Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - December 1, 2004
During the opening of the annual Consultative Group meeting in Hanoi, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan hailed Vietnam's successes in poverty reduction and growth, which has averaged 7.4% over the past four years.
But he also warned against complacency.
"The danger of lagging behind economically still exists," he said. "Therefore, fast and sustainable development should remain as our top priority in the next five years."
Khoan asked the donors to commit more to the country's development. Pledges for 2005 were expected to be announced Thursday.
The meeting is a chance for international donors to sit down with Vietnamese leaders and map out where they want the country to go socially and economically. Last year, Vietnam received $2.8 billion in aid.
Donors have repeatedly pushed for reducing widespread corruption and increasing transparency and legal and economic reforms.
They also have called for more efficient disbursement of funds so that the people in greatest need can benefit. In 2003, Vietnam disbursed about 18% of its pledges, up from 13% in 2002, according to the World Bank.
Klaus Rohland, World Bank country representative for Vietnam, praised the country for its progress in 2004. He said as the meeting commenced on World AIDS Day that Vietnam should focus on curbing the disease, which affects an estimated 250,000 people.
The media were only permitted to cover the opening remarks, and the meeting was closed.
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