University of Economics and Business
 
Public policy and development seminar on “Causes of Changing Income Distribution in Vietnam”

Under the cooperative framework of University of Economics and Business - VNU Fulbright Program (The US), on 5th February 2008, Faculty of Development Economy - UEB held Public policy and development seminar on “Causes of Changing Income Distribution in Vietnam” presented by Prof. John Gallup, Fulbright Scholar - USA.


The seminar attracted numerous prestigious scientists as: Dr. Tran Xuan Thao - Director of Fulbright Program Vietnam, Dr. Doan Hong Quang - World Bank Specialist, Dr. Vu Pham Hai Dang - Lecturer of National Economics University… On the side of University of Economics and Business - VNU, there were Rector Assoc.Prof.Dr. Phung Xuan Nha, Vice Rector Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Hong Son, Dr. Vu Quoc Huy - Dean of Faculty of Development Economy as well as staffs and lecturers of the UEB and other universities.

In his report, Prof. John Luke Gallup indicated that economic growth brings about the correlatively improved income of the poor. However, the increasing consumption degree of 20% of the poorest people is the lowest number as compared to other groups and average social growth. In terms of absolute value, percentage of poor people of Vietnam which has been remarkably decreased against other countries in the region is lower than that of China and some Eastern Asia countries.

The report pointed out that the inequality in Vietnam is the most severe in urban areas; however, it is tending to decrease. On the contrast, income inequality has been increasing in rural areas. Prof. Gallup concluded: Together with the improved economic growth and average income, the degree of inequality of Vietnam has been remarkably increased. However, with re-distribution policy, this degree tended to decline over the last year - this is a good signal of Vietnam development and equality.

The report received two contributive ideas from Dr. Vu Pham Hai Dang and Dr. Doan Hong Quang about policy to improve the income and limit the gap between the rich and the poor, as well as recommendations about income inequality of Vietnam and the world. As quoted by Director of Fulbright Vietnam Dr. Tran Xuan Thao “The seminar is really useful and is the promising start for similar cooperation in the reciprocal relationship between the UEB - VNU and Fulbright for the coming period”.

The seminar attracts many specialists.

Prof. John Gallup presents at the seminar.

REFERENCE:

>> Causes of Changing Income Distribution in Vietnam

>> Economic Growth, Poverty, and Household Welfare in Vietnam


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