July 13, the Federation of Collectives held a conference to semi-sum up 6 months of the year and launch major tasks for the last 6 months of the year. Discusions were made to propose measures for removing obstacles barring the collectives from development in all fields. An Thanh Credit Fund is in good shape of operation The federation has truly been locomotive establishment in mobilising, connecting, supporting, consulting, and orienting the collectives on their development pathway. Mr. Tran Van Luc, Director of Federation of Collectives informed that in the first 6 months of 2012, the plans were implemented to facilitate 10 credit funds. Loans have been offered to 110 clooectives at the cost of VND 704 billion or 24.6% higher than the same period in 2011. As reported by Mr. Tran Van Luc, the federation has opened training courses for collective economic staffs in districts and towns to facilitate effective operations of the collectives in the face of difficulties. Besides, movements have been promoted to follow up with commemorating days for collective economy as well as poverty eradication. Mr. Tran Van Luc asserted that the effective operation was thanks to leadership of the Party, authority, and supports of the federation; however, some collectives have faced certain drawbacks and shortcomings in organization, delivery of products, and loans support. So as to overcome the difficulties, as confirmed by Mr. Tran Van Luc, organization of the collectives and training of staffs should be enhanced in the time to come. In the meantime, the federation should also keep contact with unions in district and town to attract more participating individuals, families, and small business establishments, targeting to establishments of 6 new collectives by year end. Reported by Song Tra – Translated by Vi Bao