The targets were set at the first Representative Congress of Hanoi’s Ethnic Minority Groups, which began on November 26. The congress, themed “Equality, Solidarity and Mutual Assistance for Development”, attracted nearly 300 representatives from 34 ethnic minority groups in the city.

To reach these goals, Hanoi has defined eight major tasks with priority being given to the socio-economic development of ethnic minority groups. At first, the city will focus on developing the infrastructure, transport network and irrigation systems in areas inhabited by ethnic minority groups, while applying advanced technologies in production. It will make the best use of each areas potential and strengths while protecting the environment and improving the quality of education, training and healthcare services.

Hanoi is now home to over 58,600 ethnic minority people, who account for 0.9 percent of the city’s total population.

Since expanding its administrative borders in August 2008, Hanoi has used all available human and material resources to help communes with special difficulties to upgrade local infrastructures, including electricity supplies, roads, schools and clinics. The city has also raised nearly VND136 billion to build 1,842 houses and repair 416 others for the poor, mostly ethnic minority people.

On the occasion, the municipal People’s Committee presented certificates of merit to six ethnic minority associations and 72 individuals who have performed outstandingly in a number of fields.

The congress also selected 10 official delegates to attend the first Representative Congress of Vietnamese Ethnic Minority Groups.