Binh Duong set to become modern industrial city

According to a political report presented at the congress, Binh Duong set a target to mobilise different social resources to become a modern, industrial, and civilized urban centre.

The report said over the last five years the province has enjoyed an annual growth rate of 14 percent. Its economic structure has shifted from agriculture to industry and services with industrial production accounting for 63 percent of the economy. Budget incomes and investment attraction have always exceeded the set targets, infrastructure has been improved, social welfare has been ensured with per capita incomes reaching over VND30 million (US$1,600).

The congress also pointed out the province’s shortcomings such as increasing environmental pollution and the inadequate development of high-tech products and high-value-added services.

Addressing the congress, Mr. Triet asked Binh Duong to focus more on in-depth and sustainable growth by developing the service sector, especially high-value-added services.

Binh Duong should also pay more attention to protecting the environment and increasing social and cultural development, and improving living standards, he said.

**On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong attended the opening ceremony of the 12^th congress of the Binh Thuan Party Committee.

Mr. Trong highlighted Binh Thuan’s recent achievements, especially its improving economic growth rate.

However, he said, the development is not on par with the province’s potential.

Mr. Trong urged Binh Thuan to make greater effort to promote socio-economic growth, ensure security and defence, and build the capacity for young and female staffs to contribute more to the nation’s development.

**Also on September 28, former President Tran Duc Luong and Party Politburo members To Huy Rua, Ho Duc Viet, Nguyen Van Chi, and Truong Tan Sang attended provincial Party committee congresses in Quang Ngai, Khanh Hoa, Quang Ninh, and Da Nang, respectively.