Welcome speech of Mrs. Nguyễn Phương Nga, Chairwoman of Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) at the 4th International Conference on Vietnam – Foreign NGO Cooperation in Ha Noi on 12-13 December, 2019

• Leaders and representatives of Party and National Assembly agencies, ministries, branches, localities and people’s organizations,
• Representatives of Embassies, international organizations, foreign NGOs and businesses,
• Ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations – the Standing Office of the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs and the focal point agency for the promotion of cooperation and assistance from non-government assistance – I warmly welcome all delegates to the 4th International Conference on Vietnam – Foreign NGO Cooperation. We highly appreciate and sincerely thank foreign NGOs, agencies, localities in Vietnam and international organizations for your efforts in supporting us in this important conference.

For years, Vietnam has been recording comprehensive achievements in poverty reduction and socio-economic development. These achievements would be impossible without significant contributions from foreign NGOs and friends. Cooperation with foreign NGOs plays an important role in foreign relations in particular and people-to-people relations in general. Through programs and projects implemented effectively by foreign NGOs, Vietnam has gained valuable experience in human resource training and management. Foreign NGOs have also helped introduce Vietnam and our culture to the world, contributing to improved cooperation and friendship between Vietnamese people and people around the world.

These great achievements have been gained thanks to the close cooperation of our ministries, branches, people’s organizations and localities in Vietnam, and especially the tireless efforts of foreign NGOs, sponsors, organizations, and individuals. Thank you all.

(Mrs. Nguyễn Phương Nga, Chairwoman of Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) at the 4th International Conference on Vietnam – Foreign NGO Cooperation)

Currently, as we shift from give-and-take relationships to cooperation and partnership in development, we have enjoyed important milestones in the relationship between Vietnam and foreign NGOs. There have been changes in cooperation models, new directions, and new methods focusing on preserving traditional culture and improving community capacity.  We have seen great contributions to the implementation of our priority goals in poverty reduction and sustainable development in Vietnam. This important conference is an opportunity to exchange and share experiences openly and frankly as well as to propose practical solutions for the promotion of effective assistance from foreign NGOs.

This new situation presents us many challenges and different requirements. However, with the mutually beneficial cooperation and common desire for a prosperous Vietnam, I do believe the cooperation between Vietnamese agencies and foreign NGOs and partners will continue to be strengthened and new heights will be achieved.

Over the past few years, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations has made great efforts to bring the best possible assistance to foreign NGOs, from implementing projects to connecting foreign NGOs with local partners to promoting and organizing assistance from foreign NGOs for people in remote areas, areas hit by natural disasters, and people in difficult circumstances. We will constantly innovate to function well as the focal point agency for the promotion of cooperation and assistance from foreign NGOs, acting as an effective bridge between foreign NGOs and Vietnamese partners. We do look forward to receiving your constructive criticism to further promote the effectiveness and sustainability of foreign NGOs’ projects in Vietnam, bringing practical benefits and improvement of living standard to Vietnamese people.

We do hope to receive the active cooperation and assistance of other countries, international organizations, foreign NGOs and development partners for innovation, integration and sustainable development of Vietnam.

Best wishes for a successful conference.

Thank you very much./.