During his Tet visit to the province on February 19, Mr Dung said he was happy about the province’s socio-economic achievements in 2009 thanks to the great efforts of the provincial Party committee, administration and people.

However, he emphasised that Bac Lieu remains a poor province which must strive to catch up with neighbouring provinces. It should focus its investment on upgrading infrastructure, and improving the quality of education and vocational training.

Last year, despite a number of difficulties, such as poor transport infrastructure and underdeveloped industry, the province managed to achieve an economic growth rate of 10 percent.