HCM CITY — The Japanese government yesterday organised a signing ceremony to provide non-refundable aid worth a total of more than US$300,000 to two ongoing projects in Việt Nam.

One of the projects, which has received more than $193,000 for its year-long third phase, will be implemented by Japanese non-profit organisation Seed to Table to develop organic agriculture in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Bến Tre.

The third phase, which will be carried out in Bình Đại and five other districts, will provide equipment and training on organic farming for farmers in an aim to increase their income. 

Farmers will receive assistance to build fertiliser composing houses and processing and packaging facilities for post-harvest organic products.

The project, which has been operating in Bến Tre Province for more than 10 years, has received praise for its support activities for farmers and local authorities.

The other project’s year-long third phase, worth $111,851, will be implemented by Japanese non-profit organisation Asia Rainbow, which aims to help localities develop an integrated education system at primary schools for children with disabilities in Bình Thuận and An Giang provinces.

In previous years, Asia Rainbow supported Đồng Nai and Lâm Đồng provinces, and it continues to support An Giang and Bình Thuận provinces.

The third phase will include a two-week training course on psychological counseling methods for local teachers and general teacher training for children with disabilities in the provinces. 

The project will also focus on psychological counseling for parents of children with disabilities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Japanese Consul General Kawaue Jun-Ichi, said: “Although Việt Nam has had significant economic developments, there are many areas that need to be improved.”

“The two projects are about health and food safety, as well as support for children with disabilities, in which Việt Nam needs support. We consider these as very effective projects,” he added. — VNS