QUANG TRI, Vietnam — Filled with the constant roar of motorcycle traffic, Vietnam's cities, including Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, are bustling with excitement as the country enjoys rapid economic growth.
Thanks to the economic development — an average of 7.5 percent in gross domestic product over the past five years through 2005 — Vietnam has so far made good progress in poverty reduction.
Official development assistance has also played an important role. ODA donor countries committed a combined $4.45 billion in aid for Vietnam for 2007 — the largest amount yet for the country — at a meeting in December. Japan is one of the largest donor countries, with an $890 million commitment.