This study examines the spatial pattern of poverty reduction in Vietnam during the 2010-2012 period. Although
Vietnam experienced an economic slowdown during this period, the poverty rate still decreased from 20.8 percent to
17.2 percent. Poverty decreased in most provinces and districts. There was an inverse U-shaped relationship between
the 2010 poverty and poverty reduction during 2010-2012. Provinces and districts with low or high initial poverty
rates were less successful in reducing poverty over the reference period, while provinces and districts with average
initial poverty rates were more able to reduce poverty most rapidly.