The Prime Minister has approved a pilot project on sustainable socio-economic development, poverty reduction and the mitigation of natural disasters in 32 coastal communes from 2011 to 2015, with an expected investment of VND 3.3 trillion. The project aims to raise average annual income to over VND 12 million per capita, with the poverty rate reducing to 5%, safe water available to 85% of the population, and the number of trained workers to 50%. The project also focuses on increasing the forest coverage to over 70%, while raising income for forest planters and protectors, actively minimizing natural disasters, protecting the environment, and dealing with climate change. In addition, some 2,200 families who are living in areas regularly affected by storms, floods, landslides and those who lack land and water for production will be relocated to more suitable land. The project will set a priority in building traffic and irrigation works and expanding the agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Under the implementation of the project, some 4,000 workers will also be given vocational training. (cpv.org.vn May 27)
