The launching Ceremonies was attended by representatives from district and city People's Committees in the project area, provincial and local departments, businesses, Cowater International project management units, project partners, financial organizations, and local universities and colleges. This was the first Steering Committee meeting for the GREAT 2 Sơn La Project following the official agreement signed between Sơn La Province and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam in early April 2024.

Steering Committee Meeting for the second phase of the Gender-Responsive Equitable Agriculture and Tourism (GREAT 2) 

The GREAT Project is a technical assistance initiative aimed at enhancing the empowerment, socio-economic status, and adaptability of women in the ethnic communities of Son La and Lao Cai. Phase 2 of the project in Son La, running from 2022 to 2027, covers all districts and cities within the province. The total investment for Phase 2 is over 250 billion VND, including 236 billion VND in non-refundable ODA from the Australian Government and 14.5 billion VND in provincial counterpart funding.

Building on the achievements of Phase 1 (2017-2022), GREAT 2 Son La will continue to apply effective approaches and expand successful models to achieve sustainable and scalable changes. The project will focus on developing agricultural market systems and enhancing tourism capabilities to boost women's economic empowerment.

Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the Son La Provincial People's Committee Trang Thi Xuan spoke at the conference.

The GREAT 2 Project is expected to benefit over 15,000 women, 70% of whom are ethnic minorities, through interventions to enhance business and production skills. The project will provide access to market information, agricultural extension services, quality inputs, financial and credit resources, and improve digital skills and technology use in production and business. This will help increase income, participation in socio-economic activities, and boost women's status and confidence in their families, communities, and workplaces.

The GREAT 2 Son La Project will aid Son La Province in achieving national target programs for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, sustainable poverty reduction, new rural development, and Vietnam’s gender equality strategy.

Gender Equality, Income Enhancement for Highland Women

At the conference, Vice Chairwoman Trang Thi Xuan of Son La Provincial People's Committee praised the positive outcomes of Phase 1 of the GREAT Project, highlighting its success in developing and expanding sustainable sectors such as bamboo shoots, vegetables, green nettles, tea, and Te rau rice. She also noted the impressive changes in production and business, particularly among ethnic minority women.

Son La province has committed to long-term support from the Australian Government since 2017 in helping the province achieve its green, sustainable, and inclusive socio-economic development strategies and goals.

Ms. Cherie Russell, Development Cooperation Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, spoke at the conference

Earlier in April 2024, Son La Provincial People's Committee and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam signed an agreement, marking a key legal step for the GREAT 2 Son La Project to officially move from the preparation phase to implementation.

Both Sides Sign Cooperation Agreement

The Son La Provincial People's Committee has assigned the Department of Planning and Investment as the project owner. The GREAT Project will collaborate with key market players, including businesses, service providers, and research institutions, both domestic and international, to implement innovative and effective solutions to achieve its goals. Cowater International (Canada), under the direction of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), will manage and coordinate the project.

Quốc Tuấn

Translated by Huyen Vu