Tô Lâm Urges Stronger Role for Ethnic Minority Deputies to Drive Inclusive Development

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Tô Lâm, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việtnam and State President, has underscored the pivotal role of ethnic minority deputies in advancing inclusive development and strengthening national unity during a high-level meeting in the capital on Monday.

Addressing a gathering of leaders from the Party, State and Việt Nam Fatherland Front with ethnic minority lawmakers of the 16th National Assembly, President Lâm praised their growing contributions in translating policies into practical outcomes and overseeing their implementation at the grassroots level.

He reaffirmed that great national unity remains a strategic cornerstone and a decisive source of strength for Việt Nam’s continued progress. Reflecting on more than 80 years and over 15 legislative terms, the leader noted that ethnic minority deputies have steadily enhanced their capacity and participation in legislative affairs, oversight functions, and decision-making on key national issues.

President Lâm highlighted that ethnic affairs and related policies have consistently received close attention from the Party and State, with an increasingly coordinated policy framework. These efforts, he said, have laid a solid foundation for the development of ethnic minority and mountainous regions, supported by national target programmes aimed at improving infrastructure, raising living standards, promoting sustainable poverty reduction, and narrowing development gaps.

Despite these gains, he acknowledged that ethnic minority and mountainous areas remain among the most disadvantaged in the country, facing persistent socio-economic challenges.

Calling for a more strategic and practical approach, the Vietnamese leader stressed the need to renew thinking on ethnic affairs. He urged ethnic minority deputies to actively reflect grassroots challenges and propose tailored policy solutions aligned with local realities, ensuring that every recommendation is grounded in feasibility and aimed at delivering tangible outcomes.

President Lâm also emphasised the importance of integrating ethnic affairs into the broader national development strategy, with stronger representation during legislative discussions and oversight processes. He called for further institutional reforms to support comprehensive development across infrastructure, livelihoods, healthcare, culture, and digital transformation in these regions.

Highlighting human development as a priority, he stressed the need to create more opportunities for younger generations in ethnic minority communities to access education, develop skills, and contribute to local progress.

The leader further urged deputies to strengthen their representative role by engaging more actively in policymaking from the early stages of drafting legislation and ensuring effective monitoring of implementation. He also called on the National Assembly’s Ethnic Council to enhance its strategic advisory role through proactive research, field assessments, and timely identification of institutional bottlenecks.

Reaffirming confidence in their contributions, President Lâm stated that ethnic minority deputies will continue to play a vital role in national development and in reinforcing the country’s unity.

Speaking at the meeting, Trần Thanh Mẫn, Chairman of the National Assembly, pledged to fully implement the strategic guidance outlined by the Party leadership. He emphasised the legislature’s commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that no one is left behind.

He also called for accelerated legislative reforms to make policies more precise, practical, and measurable, alongside stronger oversight mechanisms. Enhancing the effectiveness of the National Assembly’s Ethnic Council and amplifying the voices of ethnic minority deputies—particularly from disadvantaged and mountainous regions—remain key priorities, he added.