HẢI PHÒNG — President Trần Đại Quang had a working session with the Standing Board of the Hải Phòng municipal Party Committee on Wednesday, recognising the northern city’s achievements in 2016. 

Hải Phòng City fulfilled 19 of its 20 key socio-economic targets with many exceeding expectations, including a GDP growth rate of 11 per cent, a 17.02 per cent rise in the industrial production index, and an 8.7 per cent increase in State budget collection.

An improving investment and business environment helped attract domestic and foreign investment, he said, citing that more than US$2.75 billion of foreign direct investment was poured into the city last year, 45 per cent above the target.

President Quang agreed on the tasks the city has set for 2017, asking municipal authorities to continue improving the local investment climate and step up investment attraction activities.

Infrastructure, especially transport facilities, needs to be perfected while tourism projects must be implemented quickly.

As a strongly developing city, Hải Phòng should pay heed to state management of planning, he said, noting that rational planning will play a vital role in turning Hải Phòng into a smart city.

At the session, the leader applauded the municipal authorities’ work to ensure a happy Tết (Lunar New Year) for locals, particularly disadvantaged families and war invalids. He asked the port city to increase surveys to ensure all policy beneficiaries are cared for.

Tết visit

Also yesterday, President Quang visited the Navy High Command, Military Zone 3 High Command and public security forces in Hải Phòng, ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Via a televised programme, the State leader conveyed his New Year wishes to the military and residents in Trường Sa Lớn, Song Tử Tây and Sinh Tồn islands in the Trường Sa (Spratly) archipelago.

Commander and Chairman of Trường Sa Township People’s Committee, Lieutenent Colonel Đỗ Thế Tuyến informed the leader about preparations for the New Year festival. 
President Quang took the occasion to ask the Navy to guard national sea and island sovereignty as well as the marine-based economy and conduct search and rescue at sea. 
Meeting staff of the Military Zone 3 High Command, the President described Military Zone 3 as an area of strategic importance to national defence. 
He requested the Military Zone 3 High Command to keep close watch of the situation in the region and be prepared for the plots of hostile forces. 
Talking with public security forces of Hải Phòng City, the State leader called for a crackdown on gangs and social disorder while fighting economic, corruption, cyber, environment and drug crimes. 
He also visited and presented Tết gifts to families of war heroes and invalids. — VNS