HANOI: The Asian Development Bank has authorized its first assistance to Vietnam

in 15 years with a grant to support the country's program providing loans to private

farmers.

Bank officials in Hanoi said they expect to follow up the $568,000 grant with a loan

for $76.5 million.

Vietnam's state bank governor, Cao Si Kiem, called the resumption of aid "a

new chapter between Vietnam and the international financial community." - AP