Vietnam's Ethnic Affairs Strategy Gains Momentum

Post by : Shakul

The Vietnamese government is intensifying efforts to advance the implementation of its national Strategy on Ethnic Affairs, which is projected to extend until 2030, with a forward-looking perspective towards 2045. Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has endorsed Directive No. 19/CT-TTg, which delineates fundamental priorities aimed at enhancing living conditions, bolstering infrastructure, improving education, healthcare, and fostering economic growth in ethnic minority and mountainous regions throughout Vietnam.

The directive emphasized Vietnam's evident progress over recent years, driven by various programs and policies aimed at providing support for ethnic groups. Officials report a more rapid decline in poverty rates in these communities compared to the national average, along with enhanced social equality, national solidarity, and increased public trust in government. Furthermore, many remote areas have witnessed a notable rise in living standards and access to essential services.

Nonetheless, the government recognizes that numerous ethnic minority and mountainous areas continue to encounter serious obstacles to development. Some regions still struggle with inadequate infrastructure, and the educational and workforce training standards fall short of national benchmarks. Additionally, persistent issues regarding housing, clean water access, agricultural land rights, and resettlement programs for local populations have been noted.

In response, the Vietnamese government has instructed various ministries, central agencies, and provincial administrations to hasten the rollout of targeted projects and policies intended for marginalized ethnic regions. The directive calls for enhanced state management, improved collaboration among government entities, and more effective execution of development initiatives designed to alleviate poverty and boost economic activity in these remote locales.

Special efforts will focus on border regions and ethnic groups with smaller populations. Investment in vital infrastructure—such as roads, electricity, healthcare facilities, schools, and water supply systems—will be emphasized. The government aims to align economic growth with environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management while also reinforcing national security and social stability in key border areas.

To enhance education accessibility, the Ministry of Education and Training has been directed to improve educational quality and widen access to secondary schools in mountainous and border zones. Plans are also underway to develop professional training programs for ethnic minority individuals in essential sectors leading up to 2035. Concurrently, the Ministry of Health is set to upgrade clinics and train medical personnel in underserved regions to elevate healthcare services.

Cultural conservation aligns with the overall ethnic affairs strategy. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will focus on safeguarding traditional ethnic minority cultures and fostering sustainable tourism that promotes local heritage and engagement. The aim is to generate new economic prospects while honoring traditional identities and cultural significance.

Moreover, the directive sets ambitious infrastructure goals, including a plan for complete electricity access for households in minority and mountainous areas by 2030. Authorities are working on enhancing rural roads, constructing bridges, and providing housing support for impoverished families, particularly those from ethnic minorities. Security agencies have also been tasked with implementing stronger measures to combat crime, drug abuse, and activities posing risks to national stability.

Vietnam's long-term strategy aspires not only to uplift economic conditions in ethnic regions but also to fortify national unity and ensure equitable development across the nation. The government has stressed that all ministries and local administrations must prioritize the completion of ongoing projects, ensure better coordination, and secure that development initiatives yield tangible benefits for local ethnic communities in the near future.

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