Chairman Phan Van Mai talks about Ho Chi Minh City's low birth rate

(NLDO) - A delegate of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council raised the issue of the current low birth rate. Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai acknowledged that this is a big problem.

On the afternoon of December 10, the 20th session of the 10th Ho Chi Minh City People's Council, term 2021-2026, continued with a question-and-answer session with Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai.

At the question and answer session, delegate Huynh Dang Ha Tuyen raised the issue of the current low birth rate and the risk of aging. Specifically, according to the delegate, the city's population is currently growing slowly. The total birth rate of Ho Chi Minh City in 2023 is 1.32 children, very low compared to the replacement rate of 2.1 children and the city is ranked in the group of 21 provinces and cities with low birth rates nationwide...

Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai answers delegates at the question and answer session; Photo: PHAN ANH

Responding to delegates about solutions to the above situation, the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee acknowledged that this is a big problem. According to him, the low birth rate causes the city to face an aging population in the coming time as well as a shortage of labor resources. Therefore, at this session, the government presented to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council policies to encourage births.

In addition, Ho Chi Minh City also has a plan to attract labor force, focusing on attracting skilled workers. At the same time, research and implement strategies to adapt to population aging.

According to the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, this is an issue that has a comprehensive impact on the organization of the city's socio-economic activities. It is necessary to study not only the issue of birth but also the issue of economy and labor.

"How should we take care of the elderly, compensate for the workforce and at the same time solve the problems of social change?" - Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee said and informed that through research of some countries such as Singapore, the organization of residential areas must also take into account the elderly more.

Previously, at the opening session of the 20th meeting of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council on December 9, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee presented a policy of commendation and support for collectives and individuals who have performed well in population work in the area.

Accordingly, to support the solution to the low birth rate, Ho Chi Minh City proposed to award a certificate of merit to the Chairman of the People's Committee of the district-level administrative unit along with a cash support of 30 million VND to the commune-level administrative unit that continuously achieves and exceeds the rate of 60% of couples of childbearing age giving birth to 2 children; award a certificate of merit from the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee along with a cash support of 60 million VND to the commune that continuously achieves and exceeds the rate of 60% of couples of childbearing age giving birth to 2 children for 5 consecutive years.

For individuals, women who give birth to two children before the age of 35 are given a one-time cash support of VND3 million. This support level is based on medical expenses during pregnancy and childbirth by Ho Chi Minh City.

In the issue of controlling gender imbalance at birth, the commune achieved 100% of hamlets with content on controlling gender imbalance at birth in the village covenant and convention, and was proposed to receive a certificate of merit from the Chairman of the District People's Committee with support of 1 million VND.

If the new policies are approved, it is expected that the Ho Chi Minh City budget will spend more than 198.5 billion VND over a period of 5 years.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/chu-tich-phan-van-mai-noi-ve-ty-suat-sinh-thap-cua-tp-hcm-196241210165348987.htm