Deputy Chairman of the Dien Bien provincial People’s Committee Bui Viet Binh granted an interview to Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) on the issue.
VOV: How has the poverty reduction programme been implemented in Dien Bien over the past years?

Mr Binh: We have paid special attention to the implementation of the poverty reduction programme in an effort to change the plant and breeding animal structure. In addition, we have also launched a project on socio-economic development in highland areas, particularly in communes with special difficulties. Especially, we have sent experts to help these communes change the plant and breeding animal structure and improve local living conditions. The staff of some local departments, agencies and sectors have increased to help people apply advanced technology in cultivation and production activities. Vocational schools have been built for ethnic minority children and cultivation land has been reclaimed and allocated to many households.

VOV: Could you elaborate on how the poverty reduction programme is focused on giving priority to highland areas?

Mr Binh: We have a resolution on the socio-economic development programme for highland areas in which we aim to help communes overcome their difficulties in the first place. We focus on four main issues relating to cultivation land, small-scaled irrigation works, inter-hamlet roads and land reclamation. So far, we have reviewed and assessed the programme. A number of communes have basically got out of their difficult status. At present, the programme is still underway and we will continue to help other communes in the province further develop till 2010.

VOV: How will the province speed up the economic restructuring to help people reduce poverty and eliminate hunger in the future?

Mr. Binh: To re-arrange the plant and breeding animal structure, first, we will target our livestock raising programme towards a selected number of districts and communes and help them sell high-quality breeds to other provinces throughout the country and to China as well. Second, we will complete soybean cultivation zoning in Tuan Giao district and then expand the soybean acreage to other districts such as Dien Bien, Bien Bien Dong, Muong Nhe, Muong Cha to make soybeans become a commodity. Third, with assistance from the Vietnam Cotton Corporation, we will start growing cotton hybrids on an experimental basis to develop the cotton season this year. Fourth, we will grow new varieties of tea, plant coffee trees to generate jobs of local labourers, provide vocational training and conduct scientific and technological transfer.