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Today, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United States Department of the Interior’s International Technical Assistance Program (DOI-ITAP) celebrated the official closeout of the Smart Infrastructure for the Mekong program—an eight-year U.S. government interagency effort that helped Lower Mekong governments reduce the negative impacts of hydropower dams, irrigation systems, roads, and other infrastructure development.

Many colleagues and friends spoke of Michael’s track record of speaking truth to power, and I’m excited for him to continue doing that here at USAID as he officially becomes our newest Assistant Administrator for the Asia Bureau. 

On September 26, 2022, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced liquid oxygen systems for 10 additional Vietnamese hospitals. In total, USAID is providing 23 hospitals with liquid oxygen systems. USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Aler Grubbs made the announcement Monday afternoon alongside leaders from the Ministry of Health and numerous provincial departments of health, who were gathered to celebrate the completion of USAID’s installation of liquid oxygen systems in 13 hospitals across five provinces. 

Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) People’s Committee launched a project to accelerate renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions to the city’s urban energy challenges. Joining in the launch celebration were USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Aler Grubbs, HCMC People’s Committee Vice Chairman Vo Van Hoan, Acting Consul General Graham Harlow, General Director of HCMC Department of Industry and Trade Bui Ta Hoang Vu, and representatives from provincial departments.

Today, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that it has signed its first-ever Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) to improve the quality of Vietnamese higher education. MOET Minister Nguyễn Kim Sơn and USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Aler Grubbs signed the MOU on Friday evening, September 9, at a ceremony hosted by MOET.

Today, the United States, through U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), launched a five-year, $14.2 million partnership with three leading Vietnamese universities. The Partnership for Higher Education Reform, announced by Vice President Kamala Harris last fall in Hanoi, will collaborate with universities, key government officials, and industry partners to strengthen higher education in Vietnam.