Ethnic policy - the 'key' to poverty reduction for Lang Son people

Lang Son is a mountainous, northern border province with over 83% of the population being ethnic minorities, so the locality always identifies ethnic work as a strategic task in sustainable development. All levels and sectors have synchronously implemented ethnic programs and policies, especially policies to support economic development, production and improve the lives of remote, isolated and disadvantaged areas in Lang Son.

Lang Son established working groups to go to the grassroots to inspect and direct the implementation of programs and policies for ethnic minorities.

According to the 2024 review results, the poverty rate in the province is 3.36%, and near-poor households account for 8%. This figure demonstrates the efforts in multidimensional poverty reduction. In particular, it is noted that national target programs such as sustainable poverty reduction, new rural construction, and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in the 2021-2025 period have been widely implemented, with the synchronous participation of the entire political system, localities, and functional sectors.

Mr. Lam Van Vien, Deputy Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions of Lang Son province, said: Thanks to the efforts of all levels and sectors, the material and spiritual life of the people is increasingly stable, and the infrastructure is significantly improved. By 2024, 98.3% of communes will have paved roads to the center, 100% of communes will have national grid electricity, and 98.5% of the rural population will have access to clean water. In addition, the economy will grow steadily with an average growth rate of 6.27% in the 2019-2023 period, with an estimated per capita income of 61.9 million VND in 2024.

Thanks to national target programs, many farming households in Lang Son have promoted the cultivation of specialty crops, bringing high economic efficiency, contributing to hunger eradication and poverty reduction.

Lang Son province has actively integrated resources from national target programs to support housing for poor households. By 2025, it is expected to support the construction and repair of over 4,400 houses with a total cost of over VND 224 billion.

“The effective implementation of support policies for ethnic minorities and mountainous areas has contributed to sustainable poverty reduction, ensuring social security, maintaining national defense and security, and strengthening people's trust in the policies of the Party and the State. The Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions of Lang Son province continues to coordinate with local authorities to do a good job for ethnic minorities to narrow the development gap between regions, towards the goal of sustainable poverty reduction, building a stable and developed life,” Mr. Lam Van Vien emphasized.

Along with economic development, Lang Son province focuses on improving transport infrastructure, promoting production of goods and ensuring living conditions for people. Many key projects such as Bac Giang - Chi Lang expressway, Huu Nghi - Chi Lang expressway and Dong Dang - Tra Linh have been invested, creating momentum for regional connectivity and increasing market access for ethnic minorities. The appearance of ethnic minorities will improve, life will be more prosperous and happier.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/chinh-sach-dan-toc-chia-khoa-giam-ngheo-cho-nguoi-dan-lang-son-post1760770.tpo