Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung has urged authorities of the central highlands province of Gia Lai to increase investment in education, vocational training and culture to raise the living conditions of ethnic minorities. The chairman made the statement at his working session with the local authorities on Oct 17 at the end of his two-day tour to the central highlands region to meet with voters and inspect the implementation of the Party and State’s policies for ethnic minorities. The NA Chairman pointed out shortcomings in vocational training for ethnic minorities, which he said have hindered the implementation of solutions to boost socio-economic development in the region. The central highlands should fully tap the region’s potentials, especially the abundant young labor force, he said, adding education and training is a basic, long-term solution to create a breakthrough for the regional prosperity. During his trip to Gia Lai, Chairman Hung met with Bahnar and Jrai ethnic voters in Dak Doa and Chu Pah districts to learn about their desires as well as the difficulties they face in daily life. He suggested local authorities be more active in hunger eradication and poverty reduction efforts by organizing household economic models and craft villages and open classes on farming techniques for local people. The Southeast Asia country has 54 ethnic minorities with the majority of Viet people making up for 85.7% of total population while ethnic people account for one seventh of Vietnam’s population living in different parts, mainly in mountainous, boundary and remote areas. In fact, ethnic minorities in Vietnam are facing numerous difficulties in various aspects of life, even unfair judgment from the largest community, Viet or Kinh people. (Ha Noi Moi – New Hanoi Oct 18 p1)
