Dai Thanh commune in Hau Giang province has become the first in the Mekong delta region qualified as a new-style rural area.

A decision to this effect issued by the Central Steering Committee for the National Target Programme on building new rural areas was handed over to the commune’s authorities at a December 24 ceremony in the locality.

On the occasion, 55 individuals and collectives were honoured with certificates of merit for their contributions to the campaign.

In the foreseeable future, Hau Giang will roll out the drive in 10 model communes following Dai Thanh’s success, with a focus given to improving local livelihoods.

Early next year, Vi Thanh and Tan Tien communes are expected to meet 19 criteria for status as new countryside areas.

The National Target Programme on building new-style rural areas has been undertaken nationwide and rallied the active participation of the people.

The program sets 19 national criteria, aiming to create breakthroughs in agriculture, farmers and the countryside.

Building infrastructure, improving production capacity, building public works, protecting landscape and environment, and promote local traditions and cultural identities are among new criteria on building new rural areas initiated by the government since 2010.

Many localities have built modern infrastructure and promoted mass production. People’s living conditions have been improved remarkably as a result of the campaign.-VNA