UNDP-funded Project Promotes Sustainable Poverty Reduction

Vietnam has achieved targets on sustainable poverty reduction in disadvantaged areas thanks partly to a project funded by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ireland Embassy, heard a conference in Hanoi on November 22. The project, which was to support the implementation of the Vietnamese Government’s Resolution 80/NQ-CP on sustainable poverty reduction in 2011-2020 and the National Target Program on Sustainable Poverty Reduction (NTP-SPR) in 2011-2015, helped Vietnam realize sustainable poverty reduction goals in mountainous, coastal and ethnic minority areas. It targeted eight provinces: Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Dien Bien, Bac Kan in the north, Thanh Hoa and Quang Ngai in the central region, Kon Tum in the Central Highlands and Tra Vinh in the Mekong Delta. Under the project, local residents received training in self-help, successful poverty reduction models were multiplied, and local officials were helped to integrate poverty reduce targets in socio-economic plans. The implementation of the Resolution 80/NQ-CP aims at accelerating poverty reduction in the poorest districts, communes and villages of the country, by setting poverty reduction target of 4% per annum (compared to national target of 2%), and by emphasizing priority to mobilize resources and support to these areas. Meanwhile, the NTP-SPR is designed and implemented effectively, contributing to rapid poverty reduction in poorest districts, communes and villages and of ethnic minority people through the application of innovative modalities and approaches. Participants said successful models and experience from the implementation of the project should be shared, adding that the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs and relevant ministries and sectors should receive more support in order to expand the project in other localities in the coming time. (Vov.vn Nov 23)