Vietnam Mobilizes VND20T for Poverty Reduction Program 135 since 2016

Vietnam has mobilized nearly VND20 trillion ($862 million) for a poverty reduction program (Program 135) since 2016, state media reported from a conference in Hanoi late last week. The sum included VND15.3 trillion from the state budget, VND4.3 trillion from local budgets, and EUR12 million from Ireland’s government. The program has helped 125 communes in 29 provinces/cities and 1,298 villages in 39 provinces/cities get rid of poverty as of 2019, one year ahead of target. In 2021-2025, Vietnam will spend VND94.53 trillion on socio-economic development in ethnic minorities and remote areas, according to a recently-issued resolution of the National Assembly, the country’s Congress. (Bien Phong, bienphong.com.vn, chuongtrinh135.vn, baotintuc.vn)