>> Hanoi raises poverty standard by 50%

The Vietnamese prime minister has approved a higher poverty threshold for the period between 2011 and 2015.

In urban areas the poverty line has been changed from VND450,000 (USD22.5) to VND500,000 (USD25) per person per month. In rural areas it is now VND400,000 (USD20), instead of VND350,000 (USD17.5).

Families in rural areas with per capita incomes of between VND401,000 and VND520,000 (USD20.05-USD26) are considered to be in danger of impoverishment . In the meantime, households in urban areas with per capital income of between VND501,000 and VND650,000 (USD20.05-USD32.5) are have been given the same status.

These new standards have been in effect since January 1, 2011.

According to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Vietnam’s poverty rate had been reduced from 22% to 9.45% in the period between 2005 and 2010.

Certain areas, such as Danang, Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong province, took the lead in poverty reduction.

The Government has identified 62 of the poorest districts in the nation and has set plans in motion to reduce economic hardship there. As a result, in the two years between 2008 and 2010, the poverty rate has fallen from 47% to 37% in these locations.