Dong Thap builds new rural areas: A central and overarching task for the entire political system.

After more than a decade of persistently implementing the National Target Program for New Rural Development, Dong Thap has become one of the leading localities in the country. With the motto "putting the people at the center," the province has mobilized the strength of the entire political system, transforming the New Rural Development movement into a driving force for socio-economic development.

From sound policies to widespread movements

Immediately after the Central Committee issued Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW on agriculture, farmers, and rural areas, Dong Thap quickly concretized it with an action program suitable to the local characteristics. The province identified building new rural areas as a central and continuous task of the entire political system, linked to the goals of economic development, improving people's lives, preserving culture, and protecting the ecological environment.

From the provincial level to the grassroots, resolutions, plans, and mechanisms to encourage people's participation have been issued synchronously. All sectors and levels are involved; the Fatherland Front and political and social organizations are playing a key role in mobilizing, supervising, and fostering the spirit of "the people know - the people discuss - the people do - the people benefit."

In 2024, Dong Thap was recognized by the Prime Minister as a province that had completed the task of building new rural areas. By 2025, Dong Thap will complete the task of building new rural areas at the provincial level, becoming one of the leading localities in the region in terms of progress and quality.
The entire province has achieved 100% of communes meeting the new rural standards, with over 52% achieving advanced standards and 19% achieving model standards.

According to the report of the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, in the first nine months of 2025, the province's agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector grew by 4.19%, estimated to reach 4% for the whole year, making a significant contribution to the province's GRDP. The percentage of rural households using clean water and safe electricity reached 100%, and the poverty rate decreased to below 1%. The network of schools, health stations, and cultural centers has been upgraded, contributing to improving the quality of life in rural areas.

The power of consensus and the role of the people.

Dong Thap's success doesn't stem from abundant material resources, but from the strength of consensus and the creative spirit of its people. The province firmly adheres to the principle that the people are the center, the subjects, and the beneficiaries of all development programs. It is this spirit of "the people know, the people discuss, the people do, the people inspect, and the people benefit" that has created a powerful ripple effect, transforming the process of building new rural areas into a voluntary movement within the community.

People in Dong Thap province join hands to build rural bridges. Photo: HK

In many localities, people have proactively donated land and contributed labor to build roads, bridges, and improve residential areas. Hundreds of "people-led, state-supported" models have yielded practical results, from developing household economies and cooperatives to creating bright, green, clean, and beautiful landscapes. To date, the province has over 1,200 successful farmer-business models and more than 500 effective agricultural cooperatives and associations, creating jobs and stable income for tens of thousands of rural workers.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Dieu, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Thap province, "building new rural areas is not just about upgrading infrastructure, but more importantly, about building new rural people - dynamic, creative, knowledgeable, and capable of enriching themselves in their own homeland."

A journey without end.

Entering the 2026-2030 period, Dong Thap province sets new goals: GRDP growth of 8.5-9% per year; GRDP per capita of 150-154 million VND; average income of 115-120 million VND; and essentially eliminating poverty. By 2030, the province aims to complete the task of building new rural areas. Three major pillars have been identified: ecological and circular agriculture, emission reduction, and protection of the Dong Thap Muoi ecosystem. Modern, smart rural areas with synchronized infrastructure and digital transformation in management and production. Civilized, knowledgeable, creative farmers who proactively integrate and master technology.

The province continues to promote models such as "Digital Farmers' Clubs," "Digital Cooperatives," and "Smart Villages," making digital transformation a driving force for agricultural and rural economic development. This approach helps increase productivity and product quality, creating a livable, dynamic, and modern rural environment.

Looking back over the past 15 years, Dong Thap has proven that building new rural areas is a process of changing mindsets and improving the quality of life. Building new rural areas in Dong Thap is a journey of the people – for the people, with no end point. From a purely agricultural province, Dong Thap has risen to become a shining example of ecological agricultural development, modern rural areas, and civilized farmers, contributing to the realization of sustainable development goals in the Mekong Delta region. With the foundation already achieved and strong political determination, Dong Thap continues to affirm its position as a "model locality in building new rural areas" – where every citizen is an active participant in shaping the future, working together to build a prosperous, civilized, and livable homeland.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/dong-thap-xay-dung-nong-thon-moi-nhiem-vu-trong-tam-xuyen-suot-cua-ca-he-thong-chinh-tri-10400331.html