The Vietnamese government is ramping up its efforts to expedite the execution of the national Strategy on Ethnic Affairs, aiming for completion by 2030, with an eye towards a comprehensive vision by 2045. Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has signed Directive No. 19/CT-TTg, which sets forth crucial priorities for enhancing living conditions, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic growth within ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

This directive underscores the significant progress Vietnam has made through various ethnic assistance initiatives launched by the Party and State. Government officials indicated that the poverty levels in these regions have decreased more rapidly than the national average, contributing to social equity, national cohesion, and growing public trust in governance. Additionally, numerous remote communities have shown tangible improvements in their living standards and access to essential services.

Nevertheless, the government recognizes that many ethnic minority and mountainous areas are still grappling with notable developmental obstacles. In numerous remote locales, infrastructure is subpar, and educational and workforce training quality lags behind the national benchmarks. Persistent issues regarding housing, clean water access, agricultural land, and community resettlement programs have also been highlighted by authorities.

The Vietnamese government has mandated that ministries, central agencies, and provincial governments hone in on fast-tracking projects and policies that address the unique needs of these marginalized ethnic regions. The directive advocates for enhanced state management, improved inter-agency cooperation, and the effective application of development initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and promoting economic growth in distant communities.

Special focus will be directed at border areas and ethnic groups with small populations. Officials plan to amplify investments in critical infrastructure such as roads, electricity supplies, healthcare facilities, schools, and clean water provision. The government also seeks to intertwine economic advancement with environmental sustainability while reinforcing national security and social stability in vital border locales.

The Ministry of Education and Training has been entrusted with upgrading educational standards and broadening access to high schools in mountainous and border regions. Plans are underway to implement programs aimed at grooming highly-skilled ethnic minority professionals in significant sectors through 2035. Concurrently, the Ministry of Health will enhance healthcare delivery in remote communities by refurbishing local clinics and training more medical personnel for underserved areas.

As part of its ethnic affairs strategy, Vietnam is also emphasizing cultural heritage conservation. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will focus on safeguarding traditional ethnic minority cultures and fostering sustainable tourism that respects local heritage and encourages community involvement. The government believes that tourism development can open new economic pathways while preserving traditional cultural identities and values.

The directive also includes ambitious objectives for infrastructure development, aiming for universal electricity access for all households in ethnic and mountainous regions by 2030. Authorities plan to broaden rural road networks, enhance bridges, and offer housing aid programs tailored for impoverished families, particularly those from ethnic minorities. Additionally, security agencies have been tasked with implementing stronger measures against social crime, drug issues, and threats to national stability.

Officials have articulated that Vietnam's long-range strategy is not just about rectifying economic disparities in ethnic regions but also about fostering national unity and achieving harmonized development throughout the country. The government has stressed the importance of all ministries and local authorities to conclude pending projects, enhance collaboration, and ensure that developmental programs genuinely benefit local ethnic communities moving forward.