The conference highlighted the village chiefs’ role in helping to boost socio-economic development and maintain security and national defence in their localities.

It was reported at the event that 34 years after liberation, the Central Highlands has made great strides in development with its GDP growth rate almost doubling the national average level. It has the largest acreage of cash crops with 450,000ha of coffee, 120,000ha of rubber, 117,000ha of tea, 100,000ha of cashews and 15,000ha of pepper.

Thanks to intensive investment by the Government and local administrations, the living conditions of local people have improved significantly, with the number of poor households dropping to 23.72 percent from 80 percent before 1975. Children of ethnic families have the chance to go to school and receive free medical check-ups.

Notably, the region’s Cong Chieng (Gong) performance has been recognised as a masterpiece of the intangible heritage of humanity.

President Triet acknowledged the substantial contributions to the region made by the village chiefs and ethnic groups and affirmed that the Party and State create the best possible conditions for Central Highlanders to build a better life.

He asked the village chiefs to encourage local people to participate in development projects and be highly vigilant against hostile forces’ insidious schemes. He also asked them to be pioneers in preserving and developing their traditional cultural identity for future generations.

VietNamNet/VOV