Ha Noi allocates US$197 million for ethnic minority development

Ha Noi must take the lead nationwide in ethnic minority affairs with effective policies and actions, said Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Ha Noi People's Committee on November 5 in Ha Noi.

The mayor attended the 4th Congress of Representatives of Ethnic Minorities in which he urged all levels and sectors to strengthen their knowledge and commitment to ethnic minority affairs and to be fully aware of their importance.

"It is necessary to closely follow the policies and guidelines of the central government, the city, and the practical situation to direct the timely and effective implementation of national target programs for the development of ethnic minority areas," he said.

The Chairman tasked the local government to prioritize infrastructure development in ethnic minority areas, support inclusive socio-economic growth, and close the development divide between the metropolis and mountainous and ethnic minority areas.

Ha Noi needs to amend existing policies and enact new ones tailored to ethnic minorities and the city's mountainous areas, Thanh added.

He stressed the importance of building a team of ethnic minority officials, especially at the village level and utilizing the role of respected individuals.

"What we do today will determine the future, so let's nurture the aspiration to overcome hardship and achieve prosperity right here in our home village," Thanh said.

Identifying top tasks

Ha Noi has also made progress in preserving the traditional cultures of ethnic minorities. At the same time, efforts to strengthen the Party and the political system have yielded positive results.

At the congress, participants also set tasks and directions for the next period, such as raising the average income in ethnic and mountainous areas to the level of Ha Noi's suburban communes and eliminating the poverty rate.

Ha Noi also aims for at least 95 percent of all ethnic minority schools to meet national standards, 80-85 percent of ethnic minority workers to complete training courses, and 95 percent of families to be recognized as cultured and educated. In addition, the capital expects 100 percent of communes to have access to national-standard health services, and 100 percent of ethnic minority households to have clean water and regular garbage collection in their areas.

Since the 3rd Congress of Representatives of Ethnic Minorities in 2019, Ha Noi has achieved important milestones, highlighting its commitment to ethnic minorities and mountainous areas.

The economic growth rate in ethnic areas is more than 10 percent each year, while the average annual per capita income reaches VND65 million (US$2,560), and the poverty rate among ethnic minorities is now down to 0.38 percent. Urgent issues such as access to health insurance, clean water, job transition assistance, and stable housing have been successfully addressed.

Between 2019 and 2024, Ha Noi has allocated over VND5 trillion (US$197 million) from local budgets, along with other funds, for comprehensive economic, cultural, and social development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. More than 265 infrastructure projects, such as roads, irrigation systems, schools, health facilities, and recreational areas, have been built./.