Vietnam has disbursed more than 5.5 trillion VND (315 million USD) in the last three years for a national programme for socio-economic development in poor mountainous communes inhabited by ethnic group (Programme 135), according to a National Assembly committee.

Over 11 thousand infastructure projects, including roads, bridges, irrigational facilities, schools, medical centres and power grids, have been finished or are underway in the second phase (2006-2010) of the programme, the Committee for Ethnic Minorities reported on Dec. 29.

During this year, the programme helped develop over 2,000 agro-forestry-fishery production and preservation and processing establishments. It also provided plant varieties and animal breeds for nearly 40,000 households.

Source: VNA