President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (first, right) meets representatives of the Vietnam Red Cross Society. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Wednesday asked the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC) to devise specific programmes to pool support from ministries, agencies and localities, and social resources for the poor as the Tết (Lunar New Year) is approaching.

Speaking at a working session with VRC representatives, Phúc, who is also VRC Honorary President, said VRC members should be the pioneers in humanitarian activities.

He urged the VRC to consolidate its operational apparatus from the central to grassroots levels, carry forward its strength, and propose policies and mechanisms to raise its operational efficiency.

The financial management must be tightened, transparent and scientific in line with legal regulations, he stressed.

The leader also asked ministries, agencies and localities to facilitate humanitarian activities launched by the association.

Regarding the organisation of the Asia-Pacific Red Cross and Red Crescent conference 2023, Phúc requested the VRC to make thorough preparations to promote its international position and mobilise international resources for domestic humanitarian activities and projects on the environment, climate change, and livelihood for the poor and other disadvantaged groups.

The leader noted his support for the organisation of an annual meeting of honourary presidents of red cross societies in cities and provinces in November.

VRC Chairwoman Bùi Thị Hoà reported that after the 11th National Congress of the VRC for the 2022-2027 tenure last August, the association has mobilised social resources in support of its Lao counterpart with funding of VNĐ180 billion (US$7.3 million), and residents affected by floods in Việt Nam’s central  provinces with over VNĐ45 billion.

The association aims to help one million impoverished people and those in difficult circumstances with total funding of VNĐ600 billion on the occasion of the 2023 Tết holiday, she noted. — VNS