National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân speaks at a working session with authorities of south central Bình Thuận Province on the weekend. — VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đức

BÌNH THUẬN — National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân held a working session with authorities of south central Bình Thuận Province on the weekend to discuss its socio-economic situation, Party building and key tasks for the near future. 
As a trade gateway to the southeast and the Central Highlands, Bình Thuận posted annual growth of 8.08 percent in gross regional domestic product last year. Its agro-forestry-fisheries accounted for 30.8 percent, industry-construction moved up slightly to 31 percent and services 38.1 percent. 
NA asked Bình Thuận to fully tap its 192km coastline and beautiful beaches in service of socio-economic development. 
She also lauded the provincial authorities and people for their achievements in Party building and serious implementation of the Party Central Committee’s directions and resolutions in the past. 
Due to overlapping planning on urban development, energy, tourism and agro-forestry, the province found it difficult to approve a number of economic projects. It plans to launch three tourism projects but most of the land allocated is a reserved area. 
In response, the top legislator asked the NA General Secretary and the NA Committee on Science, Technology and Environment to monitor and deal with the issue in accordance with conclusions by Deputy Prime Minister Trịnh Đình Dũng. 
Regarding ash, cinder and environmental treatment at Vĩnh Tân Power Center, she said the legislature will oversee ministries’ compliance with legal regulations, national standards and technical guidance on ash and cinder treatment till 2020, as well as offer incentives on technology and funding for the effort. 
According to the leader, the NA will also monitor the implementation of the Phan Thiết airport project, including its feasibility report and design approval. 
The leader also agreed with the need to build Ka Pet water reservoir to store water during the rainy season and use it for agricultural and industrial production, and local lives, especially with problems caused by climate change. 
Regarding the locality’s suggestion to launch the La Ngà 3 lake project to meet demand for agriculture, local uses, industry, tourism and power supply in the province and nearby localities, she requested adding the issue to question-and-answer sessions at the NA’s upcoming seventh session in May for consideration. 
Hailing the province for having 61 percent of communes recognised as new-style rural areas, Chairwoman Ngân urged further attention to new rural development, switch to crop and animal farming in adaptation with climate change, and social welfare for citizens. 
Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng pledged to fix shortcomings in socio-economic development, improve local economic competitiveness, and reform activities of Việt Nam Fatherland Front chapter and socio-political organisations. 
Earlier in the afternoon the same day, Ngân visited and presented gifts to two heroic Vietnamese mothers in Tân Nghĩa Township and Hàm My Commune.—VNS