New rural development from Khmer villages

Ca Mau province currently has 43/55 communes meeting new rural standards (NTM), including 3 communes meeting advanced NTM standards and 1 model NTM commune. This achievement not only changes the appearance of the countryside, but also contributes to improving the material and spiritual life of the people, especially the Khmer ethnic group, through linking the NTM construction program with the preservation and development of cultural and community tourism, creating a new driving force for the ethnic minority region in the southernmost part of the country.

Báo Cà Mau•07/11/2025

Preserving the Art of Khmer Big Drum Music
Highlights of the Ok Om Bok Festival of the Khmer people

Along with the National Target Program for New Rural Development and the Sustainable Poverty Reduction Program, Ca Mau has integrated and implemented many practical support policies for people in ethnic minority areas: support for infrastructure construction, house repairs, sanitation facilities, domestic water, electricity; support for means of production, seedlings and preferential loans. Thanks to that, many households have the conditions to develop production, stabilize their lives, and the rural landscape is increasingly improving.

Appearance of the administrative center area of Khanh Binh commune (old Khanh Binh Dong), one of the localities with a large population of ethnic minorities.

The rural appearance of Thanh Tung commune is spacious and convenient.

“ The new rural program has helped many “nothings” become “something”, from roads, bridges, electricity, water to schools, cultural houses, contributing to improving people's lives, moving towards a more civilized and modern life”, Mr. Danh Xem (85 years old, Hamlet 6, Khanh Lam commune) excitedly said.

At the same time, the National Target Program for Socio -Economic Development of Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas (2021-2030) (Program 1719) was allocated by the Central Government for Ca Mau with more than VND 445 billion in the 2021-2025 period. To date, the province has disbursed over VND 295 billion, reaching more than 66% of the total allocated capital and is continuing to accelerate progress, ensuring investment efficiency.

Dia Muong Pagoda, Vinh Loc Hamlet, Phuoc Long Commune.

In Vinh Loc hamlet, Phuoc Long commune, where over 90% of the population is Khmer, Party cell secretary Nguyen Hong Khanh said: "About 10 years ago, the hamlet had more than 120 poor and near-poor households. Thanks to the effective implementation of the Party and State's policies, there are now only 5 poor households and 17 near-poor households. All poor households are supported with housing and connected with loans to develop buffalo, cow, and pig farming... We strive to have no more poor households by the end of this year."

According to Ms. Nguyen Thu Tu, Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions of Ca Mau province, to continue improving the lives of ethnic minority people, the province prioritizes allocating resources to invest in essential infrastructure, while paying attention to preserving and promoting the fine traditional cultural values of the Khmer people, associated with developing cultural tourism typical of each locality.

Ngo boat racing, one of the typical cultural activities maintained for many years in Ho Thi Ky commune.

Community tourism models, traditional festivals, craft villages, Khmer pagoda architecture, etc. are being encouraged to be exploited, both to create livelihoods and to contribute to preserving national cultural identity, towards the goal of building sustainable new rural areas rich in identity, associated with the development of cultural tourism in ethnic minority areas.

Teaching big drum music and traditional ethnic musical instruments to the young generation in Ho Thi Ky commune.