Working with provincial authorities during a visit on August 14, Mr Dung said Tuyen Quang should apply technological advances in agro-forestry and fisheries to increase output and the quality of products and help farmers earn stable incomes.

He urged the province to iron out snags in business and production and effectively implement government measures to prevent an economic slowdown.

He asked the province to develop its industries, especially hydro power, mining, paper and building materials. To this end, Tuyen Quang should offer more investment incentives in all economic sectors while keeping environmental pollution in check, he said.

The PM instructed the province to better implement poverty reduction programmes and increase the quality of education and training by developing its system of vocational schools.

At the working session, Mr Dung and ministers responded to proposals made by provincial authorities concerning road projects, irrigation works and a railway route linking Thai Nguyen, Yen Bai and Tuyen Quang provinces, and adjustments to the administrative boundary of several districts.

Over the past three years, Tuyen Quang has achieved a GDP growth rate of 13 percent. Last year, its per capita income reached nearly VND9 million, double the 2005 figure.