HA NOI – The Canadian Government will grant US$20.4 million to the Vietnam Skills for Employment Project following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two governments in Ha Noi on Wednesday.

The project aims to improve vocational training and technical education management, as well as provide opportunities to access skills training programmes, particularly for ethnic minorities, adolescents and rural residents.

It is intended to meet Vietnam's requirements for a knowledgeable human resource base amid its international economic integration.

Vietnam and Canada established a development co-operation relationship in 1990. At present, Vietnam is among 20 nations prioritised for Canadian Government aid. Canada provided $23.5 million to Vietnam in the 2009-2010 financial year and $27.5 million in the 2010-2011 financial year.

Canada's aid to Vietnam mainly focuses on sustainable economic development, increasing agricultural productivity to assist with food security and facilitating training for farmers. Fighting climate change is also considered a priority for bilateral co-operation.

The MoE was signed by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Cao Viet Sinh and Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Deborah Chatsis.