Pursuant to Decision No. 1560/QD-SAV dated September 11, 2026, of the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV), on the afternoon of September 14, Specialized Audit Department III, in coordination with the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, held a conference to launch the audit of the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2021–2025 period at the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.
Overview of the Conference. Photo: N.LY
Attending the Conference were Y Vinh Tơr, Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs; Nguyen Manh Huan, Director General of the Department of Planning and Finance; and representatives of units under the Ministry.
Representing Specialized Audit Department III were Vu Ngoc Tuan, Auditor General of Specialized Audit Department III; Ngo Minh Son, Deputy Auditor General of Specialized Audit Department III and Head of the Audit Team; along with heads of audit teams and auditors of Specialized Audit Department III.
Announcing the audit decision, Auditor General Vu Ngoc Tuan stated that the audit of the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2021–2025 period at the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs aims to determine the truthfulness and reasonableness of the consolidated report on funding for the implementation of the Program, as well as funding allocated to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and the audited entities; assess compliance with laws and the effectiveness and efficiency of the management and implementation of the Program; and assess the implementation of the Program’s annual and 2021–2025 period objectives.
Auditor General Vu Ngoc Tuan announces the Audit Decision. Photo: N.LY
In addition, the SAV will identify shortcomings and inadequacies in mechanisms and policies and recommend that competent authorities make amendments and supplements; promptly detect acts of corruption, waste, and other negative practices; and clearly determine the responsibilities of collectives and individuals for handling in accordance with the law.
The audit will cover the management and use of Program funding; compliance with the State’s policies, regulations, and laws; the management, direction, and coordination in implementing the Program; the implementation of the Program’s objectives; and the effectiveness and efficiency of the Program.
According to the Decision, the audit scope covers the period from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025, as well as relevant periods before and after this period. The audited entities include the National Office for Ethnic and Mountainous Affairs, the Department of Planning and Finance, and the Academy of Ethnic and Religious Affairs. The audit duration is 40 days from the date of announcement of the Audit Decision.
Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Y Vinh Tơr speaks at the Conference. Photo: N.LY
Auditor General Vu Ngoc Tuan further informed that, in addition to conducting the audit at the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, the SAV is also conducting audits in seven localities as part of the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2021–2025 period. Based on the audit results from all audited entities, Specialized Audit Department III will consolidate the findings into overall audit results and report them to the Government, the Prime Minister, and relevant agencies.
In addition to assessing the implementation results of the Program, the audit results will also contribute to providing recommendations and practical input to the relevant entities so that implementation in the next period can be carried out more effectively and efficiently. Auditor General Vu Ngoc Tuan requested the leadership of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and the audited entities to closely coordinate with the Audit Team, ensuring that the audit achieves the planned results and is completed within the 40-day period specified in the Decision.
Deputy Auditor General Ngo Minh Son, Head of the Audit Team, highlights several key aspects of the audit. Photo: N.LY
At the Conference, Deputy Auditor General Ngo Minh Son, Head of the Audit Team, highlighted several key aspects of the audit and requested the audited entities to provide complete records and documents, designate focal points for receiving information, and arrange facilities and working spaces for the Audit Team. The entities were also requested to closely coordinate with the Audit Team in confirming and finalizing audit minutes; strictly comply with regulations on preventing and combating corruption and negative practices; and promptly report and exchange information with the leadership of the relevant entities and the Audit Team.
Expressing strong agreement with the audit plan, Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Y Vinh Tơr said that immediately after receiving information from the SAV, the Ministry’s leadership directed its specialized units to prepare reports and assigned the Department of Planning and Finance to act as the focal point for receiving information and providing all records and documents requested by the SAV.
On behalf of the Ministry’s leadership and the audited entities, Deputy Minister Y Vinh Tơr committed to close coordination to ensure the effectiveness of the audit and completion within the timeframe set out in the plan. During the implementation of the audit, if any other issues arise, the Audit Team and the audited entities will report them to the leadership for clarification, provide the necessary documents, and provide explanations in accordance with regulations.