“Not Minding the Effectiveness, Just Aiming at the Right Address”: Shortcomings in Implementing Poverty Reduction in the Vietnam - Laos Border Area of Quang Nam Province

Abstract

The Vietnam-Laos border area in Quang Nam province is home to many
ethnic minorities with a high poverty rate. In recent years, socio-economic development and
poverty reduction programs have been implemented locally, achieving some results in
building infrastructure, supporting people in production development, and reducing the
poverty rate. However, the implementation of these programs still has many shortcomings,
leading to a persistently high poverty rate and unsustainable poverty reduction. Based on
field data from the Vietnam-Laos border communes in Quang Nam province, this article
analyses the current situation of poverty, the implementation of poverty reduction policies,
and the shortcomings in policy implementation that affect the effectiveness of poverty
reduction. It also provides policy recommendations to improve the effectiveness of poverty
reduction efforts in the area.