Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh presents certificates of merit to outstanding ethnic minority people on December 18, 2017. (Photo: Vietnamnet)

In his address, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh urged ethnic minority people to continue their contributions to the development of ethnic minorities and mountain regions, maintain national unity, ensure national security and defense, and improve the socio-economic infrastructure in ethnic minority and mountain regions. 

 "Local Party committees and administrations ned to create favorable conditions for outstanding ethnic minority people to fulfill their tasks. They need to uphold their key roles in ensuring the sustainable development of ethnic minorities,” he said. 

More than 500 delegates representing 53 ethnic minority groups from 52 provinces participated in the event.