From 2011 to 2015, Ha Noi implemented various programs and policies to support poverty reduction and improve living conditions of the people. Per capita income in 2015 increased 1.8 times in comparison to 2010; quality of life in rural, mountainous and ethnic minority areas were improved, and the gap between plain and mountainous areas, between rural and urban areas were gradually tightened.

For the period of 2011 to 2015, the city allocated around VND 7,700 billion for poverty reduction programs. 620,786 poor and marginally poor households received nearly VND 7,800 billion of loans; 58,927 students and pupils received around 670 billion of loans, along with other preferential credit programs. 42,172 students enjoyed tuition exemption and reduction; total amount of incentives was estimated at 21.5 billion. 208,590 students received tuition fee support; total amount was around VND 190 billion. 3,793 poor households enjoyed support to build and renovate their houses; 366,500 poor households received gift with total amount of VND 1 trillion. The city also invested VND 1,276.5 billion in 202 infrastructure works to develop infrastructure in ethnic minority, mountainous communes.

Thanks to comprehensive poverty reduction models and measures in the past five years, poverty rate was reduced from 7.52% at the beginning of 2011 to 0. 96% at the end of 2015. In 2016, Ha Noi decreased the number of poor households by 25,037, thus reducing poverty rate of the year by1.3% and meeting the target.

Speaking at the workshop, Vice Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee Ngo Van Quy appreciated effort of the agencies, districts and towns in poverty reduction. He also pointed out problems, such as unsustainable poverty reduction, the gap between rural and urban areas, poor households in suburban areas, and high poverty rate in mountainous and ethnic minority areas.

According to new standard, current poverty rate of Ha Noi is 3%. The city expects to reduce the rate to below 1.2% by the end of 2020, in particular below 1.5% in rural areas and below 3% in mountainous, ethnic minority areas; by the end of 2018, there are no commune and village in difficult circumstances of economy and society.

In order to realize the poverty reduction program, the Vice Chairman requested agencies, districts and towns to take drastic measures, increase leadership, make their plans in accordance with the city’s plan, issue policies to support poor households, and prevent people from falling into poverty again. He also urged authorities to announce and realize policies of the State and the city on supporting the poor; the Fatherland Front as well as political, social organizations to promote their role of supervising the process in localities, mobilizing resources for poverty reduction and calling for people’s participation.

On this occasion, the Municipal People’s Committee honored 49 collectives and individuals who had excellent performance in sustainable poverty reduction in the period of 2011 to 2015.