Sin Suối Hồ Commune was once among the poorest areas of Phong Thổ District in the mountainous province of Lai Châu. However, over the past few years, a number of State-funded development programs have lowered the commune’s poverty rate to 39%. This proves that assistance for people in remote areas is necessary.
"Providing people with equipment and machinery like tractors is more effective than giving them money. They may misuse the money." - Giang A Vu, Party Committee Secretary, Sin Suoi Ho Commune, Phong Tho District, Lai Chau Province.
"To sustainably reduce the poverty rate, we must introduce the people to new production models, especially commodity production." - Tran Van Que, Chairman, Phong Tho District People's Committee, Lai Chau Province.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment will soon propose a new development plan to the government, which will call for development assistance from businesses and benefactors/sponsors for remote areas near national borders. It is hoped that the plan will better facilitate the allocation and use of support given to 435 borderland communes nationwide.
"We want to build a network of benefactors and beneficiaries in mountainous areas so that support will come to those in need." - Dang Huy Dong, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Planning and Investment.
According to Deputy Minister Đông, as soon as the new plan is approved, a website will be established that contains the information of mountainous communes in need of support.
