In recent years, national programmes on poverty reduction have supported locals in many disadvantaged areas. Districts with the highest rate of poor households in the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai share their story.

The rate of poor households in the mountainous district of Hat Luu stands at 40 percent. The commune failed to reduce the rate to its target of 18 percent in 2017 due to the impact of natural disasters. In 2018, the district was assisted with over 78 billion VND for its poverty reduction programme. The assistance is expected to help Tram Tau cut the rate by 6.5 percent. Thanks to the efforts of local authorities, poverty reduction has reaped some achievements. However, locals in many areas are still confronting hardship on a daily basis. This poses questions for local authorities to deal with the matter effectively. –VNA