The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Air Defense – Air Force Service under the Vietnamese Defense Ministry signed an agreement on non-refundable aid for a project on dioxin remediation in the Bien Hoa airport in Hanoi on May 11. Michael Greene, Mission Director for USAID/Vietnam, and Lt. Gen. Le Huy Vinh, Commander of the Air Defence – Air Force Service, inked the document to start the plan making process for the work. Bien Hoa is the largest remaining dioxin hotspot in Vietnam. According to assessments of Vietnam and the US, some 500,000 cu.m of dioxin contaminated land in the airport needs to be treated. The successful dioxin decontamination in this area will contribute to reducing risks of dioxin exposure and affecting human health. The project, estimated to cost $390 million, will complete within 10 years. The US side vowed to collaborate with Vietnam and its Defense Ministry in addressing war consequences while continuing to foster bilateral economic, cultural and security relations. Since 2000, the US has cooperated with Vietnam in dealing with humanitarian issues and war legacies, including removing post-war unexploded ordnances, identifying remains of servicemen missing in action and treating dioxin. By the end of 2018, USAID and the Vietnamese Defense Ministry will complete a six-year project worth $110 million on dioxin decontamination in the Danang International Airport. (VOV May 11)
