(Nhan dan newspaper): With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Perez-Guerrero Trust Fund, Vietnam launched a project today to develop further its development co-operation efforts with Benin and Mozambique.

The project entitled "Strengthening development co-operation for poverty reduction between Vietnam, Benin and Mozambique" was signed by Deputy Foreign Minister Le Bang, UNDP Resident Representative and United Nations Resident Co-ordinator, Jordan Ryan and the Perez-Guerrero Trust Fund representative.

"One of the main obstacles to developing more comprehensive and effective co-operation between Vietnam and Africa is a serious lack of information regarding their needs and socio-economic realities," said Mr Jordan Ryan.

This project is to provide an in-depth analysis of the situation in Vietnam, Benin and Mozambique and focus on opportunities for socio-economic and development co-operation, said the United Nations Resident Co-ordinator. He described it as notable example of multilateral co-operation among developing countries that will contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals worldwide.

"UNDP is pleased to support such co-operation between Vietnam and African countries.  Through its global knowledge network, UNDP can help share our experiences, especially those relating to the African partner countries, to help enrich and deepen the project results," Mr Ryan stressed.

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Bang said Vietnam and African countries had made great efforts to promote friendship and co-operation in the past. Therefore, he expected that the outcomes of this project would better enhance public understanding, particularly in business circles.

He stressed that the hunger eradication and poverty reduction was a successful story in Vietnam. "Vietnam expects that the project will lead to new business initiatives, research projects and missions to promote co-operation between Vietnam and African nations on a bilateral and multilateral basis for both the medium and long-term," he said.

The research results coming out of this project will be presented to government officials and ministries in all the involved countries and a brochure on how to do business with the participating countries will be made widely available to help facilitate business planning, promotion and development.

Vietnam enjoys continued close co-operation with African countries, especially in health, education and agriculture. However, trade between Vietnam and Africa accounted for only US $400 million in 2003: a mere 1% of total exports for Vietnam and 0.1% for African countries./.