Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng meets residents in the northern mountainous province of Bắc Kạn yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Trí Dũng

BẮC KẠN — Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng has suggested the northern mountainous province of Bắc Kạn seek ways to mobilise resources from society to invest in transportation infrastructure development, thus propelling growth and connecting with regional localities. 

At a working session with provincial leaders yesterday, the Party leader hailed efforts from the Bắc Kạn Party Organisation, authorities and people in implementing Party resolutions and in improving the economy and locals’ living conditions. 

He noted that up to 90 per cent of local residents have access to clean water, while annual per capita income has increased to VNĐ26 million ($1,143), double the figure of five years ago. 

Bắc Kạn set to have eight additional communes recognised as new-style rural areas this year, raising the total to 10. 

Stressing the important location of Bắc Kạn and its advantages in land and climate, General Secretary Trọng said that the province had great development potential and needed to take actions to tap it.

He also acknowledged Bắc Kạn’s efforts to streamline and reform its public administrative system, which helped the locality enhance competitiveness and improve its business environment. 

Earlier the same day, the Party chief visited the mountainous commune of Sĩ Bình in Bình Thông District, which is home to Tày, Dao and Nùng ethnic minority groups. 

He praised the commune’s success in boosting the forestry sector to raise locals’ income. So far, 70 per cent of communal roads have been asphalted and cemented while 100 per cent of local households have access to power. 

Also during the day, General Secretary Trọng visited Bắc Kạn General Hospital, which was built using funds from Government bonds.

Operating since December 2016, the 500-bed hospital has helped improve healthcare services for people in the province and nearby localities. On the 70th anniversary of the Invalids and Martyrs’ Day, the Party leader laid a wreath at the Bắc Kạn Martyrs’ Cemetery. 

On July 6, after arriving in the province, Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng visited and presented gifts to people who rendered service to the nation in the locality. — VNS