(VOVworld) – A workshop on improving the business environment and attracting ODA and NGO projects to the northwestern region opened in Phu Tho province on Saturday.

Deputy Prime Minister and head of the National Steering Committee for the Northwestern Region Nguyen Xuan Phuc called on provinces to make the most of available resources to develop infrastructure, boost production and the restructuring of animal husbandry and farming, and improve the quality of vocational training. He stressed the need to attract investment, particularly from ODA and NGO projects for rapid and sustainable growth. He said: "I ask ministries, NGOs, embassies and foreign investors to continue supporting the northwestern region's development. I call on strategic investors to invest in this region and the local government will create the best possible conditions for foreign businesses and international organizations to make their investment here."

Deputy head of the National Steering Committee for the Northwestern Region, Truong Xuan Cu, said: “Northwestern provinces should formulate appropriate investment policies and mobilize resources at home and abroad while improving the business and investment environment. There should be preferential policies to attract investment, develop economic cooperation with China and boost border trade.”

Total ODA capital committed to the region since 2008 was 2 billion USD, focusing on agriculture and rural development, poverty reduction, transportation, education and training, and healthcare.