The Central Highlands province of Lam Dong province mobilised more than 22 trillion VND (1.03 billion USD) to develop local new-style rural communities within 2009 – 2014.

A major part, approximately 96 percent of the raised capital, is sourced from bank credits, some 11 percent from the State budget, and 2.5 percent from the locals’ donation, among others.

In 2015, Lam Dong targets 43 communes meeting required new-style rural standards.

To realise the goal, it has prioritised upgrading infrastructure, improving and restructuring the agricultural sector which can bring higher income for local residents.

Adequate financial investment and community support have led to positive outcomes in the programme, as evidenced by the granting of the recognition to 25 communes as by February, 2015.

The provincial plan for the 2016 – 2020 period is to have 99 out of its 117 communes and 6 of its 10 districts accomplished the 19 new rural development criteria.

The national new-style rural area programme was launched by the Government in 2010, with criteria covering building infrastructure, improving production capacity, constructing public works, protecting landscapes and the environment, and promoting local traditions and cultural identities, among others.

The Prime Minister has set tasks for the Central Committee for the National New Style Rural Area Building Programme to achieve 20 percent of the total communes nationwide (or 1,800) recognised as modern rural areas in 2015.-VNA