At a meeting with the Standing Committee of the Hau Giang provincial Party Committee, Party leader Nong Duc Manh showed his keen interest in the local living standards and appreciated the significant achievements the province has recorded over the past few years with its average GDP growth rate reaching more than 12 percent.

Mr Manh stressed the need to study and implement a resolution on agriculture, farmers and rural development in order to add fresh impetus to the local economy.

The resolution is an important step forwards resolving issues related to agriculture, farmers and rural development which are a key factor in the process of national industralisation and modernisation, Mr Manh said.

He noted that the three factors – agriculture, rural development and farmers – have a close link, in which the farmer plays a key role in the development process. The main goal is to bring a better material and spiritual life to the people.

The Party leader emphasised the need to develop a new rural model by building schools, markets and residential areas and upgrading transportation and irrigation networks. However, it is essential to preserve cultural values and uphold the tradition of assisting each other and protecting the environment, he added.

The Party General Secretary praised Hau Giang province’s efforts to ultilise new varieties of strains and increase its competitiveness, and asked the provincial authorities to shift the agricultural and economic structure to increase the value of agricultural products.

He also stressed the important role of the Party building work, called for solidarity and democracy among Party members, and urged local officials to improve their management skills.