The report on the Vietnamese rural economy and household survey 2010 in 12 cities and provinces was released at a seminar in Hanoi on July 6.

The report, the result of cooperation between a number of Vietnamese and Danish agencies, showed average living conditions of 2,200 surveyed households in 12 localities, namely Hanoi, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Nghe An, Quang Nam, Khanh Hoa, Dac Lac, Dac Nong, Lam Dong and Long An had improved considerably.

Professor Finn Tarp from Copenhagen University said that many of the poorest households had recovered and helped change the face of Vietnam’s rural life.

However, he suggested further studies on the importance of credit in production investment which, he said helped households escape from poverty.

Vice Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management Vu Xuan Nguyet Hong said she hoped the research results would provide important material for researchers as well as policymakers to consult during the process of devising future rural agriculture development policies.

The Danish Ambassador to Vietnam said the 2010 household survey contributed to widening Vietnam’s population database and proposals could now be made for the rural economy to help Vietnam achieve sustainable economic development./.