HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has reminded the northern province of Bắc Ninh to choose projects that match its plan to develop itself into a hi-tech industrial locality. 
During a working session with provincial authorities in Hà Nội on Wednesday, Phúc mentioned challenges facing the province such as high population density, environment pollution in craft villages, insufficient and unqualified human resources, residential planning, among others. 
He agreed with a proposal to build Bắc Ninh into a centrally-run city and asked for the establishment of a Steering Committee responsible for drafting planning adjustments that take environment, greenery and urban development into account. 
The PM stressed the need to gradually switch workforce from agriculture to services while ensuring security, safety and fighting social vices. 
At the same time, craft villages, urban and rural areas should be zoned off, he said. 
The Government leader agreed with a proposal to add different investment stages of Samsung Display company into a single project, adding that it must ensure that revenues to the State budget and environmental protection remain consistent. 
He also approved a scheme to experimentally establish a food safety management board, asking the province to take drastic actions to control food safety and thoroughly check their origin before being put on the market. 
In the first nine months this year, the provincial economy expanded by 15.9 per cent year-on-year with the State budget collection surpassing VNĐ13 trillion (US$577 million), up 40.4 per cent. The industrial production value topped VNĐ628.1 trillion while export value rose 18.4 per cent to $18.8 billion. 
During the period, Bắc Ninh lured $3.1 billion in foreign direct investment, and established 1,495 new businesses with total capital of over VNĐ9.86 trillion. — VNS