PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng: Rapid and comprehensive development for Northwest

Covering one third of the country’s natural area, the Northwest boasts for 2,500 km of borderline with Laos and China, a population of nearly 9.8 million of more than 30 different ethnic groups, and great potentials for industrial production, tourism, border trade, and hydroelectricity.

The region maintained an average GDP growth rate of 11% per year in the period of 2005-2008 and raised its per capita income to VND 7-8 million in 2008.

However, according to PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng, the Northwest is still a disadvantaged region.

To ensure the region’s rapid and sustainable development, the PM urged the Steering Committee for the Northwest, in coordination with ministries and agencies, to supervise the effective use of investment capital, stimulus packages and governmental bonds poured into the region, promote afforestation, infrastruture development, HR training, and guarantee social security here.

The Steering Committee should propse more proper policies and projects on socio-economic development, national defense and security, and ethnic affairs, stated the Government chief.

Visiting the High Command of Military Zone 2 on the same day, PM Dũng praised the garrison armed forces for their contributions to the socio-economic development in the Northwest.

He encouraged them to make greater efforts in protecting political stability, social order, national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The armed forces here should also further take part in assisting local people to reduce poverty, prevent natural calamities and build the border lines of peace and friendship.

PM Dũng and his entourage also paid a visit to the Cement Factory Vinaconex Yên Bình, one of five cement projects in the Northwest.

By Xuân Hồng