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GV: Buffalos being led to presentation.
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SV: crowd looks on as Buffaloes led to presentation.
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SV: First Chief of Indian Red Cross Mr S. Ranganathan speaking.
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SV: cameramen and reporters look on as presentation is made.
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SV: presentation of buffalo being made
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GV EXTERIOR: conference building.
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SV INTERIOR: Mr Chanh on left seated with Mr Ahuja preparing to sign agreement.
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SV: delegations look on.
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SV: agreements being signed, two men stand up, shake hands, and are applauded. (3 shots)
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The buffaloes were presented to the Vietnamese Ambassador Mr Nguyen Van Sinh, in a special ceremony at New Delhi airport. The presentation was made by the head of the Indian Red Cross, Mr Ranganathan.



RANGANATHAN: "The Vietnam government handed across have taken in hand a stupendous programme of reconstruction. And it gives the government of India and the Indian Red Cross to associate themselves with this reconstruction programme although it may not be of adequate quantum. Last time the Indian Red Cross sent about 100 buffaloes and you'll all be glad to hear that they have all been thriving in their country."



After the buffaloes were handed over, they were herded on to specially chartered plane, bound for Vietnam.
But more substantial assistance for Vietnam came when an economic delegation, headed by the Vietnam Vice Minister of Foreign Trade Mr Nguyen Chanh, signed an economic agreement with the Indian Government. Of most immediate concern to the Vietnamese is the serious shortage of grain caused by drought, and the agreement is to provide Vietnam with an interest free loan of a hundred thousand tons(tonnes) of wheat. Indian officials told Mr Chanh that more wheat could be provided if necessary. The agreement also provides for a rice research institute to be set up in Vietnam, to help improve the crop yield.




Initials RH/2135



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: An economic delegation from Vietnam signed an agreement in New Delhi on Friday (9 September) with the Indian government, expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. Meanwhile the Indian Red Cross has donated 180 buffaloes and two bulls to Vietnam to help increase milk production.