Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in south-east Asia, rapidly changing from a centrally-planned to a market economy.

Healthcare, education, medicines, seeds and tools, previously subsidised by the state, are increasingly provided by the market, which very poor people cannot access. Some of the land owned by the state has been allocated for private use.

Agricultural production has grown rapidly in recent years but the poorest people, with tiny plots of land devastated by climate and over-use, grow barely enough food to survive.

ActionAid in Vietnam
ActionAid began operating in Vietnam in 1989, and now works with poor communities across the country.

ActionAid Vietnam works towards securing the basic rights of poor and marginalised people. We work in partnership with poor communities so they can have a say in decisions that affect their own lives.

Capacity building is a major aim of our programmes. We have set up partnerships with various government ministries, agencies and donors, as well as community groups, who are either responsible for making policies or working with ActionAid Vietnam to provide practical help to poor people.

Key focus areas are human trafficking, education, food security, HIV & AIDS and gender equality.