The delegation also reviewed progress in implementing Component 2 of the National Target Programme on New Rural Development, Sustainable Poverty Reduction and socio-economic development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2026–2030 period (Programme 417).

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang municipal People's Committee Trần Nam Hưng speaks at the meeting

Deputy Minister Nông Thị Hà speaks at the working session in Quang Ngai province

At the working sessions, representatives of the Departments of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Da Nang city and Quang Ngai province presented brief reports on the implementation of Component 2 of the National Target Programme on New Rural Development, Sustainable Poverty Reduction and socio-economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2026–2035 period, with Phase I covering 2026–2030, in their respective localities.

According to the reports, after five years of implementing Programme 1719, the coordinated implementation of ethnic policies and investment programmes has brought gradual improvements to ethnic minority and mountainous areas. The poverty rate has declined by an average of 3–4% annually.

However, ethnic minority and mountainous areas continue to face considerable challenges. Rugged terrain, uneven population distribution and low rates of capital disbursement have hindered socio-economic development, with results falling short of expectations.

As of early 2026, Da Nang city had 25,515 poor and near-poor households, including more than 20,200 ethnic minority households, reportedly accounting for 27.85% of the total number of households.

Meanwhile, Quang Ngai province had 540,078 ethnic minority residents, representing 25.35% of its total population. Among ethnic minority communities, there were 8,748 poor households and 5,615 near-poor households.

Vice Chairman of the Quang Ngai provincial People's Committee Nguyễn Ngọc Sâm speaks at the meeting

Speaking at the working sessions, Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nông Thị Hà acknowledged and commended the achievements of Da Nang city and Quang Ngai province in directing the implementation of Programme 1719 and preparing for the implementation of Programme 417.

The Deputy Minister called on the two localities to address targets that have yet to be met and ensure effective resource allocation for the implementation of Programme 417 during the 2026–2030 period, with a focus on key priorities and intended beneficiaries.

She also urged the local authorities to accelerate project implementation so that residents could benefit from the policies as soon as possible, while strengthening the application of digital technologies in programme management, monitoring and coordination.

Regarding Da Nang city, Deputy Minister Nông Thị Hà called on the municipal authorities to proactively mobilise adequate resources, focus on addressing key issues in ethnic and religious affairs, and demonstrate strong determination in implementing the programme from the outset.

These efforts would lay a solid foundation for faster and more sustainable development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in the coming period.

Regarding Quang Ngai province, the Deputy Minister called for the prompt consolidation of the provincial Steering Committee and the formulation of an appropriate implementation plan.

At the commune level, given the extensive geographical areas and difficult travel conditions, she proposed establishing working groups to assist communes in setting up steering committees for the implementation of the national target programme, compiling investment project lists and identifying investment objectives for the 2026–2030 period.

At the working sessions, on behalf of the Ministry's delegation, Deputy Minister Nông Thị Hà acknowledged the recommendations and proposals put forward by Da Nang city and Quang Ngai province.

She stated that the Ministry would review and consolidate these proposals for submission to the Government while coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies to examine and address outstanding difficulties, thereby creating more favourable conditions for local authorities to implement the national target programme.