In 2013, the number of poor households nationwide decreased by 1.8%  from 9.6 % the previous year.  The figure was officially released at an online meeting which took place in Ha Noi on Wednesday afternoon.  The event aimed to review last year’s implementation of a national sustainable poverty reduction programme, as well as identify key tasks for this year.  The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Central Steering Committee for Sustainable Poverty Reduction, Mr Vu Van Ninh.  In Da Nang, representatives of the local authorities were participants.

During the review period, Da Nang’s authorities implemented numerous support policies for local poor families.  In addition, the local district authorities helped needy residents access loans to develop their businesses in order to increase their incomes and improve their living conditions.  Meanwhile, local families who had lost agricultural land as a result of the city’s urban development projects received support to shift from farming activities to other livelihoods.  Free vocational training courses were also provided for over 3,600 local needy people to help them improve their professional skills and find stable jobs.  Over 3.4 billion VND was also raised from generous local donors to repair houses for those living in difficult circumstances.  In addition, 79 apartments were allocated for very poor local families.  Thanks to the great efforts of the city’s authorities, over 7,700 local households were lifted out of poverty last year.