Explanation:
Vietnam has embarked on the final stage of implementing the Millennium
Development Goals. The period 2010-2013 has significant meaning in the
socio-economic development of Vietnam, marking the completion of the
Socio-economic Development Strategy 2001-2010 and transition to the
period 2011-2020. Vietnam is currently facing a number of challenges.
The economic slowdown in Vietnam and macroeconomic instability has
reduced decent work opportunities and lowered average income. Moreover,
Vietnam is also encountering increasing problems including climate change,
inequality in living standards, poverty among ethnic minorities, urban
poverty and migration, the quality of education and training unable to catch
up with demand from the growing economy, and a weak and uncompetitive
private sector in the context of rigorous economic integration. These
challenges can slow down the progress of MDGs.
In the context of socio-economic challenges, the Government of Vietnam
(GOV) has provided timely measures to stabilize the economy, maintain a
reasonable growth rate, and prioritize poverty reduction, as well as support
activities in social, economic and environmental fields. These efforts have
brought about positive results. Firstly, Vietnam has gradually stabilized its
macro-economy, and controlled inflation. Exports display strong growth and
agriculture continues to play an important role in economic growth. GDP
per capita reached USD1.596 in 2012, which was four times higher than
GDP per capita in 2000. Secondly, poverty reduction efforts have obtained
positive outcomes. The national poverty rate fell from 14.2 percent in 2010
to 9.6 percent in 2012.1
The poverty rate in the economically disadvantaged
regions such as 62 poor communes in Program 30a (a program for supporting
the 62 poorest districts nationwide) fell from 58.3 percent in 2010 to 43.9
percent in 2012. Thirdly, Vietnam has built up the National Strategy for
Gender Equality 2011-2020. This establishment marks groundbreaking
change in the national approach towards gender equality in Vietnam.
Vietnam has a relatively high Gender Equality Index as compared to nations
with similar growth. Fourthly, Vietnam has succeeded in implementation of
environmental protection policies, while building a comprehensive policy
and legislative framework to tackle climate change.
Vietnam has mostly completed three MDGs: MDG 1 to eradicate extreme
poverty and hunger, MDG 2 to achieve universal primary education, MDG
3 to promote gender equality and empower women. In the period 2010-
2013, Vietnam has continued to maintain and improve these achievements.
Vietnam has made significant progress in the remaining MDGs. MDG 4
and MDG 5 are close to completion. Three other MDGs, including MDG
6 to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases2
, MDG 7 to ensure
environmental sustainability, and MDG 8 to develop a global partnership
for development, have obtained positive progress
