The information was released at an annual meeting held in Hanoi on February 8 between the Working Committee for Foreign NGOs and foreign NGOs operating in Vietnam.

The year 2006 witnessed the start-up of nearly 60 foreign NGOs in Vietnam. Humanitarian and development assistance programmes of foreign NGOs were deployed in every province and city across the country.

Their assistance focused on economic development, healthcare, education, and other social problems. The largest amount of aid disbursement went to the healthcare sector, accounting for 31.9 percent.

At the meeting, Vu Xuan Hong, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations briefed participants on a national programme aimed at mobilising more aid from foreign NGOs during the 2006-2010 period. The programme was adopted by the government of Vietnam in December, 2006.

The aim, he said, is to enhance foreign NGOs' aid efficiency in Vietnam. Mr.

Hong is also a member of the working committee for foreign NGOs.

VNA/VOVNews