HANOI, September 10, 2014 -- U.S. Agency for International Development’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Asia, Denise Rollins, visited Vietnam on September 9 to highlight the partnerships behind USAID’s programs to facilitate economic growth and expand opportunities for social inclusion. The Acting Assistant Administrator also recognized the impact of past and current USAID assistance to address war legacies.

In Hanoi, Ms. Rollins met Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cao Duc Phat; discussions touched on climate change, emerging pandemic threats, wildlife trafficking, and disaster risk reduction.  The Acting Assistant Administrator also participated in an economic governance panel where she spoke about the important role of private sector and civil society to help ensure inclusive economic growth.

“Last year President Obama and President Truong Tan Sang outlined a vision that advances the prosperity and security of both our nations through a new model of development, said Acting Assistant Administrator Denise Rollins. “It’s an approach grounded in harnessing innovation, local leadership, and public-private partnerships, with a relentless focus on delivering real, measurable results.”

In Danang, Acting Assistant Administrator Rollins visited USAID’s dioxin remediation project after discussing with representatives from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Danang People’s Committee the historic collaboration that is making it a success and contributing to the dramatic improvement in relations between the two countries. Visiting the Danang Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital, she commended Vietnam’s progress in developing social protection policies for persons with disabilities and a new focus on moving assistance for this vulnerable population to local leadership, government and local nongovernmental organizations.

Ms. Rollins also announced a new partnership between USAID and Coca-Cola to implement the Mekong Vitality Expanded Alliance. The Alliance is a two-year savings-led microfinance project implemented by Pact to assist an estimated 6,000 women in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long. She made the announcement during a reception attended by representatives of private sector firms and local social entrepreneurs in Danang.

“Through public-private partnerships like this, USAID and its private partners are expanding opportunities for millions of people around the world,” said Denise Rollins. “This collaboration will bring the unique capabilities of government, donors, and businesses together to unlock the potential of Vietnam’s people.”

For pictures from the Acting Assistant Administrator’s visit, please go here.