Reporter: Despite difficulties due the impact of the global economic crisis, many businesses have co-ordinated with the VFF in implementing programmes for the poor. What’s your opinion?

Ms Lien: In the 2008-2009 period, there were more businesses, economic groups, and individuals involved in helping the poor compared to than in previous years. Programmes on building “great unity” houses under the government’s resolution 30a have received active response from many organizations and individuals.

The Fund for the Poor has received around VND252 billion since it was launched in 2000. In 2009 alone, the fund collected more than VND107 billion. This year, the VFF Central Committee has co-ordinated with the Border Guard High Command in implementing a programme to build houses for the poor in border areas and on islands. The aim of the programme is to build more than 1,000 “great unity” houses for ethnic minority people in these areas. So far, nearly 2,600 houses and public works have been built for the poor.

In addition, the VFF at all levels and the mobilization board of the Day for the Poor have co-ordinated with local authorities and individuals in this undertaking.

They have also actively mobilized people to help the poor eradicate slum houses in areas which do not belong to 62 poor districts and fall under the Government's Resolution 30A programme. In particular, people in the central and central highland regions which were hardest hit by storms No 9 and 11 have received considerable support from individuals and organisations inside and outside the country.

Reporter: Some businesses and individuals have registered to provide support for the poor. It seems they are slow in action in some cases. Why so?

Ms Lien: We applaud kind-hearted people. One reason, I think, why the money has not been directly transferred to the fund or handed over to the poor is time needed for due process. 

Reporter: How does the VFF carry out its supervision to ensure the money raised is used effectively?

Ms Lien: To that end, we have identified five major activities aimed at helping poor people stabilize their lives. We have assigned responsibilities to the mobilizing board and VFF at all levels to make them accountable for using the money raised effectively.

At the provincial and central levels, each year we intensify inspection work and organize meetings to review the disbursement of funds. It is essential to balance the disbursement of funds so that all provinces and cities across the country benefit equally and effectively.

Reporter: Currently, about 4,000 Vietnamese people are living abroad. Could you talk about their assistance to the needy in the homeland?

Ms Lien: For those residing overseas, both organisations and individuals are always looking towards their motherland. Vietnamese nationals abroad provided relief aid to victims of natural disasters in the homeland.

This year, a large number of overseas Vietnamese returned to Vietnam to attend a conference for overseas Vietnamese affairs. They have set up a charity fund to support storm and flood victims in the central region. In addition to strong support from local people, overseas Vietnamese have also helped the needy overcome financial difficulties and stabilise their daily lives.

Reporter: According to plan, more than 59,000 charity houses would have been built in 2009. However, only 36,000 such houses were completed and have been put into use. Could more people in need have new houses to welcome the upcoming New Year?

Ms Lien: The Government has mobilised support from the community to help the poor build new houses.  On top of State support and the fund for the poor, businesses, organisations and individuals also grant financial assistance to help the poor build new houses, especially those living in the 62 poorest districts in Vietnam. We are striving to ensure that almost all of those in need can welcome the approaching New Year in their new houses.

Reporter: Thank you.