Huong Phong Commune in the central province of Thua Thien- Hue has become the first mountainous commune in the province to accomplish targets set by the government’s Programme 135 in 2015.

Huong Phong is among the 80 most vulnerable communes in ethnic minority and mountainous areas of 23 provinces and cities which are beneficiaries of the programme.

The locality has implemented dozens of socio-economic growth plans in combination with the new-style rural area programme, with a focus on expanding production to increase incomes.

Building a road in Huong Phong commune (Source:thuathienhue.gov.vn)

Provincial People’s Committee Deputy Chairman Dinh Khac Dinh said the successful completion of Programme 135 reflects significant efforts by the entire political system and local residents to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty, as well as build and develop the local economy.

He said the commune has allocated 36 billion VND (1.6 million USD), of which 13 billion VND was contributed by local residents, for housing construction and production expansion in order to promote resources for development.

In the past year, Huong Phong has invested in infrastructure, particularly its road construction, helping to boost transportation in the locality. It has also encouraged and multiplied effective production models in gardening, forestry, farms and general co-operatives in an attempt to improve living standards and generate income for locals.

Average income per capita in the locality rose from 10.5 million VND (477 USD) in 2010 to 25.5 million VND (1,160 USD) in 2015. Residents were able to use hygienic water, 50 percent of which met national regulations.

The proportion of people who participated in health insurance accounted for 78.09 percent, and only one household was living under the poverty line.

The 135 is a national programme for socio-economic development in the most disadvantaged communes in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. It began in 1998.

Source: VNA