People of Pheo A hamlet, Cao Phong district build the local cultural house (Photo: baohoabinh.com.vn)

When the national new rural development program was first introduced in Cao Phong, the three local ethnic minority groups were facing lots of problems. But the program has boosted local socio-economic development, improved people’s living conditions, and increased their incomes.

In 2014 Dung Phong became one of the first communes in Hoa Binh province to complete the national new-style rural development targets. Now multi-story houses cluster together in Dung Phong, connected by paved roads to sugar cane fields and orange groves.

Bui Van Huong, Deputy Secretary of the commune’s Party Committee, attributed their success to a consensus that has united the efforts of administrations and the public. Dung Phong’s citizens regularly attend meetings to discuss the policies and planning for new rural activities, village roads, and lanes.

He said: “The national new style rural development program has encouraged farmers to develop production. After focusing on growing sugar cane and orange trees, we have invested in building roads and inner lanes, making locals farm more easily and earn higher incomes.”

Ho Xuan Dung, Deputy Chairman of Cao Phong district People’s Committee, said that in 2010 when the program began, only 2 communes met at least 5 criteria. The other 10 communes met fewer than 5 criteria. Cao Phong leaders designed a roadmap with detailed instructions to help each commune meet the criteria.

According to Dung, “Cao Phong's biggest advantage in developing new rural areas is the involvement of the entire political system and the local people. We have persuaded village patriarchs, elders, and other high-profile people to participate in the program. They have been the vanguard of the movement, especially in voluntary land donation. When we arranged temporary housing for displaced people in Dong Phong commune, we received much support from organizations and enterprises. This helped ensure housing for the poor.”

So far, four communes in Cao Phong have been recognized as new-style rural areas. On average, each commune has fulfilled 13 criteria. Last year, the average income per capita was more than 1,800 USD a year. The district invested more than 12 million USD in socio-economic development, education, and health care programs.

Vo Ngoc Kien, Secretary of the Cao Phong district Party Committee, told VOV: “The key to success is to create solidarity among the local ethnic groups - Muong, Kinh, and Dao. We have also promoted the role of the leaders of districts and communes, held dialogues with the public, addressed people’s problems, and figured out and tapped the potentials and strengths of each locality. In the past, Cao Phong had one commune complete the new-style rural development program each year. This year, we are striving to have one more commune fulfill the target and bring the total number of new-style rural communes to 14.”

In the 15 years since it was established, Cao Phong has become the most developed district in Hoa Binh province, thanks to identifying its problems, tapping its advantages, and creating solidarity between district authorities and people.