File photo for reference only

 

Vietnam is set to dramatically enhance the livelihoods of its ethnic communities by aiming to raise their average income to at least half of the national average, as part of a strategic socio-economic initiative. This goal is encompassed within the second phase of the National Target Programme for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Community and Mountainous Areas, known as Programme 1719, which spans the period from 2021 to 2030.

 

Proposed by the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, Programme 1719 strives not only to boost incomes but also to alleviate poverty levels in ethnic households to below 10%, while eradicating areas classified as extremely disadvantaged. Additionally, the programme anticipates that 70% of communes within ethnic and mountainous regions will achieve national standards for new rural development.

 

Hà Việt Quân, Chief of the Coordination Office for the National Target Programme 1719, articulated the programme’s multifaceted approach, which includes restructuring the rural labour force. The plan aims for 40% of ethnic workers to obtain skills in industries such as handicrafts, tourism, and services. Moreover, 80% of ethnic farming households are expected to engage in commodity-based agroforestry initiatives.

 

 

 

The programme also pledges that over 85% of communes and villages will be supplied with essential infrastructure to bolster socio-economic progress. Beyond economic development, it addresses safety by relocating 100% of ethnic families currently living in precarious, isolated areas to safer, more accessible locations, thereby reducing their vulnerability to natural hazards like floods and landslides.

 

Since its implementation in late 2022, Programme 1719 has made significant progress, reducing the poverty rate among ethnic groups by an average of 4% annually, surpassing the nationwide average. As of the end of 2024, the annual income for ethnic communities climbed to VNĐ42.7 million (over US$1,650), helping to narrow the development divide across regions and contributing to Vietnam's overall sustainable and inclusive growth.

 

The ambitious scope of Programme 1719 underlines Vietnam's commitment to social equity and the empowerment of its ethnic population, ensuring that no community is left behind in the nation's journey toward prosperity and development.

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Vietnam News

 

-- 2025-04-22

 

 

9 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

As of the end of 2024, the annual income for ethnic communities climbed to VNĐ42.7 million (over US$1,650),

 

It's a bit sad when one celebrates increasing the annual income to almost $14 US per month.