Ethnic minority delegates at the 4th Congress of Ethnic Minorities, which was attended by 250 ethnic minority delegates representing 53 ethnic groups living in the capital, spoke to The Hanoi Times about their perspectives on the results of recent policies for ethnic minority communities and ways to foster comprehensive development in Hanoi's ethnic minority and mountainous areas over the next five years.

Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, Deputy Chief of Office, Quoc Oai District People’s Council and People’s Committee

Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, Deputy Chief of Office, Quoc Oai District People’s Council and People’s Committee.

Ethnic minorities in Phu Man and Dong Xuan communes have seen remarkable improvements over the past five years, thanks to substantial investments by the municipal government. Infrastructure such as power grids, roads, schools, and health facilities have been built and upgraded. 

Both communes now qualify for the criteria of a new rural commune with no poor families, and the average per capita income has consistently increased. The local authorities and people are striving to meet the advanced criteria. We are optimistic and faithful to the policies developed by the Party, the Government, and the authorities in Hanoi.

I hope that the city government will continue to take care of ethnic minorities and make better policies to facilitate comprehensive socio-economic development in ethnic minorities and mountainous areas. I also look forward to the implementation of socio-economic programs of the Government and Hanoi authorities, especially the National Target Program, by the Hanoi Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs and relevant agencies.

I would also like to see more support for the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values among ethnic communities. The Hanoi government has shown great interest in this issue, and Quoc Oai District has been actively carrying out some similar activities. But we need a clear roadmap and substantial resources to make it sustainable.

Nguyen Van Nghia, Secretary of Ke Moi Hamlet Party Committee, Tan Linh Commune, Ba Vi District

Nguyen Van Nghia, Secretary of Ke Moi Hamlet Party Committee.

Since the adjustment of the capital's administrative boundaries in 2008, when Ba Vi District became part of Hanoi, the lives of ethnic minority communities in Ke Moi Hamlet and Tan Linh Commune have steadily improved.

Over the past five years, per capita income in the commune has risen from VND30 million (US$1,180) to VND65-70 million (US$2,560-2,760). Ke Moi Hamlet now has no impoverished households, and Tan Linh Commune is also working to meet the advanced new rural criteria. In Ke Moi Hamlet, dairy farming is becoming a profitable livelihood.

In Tan Linh commune, we now have a herbalist association with 30 members. In the coming years, we hope the city will support us to expand the association and turn it into a traditional herbalist village.

We also hope that the Hanoi government will continue to support rural industries and promote community-based tourism in our commune, which would both preserve traditional cultural values and provide a source of subsistence for ethnic communities.

Hoang Thi Hoa, San Diu ethnic minority, resident of Dong Anh District

Hoang Thi Hoa, San Diu ethnic minority, resident of Dong Anh District

In order to win people's consent, local authorities should help ethnic minority communities understand the purpose and benefits of policies issued by the central and local governments. The Hanoi government has paid close attention to ethnic minority groups and has provided us with legal background and knowledge so that our communities can avoid inadvertently breaking the law.

We have also received extensive support from the city's policies in other areas. For example, in education, ethnic minority students always receive favorable and incentive policies. Many of us have gone to the ethnic boarding school, where we are provided with a supportive and just environment for our development.

Looking ahead, we hope that the city government and local authorities will expand their support and training for young ethnic minority talent, enabling them to develop their skills and contribute more actively to the development of the capital.