Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups are to beempowered to develop policies involving their communities.

Accelerating civil engagement is one of the main targets in the master plan oninvestment for socio-economic development in ethnic minority, mountainous areasand regions with difficult socio-economic conditions in the period between 2021and 2025.

Representatives of ethnic minority groups joined a consultation workshop in Hanoion July 31, for the first time, to voice their opinions and recommendations onthe important document.

“People’s participation in formulating thepolicy will help make it more impactful and applicable in addressing theirdemands,” said Bui Van Lich, head of Work Group No. 56 under the Committee forEthnic Minority Affairs – the agency in charge of this master plan.

The draft master plan sets ambitious goals, covering socio-economic and socialsecurity aspects.

By 2025, the growth rates of provinces in ethnic minority area are expected toreach 8 to 10 percent per year, higher than the national average.

Meanwhile, the average income of a minority ethnic person is aimed to rise 2.5times, helping reduce the poverty rate by 4 to 5 percent a year.

Each commune will have a kindergarten, primary school and secondary school toserve the basic education of local children.

Up to 75 percent and 99 percent of ethnic minority households will have accessto clean water and the electrical grid, respectively.

“To obtain these goals, besides the determination of authorities, it isessential to have communities join hands to discuss efficient implementationsand budget distributing plans since they are the ones who understand their ownproblems best,” said Lich.

At present, Vietnam has 118 policies specialised in addressing ethnic minorityaffairs, affecting some 14 million people of more than 53 groups.

However, according to Lich these policies have been scattered and lackedbreakthroughs to create significant changes.

Therefore, the committee will file a proposal to the Government and NationalAssembly on composing a national target programme on ethnic minoritydevelopment with a vision to improve socio-economic conditions andinfrastructure in ethnic minority areas, unleash their potential in securinglivelihoods and conserving indigenous culture, while at the same time utilisingthe State budget.

Under the framework of the consolation, representatives of different ethnicminority groups touched upon several issues of concern.

Kray Suc from Dak Rong district, the central province of Quang Tri, said mostcurrent assistance policies covered only poverty reduction and socio-economicimprovement yet paid little attention to culture conservation and development.

“I hope in the near future there will be more experts working in the field tomaintain and spread values of languages, dances, music and other art forms ofethnic minorities,” he said.

For Ly Sao Mai from the northern province of Hoa Binh, forest protection is alifeline.

“Although the Government has issued some policies on forest protection,mechanisms to encourage the participation of local resident have been noteffective. Therefore, I want it to be better highlighted in upcomingdocuments,” she said.

The draft master plan will be filed to the Government for consideration onAugust 5. – VNS/VNA