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International Reintegation Programme

22. We are contributing £3 million in this financial year to the

EC led but UK inspired International Reintegration Programme for

returned economic migrants. This is additional to our share (c £3 million) of the EC's contribution. The programme helps

resettlement of economic migrants returning to Vietnam. It involves provision of credit for productive enterprises and finance for micro-projects to improve rural infrastructure and

for better health and training facilities. In addition the

Diplomatic Wing is contributing £6 million to the UNHCR

Comprehensive Programme of Action in 1992 to cover UNHCR's costs

on the repatriation of Vietnamese migrants from Hong Kong and reintegration assistance in Vietnam. We are also exploring with the EC the possibility of a wider programme of EC development assistance in Vietnam, with the condition that this would be

linked to the success of ORP II.

Assistance for NGO projects

23. In May 1990, we committed £1 million to cover 80% of the cost of voluntary agency community development activities in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces, from which the majority of the

boat people come. The £1 million has now been fully committed to 18 projects. We have told the Vietnamese that we are prepared

to commit a further tranche to NGO projects in provinces which

are taking returnees, subject to progress on ORP II. We propose

to confirm availability of a further £1 million to the Vietnamese

Foreign Minister when he visits the UK in early June.

In May

1990 we also gave Vietnam access to the regular Joint Funding

Scheme; from which over £850,000 has been allocated to projects throughout Vietnam. Our Ambassador in Hanoi has reported

favourably on the impact of British NGO projects.

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