Panel discussion on veterans’ mindset transformation in building new-style rural areas

On the morning of September 23 in Can Tho City, the Vietnam Veterans’ Association (VVA) Central Committee in coordination with the Can Tho City Veterans’ Association organized a seminar on “Enhancing capacity and transforming mindset in building new-style rural areas, in 2021–2025 period.” The event was attended by leaders of the Veterans’ Associations from eight provinces and cities in the Southern region.

Vu Minh Thuc, Deputy Head of the Veterans Affairs Committee of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, chairs the panel discussion. Photo: Courtesy of Dong Nai Provincial Veterans’ Association

In his opening remarks, a representative of the VVA Central Committee emphasized the strategic importance of agriculture, farmers, and rural areas in the cause of national industrialization and modernization. He affirmed that building new-style rural areas is a long-term task with no end point, aimed at improving both the material and spiritual well-being of the people.

Delegates from provinces and cities at the panel discussion. Photo: Courtesy of Dong Nai Provincial Veterans’ Association

The panel discussion particularly focused on the role of veterans in participating in new-style rural development, social supervision, and policy feedback; sharing practical experiences from localities; and proposing solutions for developing smart, modern, and sustainable rural areas in connection with cultural preservation, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation. This was described as a meaningful activity that contributes to thoroughly implementing Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW, moving toward the goal of building modern new-style rural areas in the 2026–2035 period.

Veterans in Dong Nai Province participate in the construction of rural roads. Photo: Viet Cuong

As part of the program, the Dong Nai Provincial Veterans’ Association presented a 10-minute video clip showcasing several successful production and business models by its members. These initiatives have created thousands of jobs, with many 3-star and 4-star products under the OCOP (One Commune One Product) program, while also contributing to local governance, new-style rural development, and maintaining public security and order.

By Viet Cuong - Translated by Trieu Ngan, Thu Ha