The programme, called “Friendship – Cooperation – Equality - Integration”, is part of activities to implement the “sub-regional cooperation” scheme within the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action regarding disabled in the Asia-Pacific region.

This is a good chance for disabled people in the four countries to meet, exchange views and share experience in vocational training, job generation and tourism promotion.

During their stay in Vietnam, the delegation will visit Ha Long Bay in northern Quang Ninh province and the Huu Nghi (Friendship) Village in Ha Tay province near Hanoi, where is home to hundreds of Vietnamese Agent Orange victims.

Speaking at the press conference, Director of the National Coordinating Council on Disabilities of Vietnam (NCCD) Nghiem Xuan Tue said the exchange programme will help disabled people overcome difficulties and feel more confident in their ability to integrate into the community and contribute more to the society.

Mr Tue stressed: “We should create more favourable conditions for disabled people so that they can demonstrate and develop their ability in certain fields”.