Vietnam, WB Seek Ways to Ensure Sustainable in Mountain Regions

How to assist ethnic minority people’s startups was discussed at a forum jointly organized on May 16 in Hanoi by the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs and the World Bank (WB). Minister-Chairman Do Van Chien said supporting ethnic minority people’s business and production based on local potential and advantages is the best approach to poverty reduction and sustainable development in mountain areas. “Ethic minority people should rely on themselves. Abundant natural resources, specialties, and stunning landscape in mountain regions are the advantages for agricultural cultivation, animal husbandry, and tourism services,” Chien said. Ha Viet Quan, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, suggested that communications be promoted so that ethnic minorities are more aware of their rights. He also said that it’s essential to provide capital and help people expand markets for their products. “We have contacted partners to support ethnic minority people in finance, outlet, skills to access markets,” Quan added. (english.vov.vn May 16)