The recent suspension of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded projects in Vietnam is expected to significantly impact human and environmental safety at project sites, particularly at Bien Hoa Airbase in Dong Nai Province, where efforts have focused on removing unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang made this statement at a regular press briefing in Hanoi on Thursday in response to questions about the suspension of USAID-financed projects in Vietnam, following the U.S. administration's decision to pause all foreign assistance programs for 90 days.

"Vietnam pays great attention to U.S. decisions regarding the USAID,” Hang said.

Earlier, on February 4, President Trump issued a directive instructing all foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving U.S. funding – including those supported by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the USAID – to cease operations for 90 days.

On the same day, the department ordered the closure of all overseas USAID missions and initiated the recall of thousands of USAID staff to the U.S.

For years, USAID has been a key partner in various cooperation initiatives between the two nations, spanning sectors such as healthcare, education, climate change, disaster relief, and, most notably, post-war recovery efforts, Hang stated. 

USAID-funded projects have brought tangible benefits to numerous Vietnamese provinces, improving the lives of countless citizens.

"The suspension of USAID’s support programs – especially those focused on UXO and the remediation of dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa Airbase in southern Dong Nai Province –  will severely affect human safety and the environment in these project areas," Hang emphasized.

In a related development, the Department of External Relations of north-central Quang Tri Province on February 8 issued a press release confirming that all U.S.-funded projects and programs in the province have been temporarily suspended due to the U.S. administration freezing foreign aid for 90 days.

“The province is facing major challenges due to the temporary suspension of crucial UXO clearance projects, which were funded by the DOS through various organizations such as the Mines Advisory Group, Norwegian People's Aid, and PeaceTrees Vietnam,” the press release stated.

The suspension has currently affected more than 1,000 workers engaged in the U.S.-funded war-remediation projects in the province.

Founded in 1961 under U.S. President John F. Kennedy, USAID was initially established to advance U.S. interests abroad and counter former Soviet influence during the Cold War. Over time, it has evolved into the world’s largest development aid agency with a broad global reach. 

In 2023 alone, USAID allocated over $43 billion in foreign assistance, spanning more than 130 countries, with programs covering health, education, and even military aid.

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