(VNA): The Vietnamese Government will focus on accelerating the implementation of official development assistance (ODA) programmes and projects in the future, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan told the mid-term Consultative Group Meeting which opened in Can Tho city on June 3.

He also said that the Government will pay attention to improving the investment environment, boosting comprehensive economic development, stabilising prices, preparing conditions for joining the World Trade Organisation, furthering administrative reforms, combating corruption and resolving some pressing social issues.

During the meeting, which was attended by 130 representatives from 40 countries and international organisations, high-ranking Vietnamese officials and counsellors of those countries which are carrying out development assistance programmes in Vietnam, focused their discussions on the principles and plan of assistance in the 2006-2010 period, the socio-economic development scheme and the new poverty reduction programme for Vietnam.

They also deliberated on how well Vietnam has implemented the reform roadmap for entering the WTO, particularly reforms in the banking, administrative and legal sectors.

In addition, Vietnam's efforts in combating corruption, HIV/AIDS and avian influenza were also debated in the meeting.

Donors proposed that Vietnam further perfect its legal system, with a view to establishing a stable, transparent and fair business environment for all economic sectors, hence the efficient use of foreign capital sources.

Andrew Jacobs, co-Chairman of the Partnership Group for Aid Effectiveness, said the year 2005 marks the development of co-operative relations between Vietnam and international donors, and this is significant because Vietnam is currently preparing its socio-economic development plans for the 2006-2010 period. The meeting is a good opportunity for donors to map out their strategies for co-operation with Vietnam in the future.

Klaus Rohland, the World Bank's Country Director for Vietnam, said that the WB has financed Vietnam US $5 billion, of which US $1 billion has been disbursed. During the meeting, the WB committed to continuing to assist Vietnam in socio-economic development areas.

Donors committed a record US $3.4 billion to Vietnam during the previous meeting.

At this meeting, the Mekong delta provinces called for foreign assistance and investment for the next five years. Can Tho city called for foreign assistance and investment, worth over US $1.450 billion, for 19 projects which will be carried out between now and 2010.

Over the past five years, Can Tho has implemented 21 ODA-funded projects, valued at US $97 million.