Enterprises – major force for poverty reduction

VGP – Vietnamese enterprises and entrepreneurs are a trustworthy force which takes the lead in helping the poor, maintain social security and economic growth, said Deputy PM Nguyễn Sinh Hùng.

October 16, 2009 10:04 AM GMT+7

Deputy PM Nguyễn Sinh Hùng (center) at the Conference of economic groups and corporations taking part in the poverty reduction movement, Hà Nội, October 15, 2009 - Photo: VGP

Deputy PM Nguyễn Sinh Hùng made the statement at the Conference of economic groups, corporations and enterprises which are responding to the Movement “For the Poor Day.”

The conference is a chance to review the 9-month enforcement of the Government’s Resolution 30a on rapid and sustainable poverty alleviation in 61 poorest districts throughout Việt Nam.

In 2009, the Government has advanced each of these districts VND 25 billion on major projects; VND 500 billion on 121 communal clusters; VND 1,000 billion on housing, and VND 180 billion on afforestation in the poor districts.

So far, through local For the Poor funds, 52,000 houses have been built for poor households.

Many corporations have actively assisted several poor districts. For example, the Việt Nam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) are sponsoring six districts, Bank for Investment and Development of Việt Nam (5 districts), Việt Nam Cement (4 districts), and Việt Nam Development Bank (4 districts).

Seventeen enterprises pledged to provide vocational training courses and occupational opportunities for the poor; grant scholarship and tuition fees for poor students; build vocational training centers and factories in poor districts to employ local laborers.

Mentioning major tasks in the near future, Deputy PM Nguyễn Sinh Hùng asked enterprises to train labor force for the domestic use and labor export.

He praised the business community as the vanguard force in assisting the poor, promoting economic growth and bettering social security.

By Hạnh Uyên