Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Ha Noi, June 7 (VNA) -- Prime Minister Phan Van Khai has called for further efforts to accelerate the implementation of the Government's on-going socio-economic development programme for poor communes in mountainous and remote areas referred to as Programme 135.

The programme, which has been underway in 2,325 communes nationwide since July 1998, had to turn out sustainable outcomes, the PM noted.

The programme, he said, is of importance to Viet Nam. Prosperity and stability in remote regions is crucial to Viet Nam's national security. It helps bring into full play the humantarian value and fine tradition of the nation and contributes to national socio-economic development as a whole. The programme, he added, reflects the Party and Government's profound concern for mountainous, border, and remote areas inhabited by ethnic groups, and former revolutionary bases. Programme 135 has received warm responses from the people and has been considered a key task by Party committees and administration agencies at all levels.

The PM pointed to the need to address four major issues: developing infrastructure facilities, providing sufficient food supply to the people, boosting production so that it meets market demands, and raising people's education. The programme should be carried out in harmony with other on-going projects in localities to achieve high efficiency.

He warned that severe punishments will be handed to those misusing investment allocated to the programmes.

The Government has increased budget allocations for infrastructure construction in communes related to Programme 135, from VND 508 billion in 1999 to VND 700 billion in 2000. The investment was poured into the construction of 5,035 infrastructure facilities in poor communes, with 4,867 having already been put into service. More than 41 percent were transport and communication facilities; 25.7 percent, schools; 6.25 percent, water supply sources; and 0.68 percent, medical stations.--VNA