More than VND6.3 trillion ($323.07 million) have been raised via the charity program for poor people entitled “Noi Vong Tay Lon” (Joining the Great Fold) which took place in Hanoi on Dec 31. The program was co-held by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) and the Vietnam Television, the Voice of Vietnam Radio said Jan 1. “The activity has been expanded to call for support from foreign and domestic donors,” State President Nguyen Minh Triet said at the event, emphasizing its great significance as a bridge for benefactors who want to show their sympathy for the poor. The country has gained remarkable achievements in assisting the poor, particularly poor students and people in remote areas over the past years, Triet attributed, hoping that the program would receive more supports from organizations and individuals in the coming years. The program also aims to honor and call on organizations and individuals both at home and abroad to actively get involved in the campaign “The Day for the Poor” and in the setting up of the Fund for the Poor. Vietnam targets to cut the poverty rate to between 4% and 5% by 2020, from the current rate of 9.45%, under the new poverty line expected to be applied from 2011, said the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. (vovnews.vn Jan 4)
