MPs support Aberdeenshire charities' project in Vietnam

2.44.49pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 25th May 2007

Aberdeenshire charities have been helping projects such as the Women's Union to reduce poverty in Vietnam

Aberdeenshire MPs Malcolm Bruce and Sir Robert Smith were able to pass on additional support to a poverty reduction project in Vietnam during a recent visit to Vietnam where they visited an agricultural project supported by Aberdeenshire charities back home.

The MPs were in the region as part of the Parliamentary International Development Committee's inquiries which scrutinise the work of the Department for International Development (DfID) and went to visit the project and present cheques on behalf of the Orskov Foundation, based at the Macaulay Institute in Craigiebuckler, and the Westhill Rotary Club.

The aid given is part of ongoing support for the project based in the Huong Van Commune, South of Hanoi where the Women's Union there rears sows. Original aid from the Orskov Foundation provided assistance and advice to the Commune on the best breed to purchase and on management best practice of the livestock. This led to an increase in financial returns which are benefiting the whole community. This latest injection of funds will enable the project to continue its work.

Commenting Malcolm Bruce said:

"The Orskov Foundation offers important financial support and educational help to poor communities across the developing world, by improving agricultural know-how which in turn will help them to improve living standards.

"On our visit we saw a very practical demonstration of how a small amount of money can help reduce poverty. The Committee was struck by the transition that Vietnam is making from low to middle income status and it was really pleasing to see that British aid money has been effectively applied to ensure that local communities can help improve and stimulate growth in their local economies."

Sir Robert Smith MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine and a member of the International Development Committee added:

"I was fortunate to see how the financial support provided by the Westhill Rotary Club is helping the Vietnamese in the Huong Van Commune to continue to invest in and develop their livestock programme which really is making a difference to the local community there."

"The Select Committee's visit was important in establishing how emerging developing countries such as Vietnam are helping themselves thanks to the aid provided from countries such as the UK."