Speaking at the signing ceremony, Secretary Benn described the assistance as long-term commitment of the UK in supporting Viet Nam' s poverty reduction efforts and socio-economic development.

" Viet Nam is a remarkable development success story, having lifted 30 million people out of poverty in a generation. It has become a significant regional and international economic power on the brink of joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and is on the way to achieving the Millennium Development Goals," he said.

The new DPA for the 2006-2015 period will be built on the strong and constructive working relationships between the UK and Viet Nam in the past years, setting out the basis of the partnership over the next 10 years.

On this occasion, the British Secretary announced an aid of 7 million USD towards the Vietnamese government’s "Beyond WTO Programme", saying that the UK will provide technical assistance to maximise the benefit once Viet Nam joins the WTO.

During his visit to Viet Nam from Sept. 19-20, Secretary Benn will discuss Vietnamese government’s senior officials how the UK could help Viet Nam combat corruption. He took this occasion to praise the strong anti-corruption measures introduced by Viet Nam .

" Viet Nam has made real progress in addressing corruption," he stressed.(VNA)