On December 21 (the same day local time), in Hanoi, the capital of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, H.E.Mr. ITO Naoki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and H.E. Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Head of the standing board of the national steering committee on overcoming post-war consequences of unexploded ordnances and toxic chemicals in Viet Nam signed and exchanged notes concerning the grant project "Economic and Social Development Programme" with grant amount of 500 million yen to provide unexploded ordnance(UXO) removal related equipment to the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC).
- While Vietnam has achieved rapid economic growth since the introduction of the Doi Moi (Renewal) policy in 1986, the damage caused by landmines, UXO, and dioxin, which have remained from the Vietnam War, is still serious and threatening the safety of the local residents. This problem is preventing the safe use of land, which is a major obstacle to social development.
- Under this cooperation equipment related to UXO removal (bush cutter, demining machines, etc.) including products from Japanese companies will be provided. This cooperation is expected to promote UXO clearance and reduce impediments to development, thereby contributing to the economic and social development of Viet Nam through social stabilization.
(Reference) Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Basic Data
The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam has an area of 329,241 square kilometers (about the same as the area of Japan excluding Kyushu), a population of approximately 100.3 million (2023, General Department of Statistics of Viet Nam), and a per capita gross national income (GNI) of US$4,180 (2023, World Bank).