On the transformation and new distribution of population centres in the socialist republic of Vietnam†

Abstract

The population policies and goals for redistribution and social and economic development in postwar Vietnam are presented. 3 processes are being simultaneously undertaken: deurbanization ruralization and urbanization. Cities in the southern part of the country experienced rapid population growth during the war years and developed a commercial economy that did not support national self determination. Government actions to reduce congestion in the cities included aid for refugees who wished to return to their original villages relocation of refugees to newly created villages or assistance in finding local employment. The capitalist economic system was dismantled and replaced with a national cooperation production scheme. The results are encouraging: about 700000 inhabitants of Ho Chi Minh City and tens of thousands from other towns have returned to their villages or moved to new ones unemployment has decreased by two-thirds and illiteracy among the working population has almost been eliminated. Rural development is following 2 paths: redistribution of populations to uninhabited areas and sedentarization of nomadic populations. Resettlement of 1800000 workers and their families from the Delta region is necessary to create new economic areas. Intensive farming and diversification of farming activities in communes and forest sites run by the state is encouraged. Development of nonagricultural occupations e.g. small industry cottage industry transportation and services is planned. Sedentary life styles for nomadic populations is expected to produce a more rational exploitation of natural resources by encouraging the use of appropriate farming technology and hastening the development of this population. Despite favorable social conditions e.g. cooperation and solidarity among people resettlement has met with financial material and technical difficulties. The urbanization policy concentrates on transforming and rebuilding existing towns and creating evenly distributed new towns. Rebuilding efforts attempt to increase production activities while eliminating residual aspects of consumerism. Building new towns is part of the regional economic development strategy to coordinate industry and agriculture and bridge the urban-rural gap. New towns will be district centers combining administration economic enterprises and facilities such as a school hospital library theater and research station which will cater to the material and cultural welfare of the population. The entire reorganization effort is vital to the countrys economic development improvement of peoples working and living conditions and to national defense.