The Red River Delta province of Hải Dương held a ceremony on Saturday to mark 20 years of its re-establishment and received an Independence Order first class for its outstanding achievements.  — VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đức

HẢI DƯƠNG — The Red River Delta province of Hải Dương held a ceremony on Saturday to mark 20 years of its re-establishment and received an Independence Order first class for its outstanding achievements. 
National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân, who is former Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, attended the event. 
In his address, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council Nguyễn Mạnh Hiển said that on November 6, 1996, at its 10th session, the 9th National Assembly approved a resolution on separating and adjusting the border of some provinces, including Hải Hưng. On January 1, 1997, Hải Dương and Hưng Yên were officially re-established from the division of Hải Hưng. 
Over the past two decades, Hải Dương has achieved consistently higher economic growth than the national average, reaching 9.3 per cent between 1997 and 2016. The local economy is now 17.2 times bigger than it was 20 years ago. 
The province is currently home to nearly 9,500 businesses with registered capital totaling VNĐ72 trillion (almost US$3.2 billion), and 18 industrial parks with 10 of them already operational. About $7.2 billion has been poured into 325 FDI projects. 
Hải Dương’s budget collection is estimated at almost VNĐ11 trillion ($483.3 million) this year, 26 times higher than in 1997. Per capita income approximates VNĐ47 million (over $2,000), up 16 times. Meanwhile, the province has also continually recorded high growth in exports, which expanded by 28.8 per cent annually to nearly $5 billion in 2016, Hiển said. 
He noted his province has also performed well in cultural and social aspects, adding that Hải Dương is one of the leading localities in ensuring universal education and healthcare for people. It has about 8.2 doctors per 10,000 people, up 2.5 times from 1997. 
While more than 30,000 jobs are created every year, the household poverty rate under new criteria has dropped to 6 per cent. Hải Dương has also paid attention to preserving and upholding cultural values, the official said. 
At the ceremony, NA Chairwoman Ngân presented the Independence Order, first class, to Hải Dương province and applauded its efforts and contributions to Việt Nam’s overall development. 
Located in the northern key economic region, Hải Dương should capitalise on its potentials and advantages while optimising all resources to make breakthroughs, thereby ensuring rapid, comprehensive and sustainable development, she said. 
The NA Chairwoman also told the provincial authorities to build a pure and strong political system in line with the Resolution of the 12th National Party Congress, and press on with Party reinforcement activities. 
Ngân voiced her belief that with its tradition, accomplishments, experience and determination, Hải Dương will achieve even greater successes in the future. — VNS