Vietnam has gained many important achievements in realising Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially in poverty reduction, gender equality and education, according to a report released at a conference in Hanoi on April 17.

The report, announced by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, said Vietnam fulfilled the goal of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger in 2002. The country cut the poverty rate to 6 percent in 2014 from 9.6 percent in 2012 and 58.1 percent in 1993, which is a result of high economic growth and concerted efforts of the entire political system, which made poverty reduction the top priority in the national agenda throughout the past two decades.

The country succeeded in universalising primary education in 2010, and is working to give all children access to secondary and high schools soon, said the report, adding that Vietnam has basically reached the goal of gender equality, as seen in eliminating the gap in accessing primary education and the high proportion of women in the active workforce and the National Assembly.

Addressing the event, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Selberg, who is on a three-day Vietnam visit, said Vietnam is doing well in realising the MDGs, evidenced by its completion of goals in poverty reduction and education.

However, the country can still do better in providing education for women and caring for mothers and children, especially those in mountainous and remote areas, she said.

The country is also showing good performance in issues related to sustainable development, she commented, adding that Vietnam has made a number of contributions to the United Nations’ programmes on sustainable economic growth with Norway ’s support.

She said the Vietnamese Government is really paying attention to this issue, and she hopes that Vietnam will achieve all sustainable development goals in 2030.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam stated that with its policy of people-centred development, the Vietnamese Government always attaches importance to the human factor, thus investing heavily in education, health care, information and other social services for all, especially women, children and ethnic minority groups.

Together with its great efforts and support from the international community, Vietnam has completed many MDGs ahead of schedule, he said, adding that ministries and sectors are now ready for the next steps.-VNA