Vietnam's Ethnic Strategy Set for 2045

The Vietnamese government is set to intensify efforts to execute a national Strategy on Ethnic Affairs through 2030, with a forward-looking vision extending to 2045. Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has signed Directive No. 19/CT-TTg, which outlines essential priorities aimed at enhancing living conditions, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development in the country's ethnic minority and mountainous regions.

This directive notes Vietnam's notable progress in recent years driven by various ethnic support initiatives and policies established by the Party and the State. Officials remark that poverty levels in ethnic minority and mountainous areas have decreased more swiftly than the national average, bolstering social equity, national unity, and public trust in government efforts. There have also been measurable improvements in living standards and the availability of fundamental services throughout many remote communities.

However, the government recognizes that significant development hurdles still persist in many ethnic minority and mountainous areas. Infrastructure in several remote locations remains inadequate, while educational quality and workforce training continue to fall short of national benchmarks. Ongoing challenges related to housing, access to clean water, agricultural land, and resettlement plans for local populations have also been noted.

The government has mandated that ministries, central authorities, and provincial bodies concentrate on accelerating projects specifically targeting disadvantaged ethnic regions. The directive advocates for enhanced state management, stronger coordination among governmental entities, and effective execution of development initiatives aimed at poverty reduction and economic growth in these remote areas.

Special focus will be directed toward border regions and ethnic groups with smaller populations. Plans are underway to boost investments in critical infrastructure, like roads, electricity, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and clean water systems. The administration also seeks to balance economic advancement with environmental conservation and sustainable resource management, reinforcing national security and social stability in vital border zones.

The Ministry of Education and Training has been assigned the objective of enhancing educational quality and broadening access to high schools in mountainous and border regions. Additionally, the government intends to roll out programs aimed at developing skilled ethnic minority professionals in key sectors through 2035. Concurrently, the Ministry of Health will be focused on augmenting healthcare services in remote areas by upgrading local clinics and expanding training for medical personnel serving underserved communities.

Cultural preservation is another priority within the ethnic affairs strategy. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is tasked with safeguarding traditional ethnic minority customs while promoting sustainable tourism that engages local heritage and community involvement. The government aspires for tourism growth to generate new economic avenues while maintaining traditional identities and cultural values.

Moreover, the directive outlines ambitious infrastructure goals, including ensuring that 100 percent of households in ethnic minority and mountainous regions have electricity by 2030. Authorities are extending rural road networks, bridges, and housing assistance programs for economically disadvantaged families, particularly those from ethnic backgrounds. Security agencies are also instructed to bolster efforts against social crime, addiction issues, and activities that threaten national stability.

Officials emphasize that Vietnam's long-term plan is geared toward not just enhancing economic circumstances in ethnic regions but also fostering national unity and promoting equitable development across the country. The government reiterates that all ministries and local authorities must tackle incomplete projects, improve coordination, and ensure development programs effectively benefit local ethnic communities in the years to come.