Committee for Foreign Non-governmental Organization Affairs Works with Cao Bang Province

	Supporting Foreign NGOs in Adapting to Restructuring of Administrative Units in Vietnam
	Enhancing Operational Effectiveness Following Organizational Restructuring

From 2019 to 2025, Cao Bang province has consistently grasped and implemented the Central Government’s directives on non-governmental aid work.

As a result, the province has received and carried out 161 project and non-project programs from 67 non-governmental organizations, with funding activities spanning multiple sectors and a total aid commitment of USD 11,879,191, of which the health sector accounted for 10 project and non-project programs; education and training: 47 project and non-project programs; social problem solving: 27 project and non-project programs; socio-economic development: 31 project and non-project programs; natural resources and environment:13 project and non-project programs; other fields: 33 project and non-project programs.

Delegates at the working session. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

From 2024 to the present, Cao Bang has continued to receive funding from 20 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to implement 48 project and non-project programs, with a total committed aid value of USD 4,450,116. The actual disbursement has reached USD 2,468,745. These contributions from NGOs and international aid funds have had practical impacts, positively contributing to socio-economic development, supporting sustainable poverty reduction, addressing urgent issues in a timely manner, and improving both the material and spiritual lives of the local population.

However, the implementation process still faces many challenges due to the province’s mountainous terrain and difficult transportation conditions; a high proportion of poor and near-poor households; underdeveloped socio-economic infrastructure; and limitations in human resources and educational levels that do not yet meet development requirements. In addition, difficulties persist in the implementation and reception of certain NGO projects and non-projects, such as registration documents from organizations that do not list Cao Bang as an area of operation, and administrative procedures under general regulations that remain time-consuming.

The province proposed that the Committee for Foreign Non-governmental Organization Affairs continue reviewing general management regulations that are no longer suitable, and advise the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit proposals to the Government for amendments and supplements after the recent merger of administrative units and the implementation of the two-level government model at the local level. Cao Bang also proposes shortening the processing time for extensions and the issuance of certificates of operation registration, certificates for establishing project offices, and certificates for establishing representative offices for NGOs. Furthermore, the province recommends continued research and consultation to advise the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in submitting to the Government to launch a National Program on enhancing cooperation and mobilizing NGO aid for the 2026–2030 period, serving as a strategic orientation for local implementation. The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the People's Aid Coordinating Committee are asked to continue supporting the province by introducing potential donors, organizing training courses, and strengthening the capacity for managing NGO aid activities, investment promotion, and aid mobilization at the local level.

In her remark, Do Thi Kim Dung, Deputy Head of the People's Aid Coordinating , acknowledged the efforts of Cao Bang’s functional agencies in mobilizing and managing non-governmental funding sources. She also addressed several of the province’s recommendations regarding project implementation. emphasized the need for provincial agencies to pay close attention to the project appraisal stage, applying a flexible approach that meets local needs while remaining compliant with regulations. She also stressed the importance of post-implementation inspection and evaluation to assess project effectiveness. It is necessary to review the localities and units involved in project implementation to ensure proper adherence to regulations under the new two-level government model. Additionally, she encouraged proactive sharing of local needs with NGOs and the provision of advisory support to attract appropriate aid, thereby contributing to the province’s development.

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