As many as 200 enterprises and more than 194,000 locals in the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh have benefited from a Canadian-funded project to support SMEs.
Tra Vinh (VNA) – As many as 200 enterprises and more than194,000 locals in 22 rural communes of the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh havebenefited from a Canadian-funded project to support small and medium-sizedenterprises (SME) worth 12.1 million CAD (9.63 million USD).
The project, which is scheduled to complete in 2020, has helped improveproduction and infrastructure as well ascreated jobs in the locality, heard ameeting between Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Ping Kitnikone and leaders ofTra Vinh on August 23 to review the progress of the project.
After two and a half years of implementation, the project has built foursmall-scaled infrastructure works worth over 8 billion VND in four tradevillages, creating favourable transportation conditions for enterprises andover 2,000 locals.
At the same time, the project also launched many activities to assistenterprises in enhancing the value chain of local products, while supportingcooperatives in abiding by the Cooperative Law 2012.
However, Ambassador Ping Kitnikone pointed out that the project’sprogress has been slow with many shortcomings. She held that Tra Vinh should giveclear strategies with a strategic vision in supporting SMEs in the coming time,adding that support activities should be closely connected with each other.
The diplomat also shared Canada’s experience in aiding SMEs.
Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Dong Van Lam thanked theCanadian Government for the support, which he said has contributed to creatinga healthy investment environment and boosting the growth of local firms.
Lam pledged to create optimal conditions for the implementation of theproject in the future, ensuring its effectiveness.
Earlier, Lam and Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Tran TriDungheld a reception for the Canadian ambassador, during which they thanked theCanadian side forsupporting the province.
In the 2000-2010 period, Canada provided 17 million CAD for three projects inthe province, they noted.-VNA
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Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
