Nhan Dan Online - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted a total of US$1.1 million as non-refundable aid to help Vietnam prepare in two projects of boosting development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and vocational training development project, the State Bank of Vietnam has announced on its website.

An agreement to this effect was signed in Hanoi on July 25 by Vietnam State Bank Deputy Governor Nguyen Van Binh and ADB Country Director Ayumi Konishi in Hanoi on July 25. The grant is funded by the Japan Government Special Fund.

Accordingly, ADB will grant US$500,000 to a technical assistance project for an SME development programme which is aimed to help improve the business environment in Vientam. A policy package will be built to boost development of SMEs in the 2008-2010 period, based on Vietnam's five-year SME development plan and a report on disadvantages to the development of the private sector in Vietnam will also be made. The project is to be carried out within 22 months.

ADB will grant the remaining US$600,000 to a technical assistance project for vocational training development programme which is aimed at helping Vietnam in training workers to better meet demands for skilled workers, especially those in industry and service sectors. The project is scheduled to be implemented within six months, starting from September.