A crane system at Hải Phòng International Container Terminal unloads goods from the first container ship to dock at the new port this week. The city has been urged to invest in infrastructure to become a logistics and service hub. VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

HẢI PHÒNG -The port city of Hải Phòng must be developed into a digital economy leader and the biggest logistics and service centre in the north of Việt Nam, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said during his meeting with the Standing Committee of the city’s Party Committee on Friday.

To meet these targets, the city must invest in modernising Cát Bi Airport by building runways that can accommodate major airplanes, developing hotels that meet high standards and building resorts to attract tourists.

The cabinet leader asked local authorities to mobilise resources for large-scale investment.

“Hải Phòng must strive to reach the development rate of Hà Nội and HCM City,” he said.

He urged the authorities to create plans for sustainable development, especially in the construction of underground works. He added that Hải Phòng had constructed high-quality bridges in a short period but still needed to build more.

The PM hailed the city for its high economic growth rate in 2018, estimated at 16.25 per cent. This is its highest rate ever and more than 2.4 times the national average. The PM said that many large-scale projects were being implemented in the city, proving that it is attractive to investors. 

It ranks third nationwide for total FDI.

PM Phúc requested local authorities study development strategies with a focus on building a smart city.

The same day, the PM attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Haphofood factory – a high tech vegetable and fruit processing plant in Tiên Lãng District’s industrial cluster.

The factory will be put into operation in the first quarter of 2021.

Voters’ concerns

Voters in Hải Phòng City expressed their concern about problems facing the national economy, particularly the negative influence of the world economy, during their meeting with PM Phúc and the delegation of National Assembly deputies of Hải Phòng on Friday.
The voters also complained about the dependence on agriculture and State-owned businesses. 
Many voters took the occasion to voice their opinions about administrative reform and the building of an effective State apparatus. They urged the National Assembly and the Government to instruct ministries, agencies and local administrations to take stronger measures for the development of rural areas. 
PM Phúc said the opinions reflected the voters’ sense of responsibility to work together with the administration for national development. 
The PM asked Hải Phòng to invest more in infrastructure in Kiến Thụy District to facilitate local growth, while suggesting the district improve local labourers’ skills. He also requested the locality use land more effectively and pay attention to tourism services.
PM Phúc reported that the fight against corruption had been intensified under the leadership of the Party General Secretary, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng. 
The Government leader, along with NA deputies, is holding meetings with voters to report on the planned working agenda of the seventh session of the 14th National Assembly and listen to voters’ concerns. VNS