The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Hanoi

The World Bank on Thursday improved funding access for Vietnam, placing it within the ranks of middle income countries due to good development progress and increasing credit worthiness.

World Bank country director Ajay Chhibber said Vietnam could access the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for financing poverty reduction which will supplement existing schemes.

"More support from the WB (World Bank) will help Vietnam achieve its growth in the future t in an inclusive and sustainable manner," Chhibber said.

The country, which became a member of the World Trade Organisation in January, has seen sustained annual economic growth rates of more than eight percent.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said in October he expected the country's GDP per capita would reach 960 dollars next year, higher than the predicted 835 dollars for 2007.