(VOVworld) - Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh, who is also head of the Steering Board for the Southwestern region, has urged for more assistance to the Khmer ethnic minority people. This is so they can enjoy their New Year festival or Chol Chnam Thmay. Speaking at a meeting attended by more than 500 Khmer representatives in Can Tho city on Thursday, Ninh said that the local people’s standards of living has greatly improved in recent years. He called on the Khmer to continue to uphold their tradition of solidarity, help with moves the local government has introduced to escape poverty and develop local economy.