Over recent years, the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations (DAFO) has gained fruitful achievements from its people-to-people exchange activities. 

A representative from DAFO (right) speaking with some US veterans

This has been mainly attributed to DAFO’s great efforts in encouraging all residents across the city to take part in people-to-people exchanges.  In addition, the organisation has accelerated its operational innovations to appeal for more financial aid from international non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The Chairman of DAFO, Mr Huynh Duc Truong, recently remarked that the Union’s 11 member organisations have increasingly promoted the efficiency of their operations over recent years in order to bolster bilateral friendship and cooperation with localities in other countries worldwide.

Numerous cultural and friendship exchange activities have been organised, attracting a great deal of attention from local residents, especially young people and students, and international friends.  Included were a home-stay programme for students and the International Day of Yoga, plus Japanese and Indian film festivals.

In addition, DAFO has played a vital role in bolstering bilateral friendships with people’s organisations in neighbouring countries, other ASEAN member nations, and those with which Viet Nam has developed traditional relationships.  To date, it has established bilateral relationships with a total of about 40 people’s organisations, NGOs, universities, and consulates of foreign countries.

DAFO has coordinated with the municipal Fatherland Front Committee to implement numerous meaningful programmes in the city.  In addition, it has made great efforts to appeal for overseas Vietnamese across the world to join efforts for the city’s progress.

Every year, DAFO works with local relevant agencies to raise over 150 billion VND for the implementation of more than 100 local programmes and projects, which in turn has helped to promote the city’s socio-economic development.