The projects are part of efforts to modernise and industrialise the north to meet standards already achieved in other parts of the nation, he said.

In 2000, South Korea sponsored pilot development programmes in Vinh Thanh Commune, located in the central province of Quang Tri, and Khoi Ky Commune in Thai Nguyen.

These programmes helped farmers build irrigation canals, community houses, roads and sanitation systems and will likely have similar themes in the north as the model expands.

"The projects create jobs for women, protect the environment and help people build infrastructure," said Nguyen Ngoc Khoa, chairman of Khoi Ky’s People’s Committee.

Based on the success of the project in the two models, new projects suitable to Viet Nam’s ongoing social-economic growth would be implemented in other rural regions, said Ho Xuan Hung, the minister of agriculture and rural development.

The programmes involve government experts teaching residents new farming and construction techniques using advanced technology. The local people then implement specific projects and develop their villages by themselves.

"In order to carry out the programme successfully, it is important to call for contributions from residents in terms of labour and financing, which gives people the opportunity to be both creative and industrious," said La Van Ly, head of the Co-operative Department under MARD.

Projects will begin in 10 hamlets, villages and communes in 2007 and 2008. The next phase of the programme will be a national initiative.

In recent years, Viet Nam’s agricultural production has made significant gains and the country is now the second largest rice exporter in the world. Agricultural output here increases 4 to 5 per cent on average.

The service industry and craft villages are also on the move at a rate of 15 per cent a year.

Results shows that this model is suitable with the country’s current socio-economic condition, with an emphasis on lessening farmer’s reliance on State investment. The model also aims to ensure sustainable development and gradually boost the role of farmers in development of their villages