The total population of these 22 ethnic groups is some 630 thousand, and most of them live in remote areas or along the national border, even on both sides of the border.
The fund will be used to construct highways, to put up electricity wires and telephone lines and to build schools and clinics in their communities besides basic subsistence like food, water, housing and clothing.
The Chinese government is confident in applying conventional education among the 22 ethnic groups. It is estimated that their average income will reach the national level in the near future, too.
