The workshop was chaired by Politburo member, Secretary of Party Central Committee (PCC) and Head of the PCC's Commission for Mass Mobilisation Truong Thi Mai.
According to a report summarising the 15-year implementation of Resolution No. 24-NQ/TW on ethnic minority affairs, the socio-economic situation of localities in ethnic minority-inhabited and mountainous areas has seen positive changes.
The living conditions for ethnic minority people have improved while defence, security and social order have been maintained.
However, due to the low starting point, ethnic minority and mountainous areas are facing many challenges. By the end of 2018, there were over 720,000 poor ethnic minority households, accounting for 55.27% of the total of poor households nationwide.
Some issues related to spontaneous migration, such as temporary housing, poor infrastructure, and lack of residential land, productive land and clean water, have not been effectively addressed.
Speaking at the seminar, Politburo member Truong Thi Mai underscored that investment in ethnic minority and mountainous areas is development investment.
The objective of the policy must narrow the wealth gap among ethnic minority groups, towards sustainable development, she said, adding that more attention should be paid to facilitating investment and credit policies, in order to create the conditions for people to have equal opportunity to develop.
In addition, there must be specific policies associated with the living conditions and customs of each region, she noted.
