Party General Secretary: Strengthening unity is key to development

Mr. Manh made this statement at the 14^th Congress of the Gia Lai provincial Party Committee on October 4.

The General Secretary highlighted the Gia Lai’s Party and people’s effort to overcome challenges and gain significant achievements.

According to a political report presented at the congress, in the past five years Gia Lai saw an annual GDP growth rate of 13.6 percent with increases in agricultural and industrial production, trade turnover, and export turnover. State budget income enjoyed a year-on-year rise of 21.7 percent.

However, Gia Lai is still a poor province with small economic with low per capita incomes and economic growth rate, and undeveloped infrastructure, especially in rural and ethnic people’s areas, he said. There is also improper cultural and social development, low quality education and healthcare services, and the poor application of scientific and technological advances.

The implementation of state and party’s policies and the reduction of poverty were still ineffective and the quality of the human resources in the province was still poor, said Mr. Manh.

He asked Gia Lai to take advantage of its geographical position for sustainable development by developing, tourism, services, industry, and agriculture.

In addition to economic development, Gia Lai should also pay more attention to social and cultural development. It needs to focus on improving the quality of education and healthcare services, he said.

He noted the province should also attach more importance to ensuring defense and security and building a strong and transparent party committee.

**On the same day, 323 delegates, representing 17,000 party members of the Kon Tum Party Committee, attended the 14^th provincial congress in the presence of Party Politburo member Truong Tan Sang.

The political report at the congress showed that Kon Tum retained a high economic growth rate of 15 percent, and per capita income reached US$734 (34 percent more than the set target). The report said social and cultural lives have improved and defense and security have been ensured.

Addressing the congress, Mr. Sang highlighted the province’s outstanding achievements, but pointed out its remaining shortcomings and challenges in attracting foreign investment and stabilizing political systems.

**Also on October 4, the congress of the Tra Vinh provincial Party Committee opened with the participation of Party Politburo member, General Le Hong Anh.