The poverty rate in impoverished districts fell 5.62% to 33%, and the poverty rate in ethnic minority areas fell to 17.8%, meeting the targets set by the National Assembly and the Government. 

The figures were released at the National Assembly’s Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs online conference on Tuesday to review ethnic affairs activities last year and set goals for this year.

The ethnic minority work in 2023 achieved strong results, particularly in implementing programs and policies to boost ethnic socio-economic development, and ensuring national defense and security in ethnic minority areas.

During the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang asked ministries, sectors, and localities to pay due attention to ethnic minorities affairs and focus on flexibly adapting policies to the culture, customs, conditions, and living standards of each locality.

Communications should encourage administrations at all levels and residents of ethnic minority areas to follow Party guidelines and State policies, said Mr. Quang.

He underscored the importance of building a team of officials specializing in ethnic minority affairs and proposed that the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs submit to the Government a program to develop a school system for ethnic children.