BÀ RỊA–VŨNG TÀU — President Trần Đại Quang has asked the southern coastal province of Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu to mobilise and use domestic and foreign resources effectively in order to develop the local economy rapidly.

At a working session with key leaders of the province in Bà Rịa City on July 19, the President urged the locality to turn the Cái Mép-Thị Vải Port into an international transshippment port, as well as develop its industrial parks and clusters.

Côn Đảo Island ought to become a high-quality national tourist site, he said, asking Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu authorities to continue helping local fishermen build and upgrade offshore fishing vessels; increase fishery logistics ships; pay more attention to protecting national sovereignty over seas and islands; and promote high-tech agriculture.

“Economic growth should go in tandem with the development of culture and society, education and training, science and technology, and healthcare,” the leader said.

He requested the province to continue with administrative reform to better serve the legitimate needs of residents and businesses.

During the meeting, President Quang lauded the achievements Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu recorded across many fields in 2017 and in the first six months of this year.

Between January and June, the province’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 7 per cent and its State budget contribution reached VNĐ37 trillion (US$1.6 billion).

The locality’s industrial production, excluding oil and gas, increased 8.17 per cent against the same period last year. Significant progress was also made in agricultural production.

Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu was also effective in paying heed to administrative reform, helping to improve the local investment environment. As a result, in the first half of this year, the locality ranked third nationwide in foreign investment attraction, with a total registered capital of $1.67 billion.

The province aims to strengthen its key areas of seaport, seaport logistics, industry and tourism during the 2016-20 period.

To mark the upcoming War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27), President Quang visited and presented gifts to war invalids and sick soldiers at the Long Đất nursing centre for war invalids and national contributors in the Long Điền District of the province after his working session. — VNS