US announces $450,000 support for Vietnam's search for persons missing in war

The U.S.-ASEAN Business Council Institute (USABCI) has announced a funding package worth more than US$450,000 to support Vietnam’s efforts to locate and identify people missing in the war aftermath.

The assistance forms part of the U.S. Government’s Vietnam War Accounting Initiative (VWAI), one of the key humanitarian programs aimed at addressing the legacy of war.

The funding is expected to help accelerate the search for and identification of war victims through the application of modern technologies. It also reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to overcoming the consequences of war, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and strengthening the foundation of the Vietnam – U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The announcement coincided with a working visit to Vietnam by a high-level USABCI delegation and representatives of several U.S. businesses from June 1 to 4. During their stay, the delegation is scheduled to conduct field visits to agencies directly involved in the search and identification of missing persons.

Margaret Hanson-Muse, President and CEO of the USABCI, said support for humanitarian activities such as the search for missing persons is a natural extension of the organization’s long-standing commitment to strengthening trust and fostering cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnam.

The high-level USABCI delegation at a meeting with representatives of the Vietnam-US Friendship Association under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, and the Vietnam Martyr Families Support Association on June 1, 2026. Photo from the VUFO's Facebook page

She said the private sector can make meaningful contributions through technology, logistics capabilities, and innovative solutions, complementing reconciliation and post-war healing efforts undertaken by the two governments.

She added that the initiative demonstrates how governments, businesses, and civil society can work together to address the consequences of conflict while building stronger relations for the future.

The grant package includes several strategic components, including the provision of advanced DNA identification equipment at preferential pricing together with specialized training programs; the expansion of humanitarian activities and the transfer of U.S. technologies to Vietnam; the enhancement of DNA analysis capabilities; and technical support to ensure flight safety during search operations in difficult terrain and remote areas. In addition, part of the funding will be used to implement veteran exchange projects and develop digital educational materials on war legacy remediation for high school students.

Cooperation in addressing the legacy of war has long been regarded as a cornerstone of Vietnam – U.S. relations, playing a crucial role in reconciliation, healing and trust-building between the two countries.

The newly announced funding package therefore carries significance beyond its technical and financial value. It also serves as a testament to the increasingly substantive cooperation between Vietnam and the U.S. in addressing the lingering impacts of war, contributing to a future of stronger partnership and sustainable development for both countries.