STATE MANAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABLE POVERTY REDUCTION IN CENTRAL-LEVEL CITIES IN VIETNAM A PRACTICAL STUDY IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Among the centrally-run cities, Ho Chi Minh City was chosen as a typical study area because it is a special urban area, the largest socio-economic center in the country with a high urban

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING HO CHI MINH NATIONAL ACADEMY OF

POLITICS

ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC GOVERNANCE

VƯƠNG HỮU ÁI LINH

STATE MANAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABLE POVERTY REDUCTION IN CENTRAL-LEVEL

CITIES IN VIETNAM: A PRACTICAL STUDY IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Field of study: Public Administration

Code: 9.34.04.03

SUMMARY THE DOCTORAL DISSERTATION

IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

HANOI, 2025

The work was completed at: Academy of Administration and Public Governance

Academic advisors:

1 Assoc Prof PhD Lê Hùng Sơn

2 PhD Tạ Thị Hương

Opponent 1: ……….………

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Opponent 2: ……….………

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Opponent 3: ……….………

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The dissertation will be defended before the Evaluation Council at the Academy of Administration and Public Governance Location: Dissertation Defense Room - Meeting Room ………., Address: Academy of Administration and Public Governance 77 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi Time: ………… on … /… /……

You can find the dissertation at the National Library of Vietnam or at the library of the Academy of

Administration and Public Governance

INTRODUCTION

1 Reason for topic selection

Sustainable poverty reduction is a strategic issue, playing a key role in the economic development orientation of each country In Vietnam, sustainable poverty reduction is identified as one of the three key national target programs, aiming to achieve the goal of rapid and sustainable poverty reduction nationwide

socio-In the context of Vietnam promoting economic transformation and urbanization at

a rate among the fastest in East Asia, large cities are developing strongly, contributing positively to economic growth but at the same time also posing complex social challenges, especially the issue of ensuring sustainable poverty reduction Central cities such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho are important economic, cultural and social centers, but are also places where many shortcomings exist in terms of income disparity, lack of access to social services and urban poverty

Poverty in centrally-run cities is not simply a lack of income but is also related to many other aspects such as education, health, housing, sanitation and sustainable employment The most affected groups are migrant workers and those working in the informal sector with unstable incomes and poor living conditions Recognizing the complexity of the problem, the Party and the State have issued many policies and synchronous solutions to improve the effectiveness of state management in sustainable poverty reduction, notably the application of the multidimensional poverty approach since 2016 according to Decision No 1722/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister However, the implementation in the centrally-run cities still has certain difficulties due to the lack of specific mechanisms suitable for the socio-economic development conditions

of urban areas, the work of identifying the poor is still limited, financial resources have not met the requirements and the coordination between functional agencies is not really synchronous

Among the centrally-run cities, Ho Chi Minh City was chosen as a typical study area because it is a special urban area, the largest socio-economic center in the country with a high urbanization rate, and is also a leading locality in implementing sustainable poverty reduction programs with many models and creative and flexible solutions suitable for specific conditions However, Ho Chi Minh City is also facing significant challenges such as a high rate of immigration, complex multidimensional poverty and the risk of missing subjects in the management and support process

Based on the above reality, the researcher chose the topic "State management of sustainable poverty reduction in centrally-run cities of Vietnam, practical research in

Ho Chi Minh City" to contribute to perfecting the theoretical basis and proposing solutions to improve the effectiveness of state management of sustainable poverty

reduction in large cities, meeting the practical requirements of socio-economic development of the country

2 Purpose and Research Objectives

2.2 Research Objectives

Firstly, the dissertation synthesizes and systematically analyzes domestic and

international studies related to poverty, poverty trends, poverty thresholds in urban contexts, as well as state management in sustainable poverty reduction Based on this analysis, the dissertation identifies theoretical foundations to be inherited, highlights research gaps, and outlines issues requiring further clarification

Secondly, it systematizes the theoretical framework on state management in the

field of sustainable poverty reduction in centrally governed cities, clarifying key concepts, characteristics, principles, management components, instruments, and criteria for evaluating management effectiveness

Thirdly, the dissertation analyzes the current situation of sustainable poverty

reduction and the state management of poverty reduction in Ho Chi Minh City On this basis, it evaluates the results achieved, identifies existing limitations and shortcomings, and clarifies the underlying causes of these issues

Fourthly, the dissertation examines the perspectives, orientations, and goals of

poverty reduction in centrally governed cities through a case study of Ho Chi Minh City, thereby drawing out both generalizable and context-specific features of urban state management in sustainable poverty reduction

Fifthly, it proposes feasible and practical solutions to improve state management of

sustainable poverty reduction in centrally governed cities in Vietnam, thereby contributing to enhanced management efficiency and effectiveness, and to improved living standards for the urban poor

3 Object and Scope of the Research

Temporal scope: The dissertation concentrates on analyzing the current state of state management in sustainable poverty reduction during the period 2016–2023 (from the application of the multidimensional poverty approach), with orientations for the

2030

Content scope: The dissertation examines state management activities related to sustainable poverty reduction, including the following aspects: (i) formulating and promulgating policies and legal documents on sustainable poverty reduction; (ii) organizing the administrative apparatus and allocating human resources in state management of sustainable poverty reduction; (iii) implementing sustainable poverty reduction policies; (iv) managing financial resources for the implementation of sustainable poverty reduction; (v) conducting inspection, supervision, complaint resolution, denunciation handling, and sanctioning of violations in the state management of sustainable poverty reduction

4 Research Methodology

4.1 Philosophical Approach:

The dissertation adopts a dialectical materialist approach within the realm of economic sciences It analyzes the impacts of state management through the implementation of sustainable poverty reduction strategies The research aims to elucidate the causes influencing state management in sustainable poverty reduction Additionally, it evaluates the implementation of functions related to sustainable poverty reduction based on established criteria

social-Drawing from the historical materialist perspective on sustainable poverty reduction, the dissertation examines the development and changes in the economy that influence urban poverty trends and state management practices in sustainable poverty reduction across different historical stages

4.2 Research Methods

4.2.1 Secondary Document Analysis Method

The dissertation is grounded in the methodological foundations of dialectical materialism and historical materialism as applied to the study of sustainable poverty reduction within the field of public administration It analyzes the development and transformation of the economy and their impacts on urban poverty trends and state management of sustainable poverty reduction across different historical periods, as well as the various factors influencing the effectiveness of such state management

4.2.2 Expert Interview Method

In the research process, the following methods were employed: secondary data analysis; sociological survey using structured questionnaires; expert consultation; descriptive statistical analysis; and in-depth interviews

5 Research Questions and Hypotheses

5.1 Research Questions

What is the current status of state management of sustainable poverty reduction in

Ho Chi Minh City?

How can state management of sustainable poverty reduction in centrally governed cities in Vietnam achieve the objectives set by the State and meet the expectations of poor and vulnerable groups?

5.2 Scientific Hypotheses

- Hypothesis 1: State management activities for sustainable poverty reduction in centrally governed cities in Vietnam, specifically in Ho Chi Minh City, have received attention but have not yet achieved poverty reduction outcomes as expected by the State and the intended beneficiaries

- Hypothesis 2: If the contents of state management for sustainable poverty reduction are comprehensively improved in alignment with the socio-economic development conditions of centrally governed cities, and if there is strong leadership and close supervision from all levels of government, the effectiveness of poverty reduction efforts will be significantly enhanced, and the goal of sustainable poverty reduction will be achieved more promptly

6 The new contributions of the thesis are

First, the dissertation systematizes and clarifies the theoretical foundation of state

management of sustainable poverty reduction in urban areas It highlights the characteristics of the poor in centrally governed cities compared to those in rural areas The dissertation introduces and conceptualizes the terms “urban sustainable poverty reduction,” “sustainable poverty reduction in centrally governed cities,” “state management of urban sustainable poverty reduction,” and “state management of sustainable poverty reduction in centrally governed cities” as an integrated approach combining urban development, social welfare assurance, and capacity building for the urban poor

Second, the dissertation analyzes the specific characteristics of state management

of sustainable poverty reduction in centrally governed cities: (i) The primary target groups affected are the urban poor, including those with permanent residence, temporary residence, and those without official registration; (ii) The managing entities are the urban state administrative apparatus, whose organizational structure and operational mechanism are adjusted to align with the urban governance model; (iii) The method of exercising state authority in managing poverty reduction reflects a flexible and adaptive approach suited to the unique conditions of urban areas

Third, the research clarifies the theoretical content of state management in

sustainable poverty reduction in centrally governed cities, including: (i) Formulating and promulgating policy documents on sustainable poverty reduction; (ii) Organizing the apparatus and allocating human resources for poverty management; (iii) Implementing poverty reduction policies; (iv) Managing financial resources for

sustainable poverty reduction; (v) Conducting inspections, supervision, handling complaints and denunciations, and addressing violations in the management process

Fourth, the implementation of state management in sustainable poverty reduction

is influenced by various factors, including: (i) Globalization trends and the context of international integration; (ii) Scientific and technological development; (iii) Socio-economic conditions; (iv) Political guidelines of the ruling Party and legal policies of the State on sustainable poverty reduction; (v) Human resource capacity in poverty governance; (vi) The will and determination of the poor to escape poverty

Fifth, the dissertation identifies and proposes five international lessons learned in

urban poverty reduction that are applicable to the Vietnamese context: (i) Using big data and multidimensional poverty assessment to identify target groups and design individualized policies; (ii) Linking poverty reduction with investment in essential infrastructure in poor areas; (iii) Creating jobs through socially beneficial public works; (iv) Developing microfinance and inclusive finance combined with technical support; (v) Promoting public-private partnerships and expanding the roles of businesses, social organizations, and communities in poverty reduction programs

Sixth, the dissertation assesses the current state of state management of sustainable

poverty reduction in Ho Chi Minh City during the period 2016–2023—a special urban area with a high urbanization rate and clear socio-economic disparities Through a combination of research methods, the dissertation identifies shortcomings in policy implementation and weak coordination among sectors and levels of government Notably, it highlights the limited role of citizens in poverty reduction efforts—an aspect often overlooked in previous studies

Seventh, the dissertation proposes a set of synchronized solutions to improve state

management of sustainable poverty reduction in other centrally governed cities, including: (i) Improving policy formulation; (ii) Strengthening institutional structures; (iii) Enhancing the quality of human resources; (iv) Increasing financial resources; (v) Strengthening inspection, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms

7 The significance of the research topic

7.1 On a theoretical level

The study contributes to providing an overview and systematization of state management in sustainable poverty reduction and evaluating the importance of each phase in governmental management

7.2 In practical terms

Theoretical Contributions

The study contributes to the generalization and systematization of the theoretical foundations of state management in sustainable poverty reduction It also proposes scientific bases for improving state management in sustainable poverty reduction in centrally governed cities in Vietnam

Practical Contributions

The dissertation provides an objective and comprehensive assessment of the current status of state management in sustainable poverty reduction in Ho Chi Minh City, including both achievements and limitations, and proposes solutions to enhance the effectiveness of such management in centrally governed cities in Vietnam The research findings may serve as an important reference for lecturers, researchers, and students in the field of Public Administration at training institutions Moreover, this study may serve as a useful resource for policymakers, management agencies, and public officials involved in the implementation of sustainable poverty reduction programs in centrally governed cities, contributing to improving the effectiveness of such efforts

8 The structure of the dissertation

Apart from the Introduction, Conclusion, References, and Appendices, the dissertation is structured into four chapters as follows:

Chapter 1: Overview of Scientific Research Works Related to the Research Topic Chapter 2: Scientific Foundations of State Management in Sustainable Poverty

Reduction in Centrally Governed Cities

Chapter 3: Current Situation of State Management in Sustainable Poverty

Reduction in Ho Chi Minh City

Chapter 4: Solutions to Improve State Management in Sustainable Poverty

Reduction in Centrally Governed Cities in Vietnam

Chapter 1: OVERVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH RELATED TO THE RESEARCH TOPIC

1.1 Studies on poverty, trends in poverty, and poverty thresholds in urban areas

There are 16 studies worldwide and in Vietnam related to urban poverty, trends in urban poverty that have been understood and approached differently Generally, the authors have demonstrated that urban poverty trends are not just about income poverty; urban poverty is multidimensional They have identified current urban poverty trends such as increasing numbers of poor people, female and child poverty, widening rich-poor gap, population mobility, income distribution and resource allocation, unemployment, and quality of life

1.2 Research on state management of sustainable poverty reduction and state management of sustainable poverty reduction in urban areas

There are 26 research works on the issue of state management of sustainable poverty reduction, and the implementation policies on poverty reduction are relatively common research topics in public management, law, and political science both domestically and internationally

1.3 Review and Evaluation of Studies Related to the Dissertation Topic

1.3.1 Issues Clarified in Previous Studies

Based on the review and synthesis of scientific works and relevant publications related to the dissertation topic, the author finds that scholars and researchers have successfully addressed many aspects of the subject, as demonstrated in the following points:

First, studies on urban poverty have indicated that this issue is complex and

multidimensional, characterized by specific features and challenges depending on regional and national contexts These studies emphasize that the urban poor face significant constraints in accessing employment, living conditions, and basic services

Second, research on state management of sustainable poverty reduction is a broad

and essential field that requires diverse approaches in terms of methods and scope The reviewed studies focus on assessing and analyzing policies, measures, and administrative processes concerning poverty reduction, covering various levels of government from the national to local levels

Third, both qualitative and quantitative research methods are commonly employed

Qualitative methods include interviews, focus groups, and document analysis, while quantitative approaches often involve statistical techniques and modeling to analyze data Common research themes include policy evaluation, the effectiveness of poverty reduction programs, the role of government agencies, the importance of enabling economic growth and sustainability, resource management and benefit distribution, as well as risk management and poverty alleviation These studies contribute critical knowledge to support decision-making among policymakers and public administrators

Fourth, research has examined the multidimensional aspects of poverty, including

income poverty, educational deprivation, poor health, food insecurity, and lack of access to basic services Such comprehensive analyses help ensure that poverty reduction policies and interventions are appropriately designed and implemented

Fifth, several studies have addressed local contexts These works examine urban

and rural areas or focus on specific cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Can Tho, and Ho Chi Minh City This highlights the impact of local factors on poverty conditions and the adaptability of poverty reduction strategies to local realities

Sixth, studies have emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation,

including partnerships among governments, non-governmental organizations, international agencies, and local communities Such collaborations facilitate the sharing of resources and experiences and contribute to more holistic and sustainable poverty reduction solutions

Seventh, both domestic and international research on the implementation of poverty

reduction and sustainable poverty alleviation policies provides valuable theoretical and practical references for state management in Vietnam in general, and for the

dissertation's case study area Ho Chi Minh City in particular These materials help assess the impact of poverty reduction policies on different social groups within the research area

Eighth, Vietnamese research works have analyzed and proposed approaches to state

management of sustainable poverty reduction in specific localities according to strategies, stages, and policies tailored to target groups These studies offer practical lessons and references that inform the dissertation’s development of feasible solutions for local implementation, both for Ho Chi Minh City and nationwide

1.3.2 The issues raised need further investigation

From the overview of both domestic and international research, it can be observed that while the topic of implementing poverty reduction and sustainable poverty alleviation policies is not new, there remain significant gaps requiring further in-depth investigation This is especially true in the context of state management of sustainable poverty reduction in centrally governed cities and specifically in Ho Chi Minh City:

First, studies on urban poverty have yet to explore critical issues such as

vulnerability and resilience to shocks; the role of technology in addressing urban poverty; gender issues; the impact of living environments; community engagement in supporting the urban poor; and the participation of the urban poor in policy-making and decision-making processes related to sustainable poverty reduction

Second, there is a need for research that thoroughly assesses the effectiveness of

sustainable poverty reduction policies implemented in centrally governed cities, particularly in the context of rapid technological change and evolving economic environments

Third, existing studies on the implementation of sustainable poverty reduction

policies at the local level are limited, mostly confined to short articles or studies with

a narrow scope There is a lack of comprehensive research on this issue across centrally governed cities in Vietnam, which have distinct socio-economic development characteristics

Fourth, an analysis of the evolution of poverty standards in Vietnam reveals that

prior to 2015, poverty was assessed solely based on income To align with international standards, the Government issued Decision No 59/2015/QD-TTg dated November 19,

2015, introducing the multidimensional poverty approach for the 2016–2020 period Since then, multidimensional poverty reduction has been implemented nationwide, covering both rural and urban areas The shift from a unidimensional to a multidimensional poverty framework has significantly increased the number of poor and near-poor households in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, where a higher local poverty threshold is applied Thus, there is a pressing need to analyze the current status of sustainable poverty reduction policies in centrally governed cities under the new multidimensional poverty standards