Centre for supporting Agent Orange/dioxin victims will receive aid of nearly 57,000 USD to buy a new bus to carry the victims.

Another grant of 76,000 USD will be provided to Son Mau Commune in Quang Ngai central province to upgrade a 700-metre road connecting two hamlets in the commune.

In addition, the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) in Vietnam will carry out landmine clearance work in the central province of Quang Binh thanks to Japan’s financial assistance worth nearly 625,000 USD.

MAG is a non-governmental organisation based in UK that assists people affected by landmines, unexploded ordnance, and small arms and light weapons.

The Japanese Ambassador and representatives from beneficiary communes and organisations signed grant providing agreements on December 5.

“The Japanese government hopes to contribute to the comprehensive development of Vietnam and better life of Vietnamese,” the Ambassador said.