Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc speaks at a working session with leaders of Hà Tĩnh on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc had a working session with leaders of Hà Tĩnh on Wednesday, during which he asked the central province to work harder to become one of the 20 localities with the highest growth rates soon.

At the meeting in Hà Nội, provincial authorities reported that in 2019, it recorded a growth rate of nearly 11 per cent, ranking second in the northern central region and the size of the local economy hit VNĐ80 trillion (US$3.4 billion), up 1.5-fold from 2015. Meanwhile, annual per capita income reached VNĐ62 million, and the proportion of industry – construction and services in its economy increased to 87 per cent.

For 2021-30, Hà Tĩnh plans to work toward becoming an industrial province with synchronous infrastructure, sustainable economic development, social justice and ensured defence-security. It also hopes to be one of the top 20 localities in terms of per capita income by 2030.

PM Phúc said the province’s GDP expansion has greatly contributed to the development of the northern central region. Notably, its new-style rural area building programme has been a success.

However, he pointed out some problems such as uneven development, the economic growth rate still being lower than the target, and the advantages of Vũng Áng Economic Zone and tourist sites still being untapped.

Agreeing with the province’s goals, the Government leader asked Hà Tĩnh to work to achieve synchronous and sustainable socio-economic development and maintain security. He also told it to keep improving the business climate and developing e-administration.

PM Phúc also requested the province ensure environmental protection in key projects, push ahead with apparatus streamlining and administrative reforms, improve the quality of education – training and scientific-technological application, and take measures in disaster and climate change response.

It is also necessary to further develop marine, ecological, historical and spiritual tourism, he noted.

Regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the leader emphasised that the Government is determined to concurrently fight the outbreak successfully. He asked Hà Tĩnh to contribute to the realisation of this common goal. — VNS