The PM praised the provincial Party Committee, administration and people for their efforts to develop agro-forestry and fishery sectors in the past four months, particularly aquaculture – one of the province’s strengths. Impressive progress was made in industrial production, construction and services, as well as social and cultural activities. In the reviewed period, the province put into operation 1,431 new classrooms, and will have built another 210 classrooms in the second quarter of this year.

He asked provincial authorities to adopt specific measures to fulfill tasks set for this year with an estimated GDP growth rate of between 13-14 percent, while paying more attention to education and training, healthcare and hunger and poverty reduction.

Despite its high economic growth, the economic restructuring is still slow going, said Mr Dung, adding that the fishery sector has not fully tapped its potential and has shown weaknesses in aquaculture and processing.

He asked Ca Mau to build efficient development models, particularly for shrimp - Ca Mau’s top priority in its development strategy, and pay attention to agricultural development in a sustainable manner.   

In addition to protecting national forests, he said Ca Mau should allot forestland to local people to develop forest plantation and aquaculture closely linked to forest protection and fire prevention.

He reminded the province of measures to accelerate administrative reform, considering this a major factor for attracting investment and maintaining economic growth.

The PM praised contractors and construction units for keeping the construction of the Ca Mau Gas-Power-Nitrogenous Fertilizer Complex on schedule. After a more than a year, turbine groups No1 & 2 of the Ca Mau Power Plant 1 have recently generated power connecting to the national grid. Meanwhile, the Ca Mau Power Plant 1 is expected to generate power in the first quarter of next year. With a combined capacity of 1,500MW, Mr Dung said the two power plants will help ease power shortages in Vietnam and support industrial production in Ca Mau and neighbouring localities. He also asked contractors to complete investment procedures for the Ca Mau Nitrogenous Fertilizer Plant so that it can break the ground on time.

He instructed the province to build basic infrastructure facilities in resettlement areas to ensure stable lives for local people who have been affected by the complex construction.