Illustrative photo

Since 2010, the project of “Strengthening the activeness of young voluntary intellectuals in economic – defence zones in the period of 2010 -2020” (better known as Project 174) has been implemented through out 22 economic – defence zones along the land border. Up to date, more than 1550 young intellectuals chosen from thousands of applicants for the project have been active in the economic – defence zones. Notably, 58% of those holds bachelor degree while the remaining 42% graduated from vocational schools; participants belonging to ethnic minorities account for 30%.

Being young, enthusiatic, qualified and knowlegeable, the project participants have brought into full play their role, accompanying with cadres and troops of the economic – defence zones, staying side by side with the ethnic minorities and joining hands in developing socio – economy, hunger eradication and poverty alleviation, and defence – security consolidation. Participants have introduced new methods of farming, helped the ethnics change their old method of cultivating and apply scientific-technological advances in breeding and farming. Some model examples in hunger eradication and poverty alleviation have been built and multiplied bringing about positive results such as the models of planting rice, tea, vegetable; planting and protecting forest; raising salmon and sturgeon, and poultry and cattle, etc. They are also dynamic in implementing national development goals; upgrading infrastructure for production and establishment of new residence, making contribution to a brighter picture of the bordered, mountainous and remoted areas, being a living fence for the nation.

Apart from economic developments, participants have also been active in collaborating with local authorities to popularize the guidelines of the Party, the policies and laws of the State and build the great solidarity at grassroots level. They have also made significant contribution to eradicating illiteracy, educational popularization, implementing social beneficial policies, providing health care services, etc. Their roles have also been promoted in concentrating and educating local youths; consolidating and enhancing the effectiveness of the local organizations and associations, such as the women’s association, youth association, farmer’s association, etc. Some of them have been selected to directly work at local authorities and associations and they have successfully accomplished the assigned tasks contributing to building strong grassroots political systems. Through out their working process in the economic-defence units, project participants  have also been the bridge, consolidating the relations between the ecnomic – defence units with local authorities and  residents.

The encouraging outcomes of the Project 174 have made significant contribution to the mission accomplishment of the economic – defence zones. This manifests a good model, relevant to the missions and requirements  of the economic – defence zones. The project brings about for young intellectuals not only job but also chances to train themselves and to prosper their career. The achievements have proved the appropriateness of the Government’s policy; the high sense of responsibility of related agencies, particularly of economic – defence zones, in grasping and implementing the policy. Also, they have shown the vanguard, creativity, enthusiasm for devotion and the power of the youth once they are gathered and promoted for the Party’s revolutionary cause.

To enhance the effectiveness of the project, further bringing into play the role of young intellectuals in developing economic – defence zones,  to fulfil the set out goals, in the coming time, the following issues need to be concentrated on:

1. Strengthening the leadership and of party committees and commanders at all levels in the implementation of the project.

 Because this is a project focusing on the development of human resource, its activities must be put strictly under the leadership and direction of party committees and commanders at all levels and associated with local activities.

2. Concentrating on enhancing the quality of organization, management and operation of participants.

 Military zones, economic – defence units should have close collaboration with youth unions to propagate, mobilize and select the best applicants. The selection procedure must be strictly followed with attention being paid to political ethics, educational background, health and professional requirements of each project. Priority should be given to applicants who are local ethnics or can speak ethnic languages and those wishing to work permanently in economic – defence zones.

3. Paying attention to perfecting and implementing policies for participants.

When working in the economic – defence zones, project participants will enjoy the same policies and benefits as forces operating in mountainous, border and island areas. All the benefits must be updated, publicized and provided in full to safeguard participants’ interests. On the other hand, economic – defence zones should work with local authorities to mobilize resources from the society to provide both material and spiritual support to participants. Job creation for participants after service shoud aslo be put into consideration to ensure the sustainability of the project.

Senior Lieutenant General Le Huu Duc

Member of the Party Central Committee,

Deputy Minister of National Defence