When receiving Ms. Aler Grubbs, Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Viet Nam on Tuesday, Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh informed her about the city’s socio-economic progress as well as its potential, advantages and development orientation.

Da Nang People's Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh (right) presenting a souvenir to the new Director of USAID in Viet Nam Aler Grubbs. Photo: T.PHUONG

Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh highly appreciated USAID - sponsored projects in Da Nang in recent years, especially in the aspects of environmental remediation of dioxin contamination, urban energy security, plastic pollution reduction, solid waste management and water conservation.

Mr. Minh remarked that in the future, Da Nang will develop a green economy, boost digital transformation and build an environmentally friendly city. Therefore, USAID-funded projects will be very suitable for the city.

“In late 2023, Da Nang will inaugurate the Software Park No. 2, including a common creative space. I hope USAID will coordinate with relevant units to appeal for more investors to visit and invest in the city in the time to come” he emphasised.

For her part, Ms. Aler Grubbs thanked the city leader for his warm welcome, expressing her impression on the natural beauty, and the potential and advantages of Da Nang. She also hailed the city for its outstanding socio-economic achievements over the past time.

Over recent years, a number of USAID-funded projects have been benefiting Da Nang, including the Programme of Comprehensive and Integrated Support for People with Disabilities in Da Nang over the 2013 - 2015 period, the program ‘Clean Cities - Blue Oceans’, and projects on environmental remediation of dioxin contamination at Da Nang International Airport, technical support for Viet Nam’s urban energy security in Da Nang, joining hands to protect water resources, and reducing plastic pollution with local solutions

Ms. Aler Grubbs noted the city's recommendations and suggestions, promising to giving a helping hand for the city to effectively implement USAID-funded projects in the years ahead.

Reporting by THANH PHUONG - Translating by M.DUNG