During the stay in the province from January 18-20, the delegation visited Phong Lai village in Thuan Chau district, Chieng Lao village in Muong La district and Chieng Sinh ward in Son La City.

While working with provincial leaders, Mrs Doan urged them to ensure the newly resettled and poor people enjoy a happy Lunar New Year festival (Tet). She also asked them to preserve the cultural identities of ethnic groups, strengthen the emulation campaign and carry out social welfare to promote national unity.

The Vice President praised the provincial socio-economic and cultural achievements. “Poverty reduction has made significant progress”, she said.

According to the Son La provincial People’s Committee’s report, the average economic growth rate is 14.7 percent in four year (2006-2009) and 14.36 percent in 2009. The province resettled 11,721 out of 12,479 households and is expected to complete resettlement on next month. The number of poor households dropped from 46 percent in 2005 to 29 percent in 2009.