Mr Sang made the request at a meeting with authorities of the north central province on February 19.

In the context of global and domestic economic difficulties, Thanh Hoa has spared no effort to maintain a high economic growth rate of 12.3 percent with its industrial production reaching VND21 trillion and its State budget contribution increasing by 19 percent to VND5 trillion (127 percent higher than expected). The province has also paid due attention to developing culture and education while consolidating national defence and security.

The State leader congratulated Thanh Hoa on its recent achievements and insisted that the province go ahead with key programmes and projects, in line with the Party Central Committee’s Resolution 3 concerning economic restructuring for sustainable growth.

He also asked the province to strengthen the Party organization and ensure the transparency of authorities at all levels.

Earlier the same day, Mr Sang visited the Lam Kinh historical site, the construction site of Nghi Son economic zone, and Nghi Son Port.