Thanh Hoa needs proper development measures

The central province of Thanh Hoa needs proper socio-economic development policies and measures in the light of international integration, Prime Minister (PM) Nguyen Xuan Phuc said at a working session with local authorities in Hanoi on September 26.

The PM recognized the local achievements in building effective socio-economic management models and developing rural areas, saying the province has favorable natural conditions, infrastructure and abundant labor resources.

However, development gaps still exist with small economic scale, he said, noting that the low rate of businesses has discouraged the occupational generation and budget collection. Furthermore, environmental pollution has affected the development of agriculture and tourism, he added.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaking at the working session

He asked the locality to focus on developing high-quality human resources and realizing Resolution adopted at the 12th National Party Congress along with the National Assembly and Government’s Resolutions on measures to develop socio-economic affairs.

Thanh Hoa needs to seek appropriate and effective economic models to improve investment and labor productivity as well as protect the environment, improve administrative procedures, and better serve businesses and people, he said.

He told the province to make the best use of its advantage as a “miniature” of Vietnam as well as drastically carry out the Government’s Resolutions to boost business production and facilitate operations of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The PM also directed Thanh Hoa to pay more attention to agricultural restructuring in line with new-style rural building to develop a multifunctional agriculture.

He reminded the province to prioritize development of its western part – where the living conditions of local are difficult, while tightening management of public investment.

The province is also expected to improve urban development planning, ensure social welfare and reduce the proportion of poor households under the country’s average level, while concentrating to corruption prevention and protection of marine environment.

The gross regional domestic product (GRDP) expanded by 8.06 percent in the first nine months of 2016. The per capita GRDP is expected to stand at USD 1,648 at the year’s end.

The province collected over VND 8.48 trillion (USD 381.6 million) to the State budget in the period. It also allowed businesses to invest in 158 projects with a total registered capital of over VND 18.36 trillion (USD 826.2 million) in January – September, 2.5 times against the same period last year.

The local economic growth is estimated to reach 9.07 percent at the end of 2016, surpassing the set target of 9 percent.