On the afternoon of September 21, at the National Assembly House, the Vietnamese National Assembly’s Ethnic Council coordinated with the Lao National Assembly’s Ethnic Committee to organize a workshop to exchange experiences between the two agencies to advise on construction and supervision, implementation of policies and laws on ethnic affairs, building new rural areas, sustainable poverty reduction and preserving and promoting the cultural values of ethnic minorities.

Opening the workshop, Chairman of the Lao Ethnic Committee Khamchanh Sotapaseuth proposed that delegates from the two countries discuss and share about the work of preserving and promoting the cultural values of ethnic groups in the two countries; experience in implementing ethnic policies, associated with rural development and poverty reduction.

At the same time, he affirmed that the content of the presentations and comments at the conference will be valuable experiences for the agencies in charge of ethnic affairs of the two National Assembly and the ministries, branches and localities of the two countries to study, refer to and apply in practice in each country.

Through discussion, delegates emphasized that the policies towards ethnic minorities of both countries are of great concern to the Party and State, especially to maximize potential and comparative advantages, to create favorable conditions for socio-economic development, gradually improving the material and spiritual life of people in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

The Vietnamese National Assembly’s Ethnic Council and the Lao National Assembly’s Ethnic Committee have made efforts in carrying out assigned tasks, achieving certain results that are highly appreciated by the National Assembly of both sides, especially in the advisory work, verification and supervision work to ensure ethnic policies in 3 national target programs, with recommendations close to reality.

However, besides the achievements, each country's ethnic affairs also have certain limitations. The lives of some ethnic minorities in both countries still face many difficulties. The rate of poor households in ethnic minority areas is still high, and poverty reduction is unsustainable.

The results of new rural construction are still equal in some places, with the gap between rich and poor between regions. The work of preserving and promoting the identities of ethnic minorities faces many difficulties.

Attendants also gave many important recommendations and solutions to solve problems, obstacles and inadequacies in the context of each country's characteristics and situation.

Concluding the workshop, Chairman of Vietnam’s Ethnic Council Y Thanh Ha Niê Kdam said that the participation and positive comments of the delegates have continued to affirm the position, role and status of the ethnic councils of the two countries in carrying out advisory tasks to the two National Assemblies, demonstrating the common interest of the two agencies in strengthening the verification and supervision of sustainable poverty reduction policies, new rural construction and policies on preserving and promoting the fine cultural values and traditions of the ethnic minorities of each country.