Although Irish Aid's bilateral assistance is focused on six priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa, some assistance was also provided to Vietnam in the years 1996-98.
In 1996, £40,000 was provided to Oxfam for an ethnic minorities education project in the Muong Khuong and Sa Pa districts in the Lao Cai Province of Vietnam. Goal received £25,000 for a rural development project in Ham-Nimh.
In 1997 Electricity Supply Board International (ESBI) received funding of £240,237 for a rural electrification project in Huyen Hoi Commune, Tra Vinh province, Vietnam. Funding of £16,200 was also provided for a study of consultancy needs in Vietnam carried out, on behalf of Irish Aid, by a private sector consultant.
Funding of £143,848 in 1997 and £131,000 in 1998 was provided to Trócaire towards activities undertaken under the CIDSE (International Cooperation for Solidarity and Development) Programme in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Under this programme, Trócaire works together with a number of other international NGOs. Activities in Vietnam included agricultural training, health and credit and savings projects. In 1998 £11,528 was provided to Oxfam for a training site for the Ha Tinh blind association in Ha Tinh Province.
Through funds provided by Irish Aid, consultancy projects have been undertaken by Irish consultants in 1996 and 1997, in the agricultural and power sectors in Vietnam, under the Irish General Consultant Trust Fund (CTF) at the World Bank.