Vietnam’s Gross Domestic Product per capita in 2010 was estimated to be about USD 1,200, taking it off the list of the world’s poorest countries.
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| Climate change will threaten Vietnam’s rice production and its millennium development goals (Illustrative photo) |
The Ministry of Planning & Investment has reported the details of achievements in meeting millennium development goals during the past 10 years.
According to the Deputy Minister of Planning & Investment, Cao Viet Sinh, Vietnam has gained remarkable ground in economic growth and social development in the last decade.
The average annual GDP growth rate was 7.2% from 2001 to 2010. With the GDP per capita rate reaching USD 1,200, Vietnam is no longer ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world. Instead, the nation has moved into the classification of low-average incomes.
As of 2010, Vietnam has achieved many of its goals: the poverty rate has been reduced by half since 2002; primary education has been standardised since 2000; post primary education has been standardised since 2010; and Vietnamese women’s social standing and gender equality has improved.
Healthcare for children has continued to be a priority and has been much-improved. The rate of death during childbirth has gone down dramatically and the spreading of HIV/AIDS has been better prevented.
However, HIV development remains complicated. In several areas, the rate has actually gone up. Dien Bien and Son La provinces have very high infection rates of HIV.
High risk groups have not been exposed to comprehensive prevention awareness, nursing or treatment services at social labour education centres. Meanwhile, HIV patients are still heavily discriminated against.
Regarding this issue, John Hendra, resident coordinator of the United Nations in Vietnam, said that HIV related objectives (which are part of the millennium development goals) may not be achieved in 2015 if the service availability, especially for high risk groups, was not enhanced in a proper manner.
“In order to meet these goals, the government’s financial commitment for HIV prevention at national and local levels needs to be strengthened,” recommended John Hendra.
Big challenges on climate change
John Hendra pointed out challenges related to poverty and the environment. Over half of the total ethnic population of Vietnam is living under the poverty level. The number of ethnic people who have education or become literate is still low, especially women and small girls.
In addition, the global economy, energy and food crises have put pressure on developing countries, including Vietnam.
Official development assistance (ODA), foreign direct investment (FDI) and export volume tend to go down while trade deficit, payment balance and potential inflation has gone up.
“These issues have impacted more seriously the poor and perhaps can make those who got rid of poverty become poor again,” added John Hendra.
Vietnam is one of the countries affected most by climate change. This probably hinders the efforts of Vietnam to meet its millennium goals. Floods, drought and tornadoes are influencing the lives of the poor more and more.
According to statistical data reported in 2008, a 1/3 of the total income for those living in poverty came from agriculture, forestry and fishery activities.
At the same time, the rise of sea water levels will affect major areas producing rice for the whole country. As a result, the national food security of Vietnam will be impacted.
“Methods of natural disaster response and reduction (including climate change) will cost a lot of money and can affect the budget for implementing the millennium goals,” warned John Hendra.
