Lam Dong expands cooperation and mobilizes international aid

The delegation, led by Tran Thanh Hoai, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Department of Foreign Affairs, included representatives from the Department of Finance, the Department of Education and Training, the Suoi Kiet Commune People's Committee and the provincial Study Promotion Association. The delegation met with World Vision International (WVI) in Vietnam, the People's Aid Coordination Committee (PACCOM), CARE (United States) and IDH (the Netherlands).

During the meetings, the province presented local development needs and discussed potential cooperation in livelihoods, responsible agriculture, forest protection, climate change response, education, child welfare, gender equality, clean water and environmental sanitation.

Expanding cooperation in livelihoods, education and child welfare in Lam Dong

During its meeting with WVI on October 12, the delegation discussed opportunities to expand programs supporting livelihood development, forest resource protection, education and disadvantaged children.

Notably, on October 5, 2026, the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee approved more than VND 18 billion in aid from WVI for the project “Promoting Deforestation-Free Coffee Supply Chains” in Kien Duc, Quang Tin and Nhan Co communes. The project aims to develop sustainable coffee supply chains, promote responsible agricultural production and curb deforestation.

At the meeting, the delegation also proposed increased support for disadvantaged children, particularly ethnic minority children and those at risk of dropping out of school. Priorities include improving learning conditions, providing life skills and digital skills training, and creating an environment conducive to their all-round development.

In Suoi Kiet Commune, the delegation identified urgent needs for clean water, improved school facilities and stable livelihoods. The commune is home to approximately 3,000 Raglai ethnic minority people, many of whom face difficult living conditions. Some kindergartens lack classrooms and have to use community halls to hold classes.

WVI representatives said the proposals would be considered when developing plans for the next phase of cooperation.

CARE and IDH explore sustainable agricultural initiatives

At its meeting with CARE on October 13, the delegation discussed programs to develop sustainable livelihoods, increase incomes and strengthen women's roles in agricultural production.

For the 2026–2030 period, CARE plans to study and implement a project to develop carbon-neutral solutions for Arabica coffee through agroforestry systems, with an estimated budget of USD 2.5 million. CARE also plans to implement a project to empower women in the sustainable pepper production chain in Dak Lak and Lam Dong during 2026–2027, with an estimated budget of USD 300,000.

Also on October 13, the delegation met with IDH to discuss opportunities to develop coffee and pepper value chains in association with environmental and social responsibility.

For 2026–2030, IDH plans to implement a “Sustainable Pepper” program in Lam Dong, Dak Lak and Gia Lai, with an estimated budget of USD 2 million. It is also planning a “Sustainable Coffee Development” program in Hanoi and the provinces of Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Lam Dong, with an expected budget of USD 5 million.

Strengthening aid coordination and ensuring effective use of resources

Earlier, during a meeting with PACCOM on October 12, the delegation requested support in connecting the province with funding organizations whose priorities align with local development needs.

PACCOM representatives emphasized that project proposals should clearly identify priority needs, target beneficiaries, expected outcomes and the capacity to sustain results after funding ends. They also stressed the importance of ensuring that aid is managed and used transparently and in accordance with its intended objectives.

Through these promotional and partnership-building activities, Lam Dong aims to diversify its partners and mobilize additional international resources for socio-economic development, improve residents' living conditions, and advance feasible programs capable of delivering long-term results.