The government’s Committee for Ethnic Affairs and related agencies should pay attention to implementing relevant resolutions and directives of the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly and the Government on ethnic affairs, said President Tran Dai Quang. Speaking at a ceremony marking the 70th founding anniversary of the agency in Hanoi on April 26, President Tran Dai Quang praised efforts and achievements made by the sector over the last seven decades. He underlined the need to consistently pursue the principle of ensuring equality, unity and mutual respect, and strictly forbidding discrimination and division among ethnic groups. The State will implement comprehensive development policies and create favorable conditions for ethnic minority groups to promote their strengths, he stated, adding that the implementation of strategies and action programs for ethnic affairs to 2020 should be closely connected to socio-economic development plans of each region and locality. It is necessary to continue modifying and perfecting policies and laws concerning this field, focusing on researching and proposing the development of a law on ethnic minority affairs, Quang remarked. The President asked sectors to mobilize resources for infrastructure development and new-style rural area building in mountainous and ethnic minority-inhabited areas, and outline appropriate plans for residential and human resources planning in the direction of industrialization and modernization and sustainable development. He also stressed the necessity to enhance the role played by the Vietnam Fatherland Front, organizations and individuals in the implementation of ethnic works. On behalf of the Party and State, President Tran Dai Quang pinned the Independence Order, first-class, on the traditional flag of the sector. Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh also conferred the Labour Order, first class , on Minister-Chairman of the Committee for Ethnic Affairs Do Van Chien, and Deputy Ministers and Vice Chairmen of the committee Ha Hung and Son Phuoc Hoan. Initiated on May 3, 1946, the committee has different names and tasks. It helps create unity among ethnic groups nationwide. The committee and relevant ministries and sectors have given advice to the Government and the Prime Minister on the issuance of policies, programs and projects with the aim of comprehensively developing ethnic minority and mountainous areas in all fields, contributing to promoting poverty reduction, ensuring social security and new-style rural building movements. Thanks to judicious policies, the living standards of people in mountainous areas and those from ethnic minority groups have remarkably improved, and their trust in the Party and State have increased. (vov.vn Apr 26)
