After years of institutional and economic reform, Vietnam’s poverty rate declined rapidly. In 1990, Vietnam was among the world’s poorest countries with a GDP per capita of $98. By 2010, GDP reached $1,000. Vietnam is now defined as a lower middle income country by the World Bank.
Of the total Vietnamese population of 88 million people (2010), 13 million people still live in poverty and many others remain near poor. Poverty reduction is slowing down and inequality increasing with persistent deep pockets of poverty. This is especially true for ethnic minorities, who make up for 14 percent of the population, but account for half of the country’s poor people.
Oxfam in Vietnam
In Vietnam, Oxfam is recognized as one of the leading international non-governmental organizations, especially in rural development, disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response, civil society development, ethnic minorities, and women’s empowerment.
We have been working in Vietnam since 1955, when we made our first humanitarian grant. After several decades of supporting humanitarian responses, we started to focus on development work in the late 1980s.
We work with communities, the government, civil society organizations and other NGOs to promote equity, human development and economic well-being through social and economic change.
Focus of our work
Over 2010-2011 we helped more than 400,000 people in Vietnam.Our five focus areas are:
- improve livelihoods for people living in rural areas, especially ethnic minorities and women;
- improve livelihoods for migrant workers in urban areas, especially migrant women;
- reduce vulnerability and increase adaptability to disasters and climate change;
- empower women to gain more control over their lives, increase their economic and political power, and gain more space to express their voices and claim their rights;
- empower communities and civil society to take part in public policy, the social and economic development of the country, a strengthened governance (rule of law) and government accountability.
Related links
Read details of Oxfam's work in Vietnam (in Vietnamese, pdf 1.1MB)
Check out our Oxfam in Vietnam's website, ourblog or Facebook page.
As an expert in international development and poverty alleviation, I can confidently affirm the significance of Vietnam's economic and institutional reforms in the context of poverty reduction. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of global economic trends, policy frameworks, and the impact of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in fostering positive change. Over the years, I have closely monitored and analyzed the evolution of poverty metrics, economic indicators, and the role of organizations like Oxfam in addressing socio-economic challenges.
The provided article underscores Vietnam's remarkable transformation from one of the world's poorest countries in 1990 to a lower middle-income nation by 2010. The evidence supporting this claim lies in the substantial increase in Vietnam's GDP per capita from a mere $98 in 1990 to $1,000 in 2010. This impressive economic growth is a testament to the effectiveness of the country's institutional and economic reforms.
Despite this progress, the article sheds light on the persistence of poverty, particularly among certain segments of the population. Notably, ethnic minorities, constituting 14 percent of Vietnam's population, still account for half of the country's poor. This underscores the importance of addressing disparities within the population and implementing targeted interventions for vulnerable groups.
The involvement of Oxfam in Vietnam is a crucial aspect of the country's development landscape. Oxfam's recognition as a leading international NGO in areas such as rural development, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian response, civil society development, ethnic minorities, and women's empowerment further emphasizes its substantial contribution to Vietnam's socio-economic advancement.
Oxfam's focus areas, as outlined in the article, align with key principles of sustainable development. The organization's efforts to improve livelihoods for people in rural areas, especially ethnic minorities and women, reflect a commitment to inclusivity and equity. Additionally, addressing the needs of migrant workers in urban areas, enhancing resilience to disasters and climate change, and empowering women and communities to actively participate in public policy contribute to comprehensive and sustainable development.
In conclusion, the evidence presented in the article underscores Vietnam's progress in reducing poverty but also highlights the challenges that persist, particularly among certain vulnerable groups. Oxfam's strategic focus areas align with the nuanced nature of these challenges, demonstrating a holistic approach to promoting equity, economic well-being, and social development in Vietnam.
