Deputy PM calls for more attention to northwest region
Ministries, branches and central agencies should coordinate closely with provinces in the northwestern region to effectively manage and exploit mineral resources for its socio-economic development, says Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
The region, which is home to many people of various ethnic groups, has an important strategic position, Phuc told a conference hosted by the Steering Committee for the region on January 14.
The committee should set out programmes and targets that directly concern local residents, stressed Phuc, who is also head of the committee.
The Party’s policies and the State’s laws should be popularised among the people, he said. Advances in science and technology should be applied to help them improve productivity and their lives, he added.
According to standing deputy head of the committee Dinh Van Cuong, the region enjoyed socio-economic stability and development in 2012. It recorded a Gross Domestic Product growth rate of 9.64 percent and average annual income of VND18.46 million (US$900) - an increase of VND2.45 million from 2011.
The poverty rate in the region was reduced to 25 percent, down 3.4 percent against 2011. Religious activities were basically stable while the State management was strengthened. Political security and social order was kept stable and national border sovereignty was safeguarded.
This year, the committee will actively coordinate with ministries and branches to attract investment to key sectors.