The implementation of ethnic minority and new-style rural building policies in the Southwestern Region has started to show positive results, representatives from the Regional Steering Committee and the National Assembly’s Ethnic Council concluded in a working session in Can Tho city on October 16. Participants reported that the spiritual and physical living conditions for regional residents, especially ethnic minority group members, have improved as a result, with poor households accounting for only 7.24%, lower than the national average.
Key rural infrastructure, such as roads, electricity networks and schools have been upgraded and developed. Local residents, especially ethnic minorities, have gained better access to housing, agricultural and residential land, clean water, and loans to develop business and production. Policies on poverty reduction, education, vocational training and culture in areas where ethnic minorities live have also proven effective, improving the living conditions of locals. The Steering Committee said it has also tried its best to improve the cultural life and educational development in the region. Speaking at the event, Chairman of the NA’s Ethnic Council Ksor Phuoc urged the committee and authorities of regional localities to tap the region’s potential and strengths to promote large-scale agricultural production, focusing on creating trademarks for local products. He also emphasized the need to accelerate the restructuring of the regional economy towards developing agricultural services to generate more jobs and improve residents’ incomes.
Nguyen Phong Quang, deputy head of the Steering Committee, called for more suitable policies and mechanisms from the Government and the NA to help local ethnic people to boost their economy, respond to climate change, and accelerate the construction of new-style rural areas. Vietnam now has 130 policies aimed at ethnic minorities, helping improve local livelihoods and strengthening national solidarity. (vietnamplus.vn Oct 16)
