The central province of Thanh Hóa needs proper socio-economic development policies and measures in the light of international integration, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said at a working session with local authorities in Hà Nội yesterday. — Photo VGP

HÀ NỘI — The central province of Thanh Hóa needs proper socio-economic development policies and measures in the light of international integration, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said at a working session with local authorities in Hà Nội yesterday.
The PM recognised local achievements in building effective socio-economic management models and developing rural areas, saying the province has favourable natural conditions, infrastructure and abundant labour resources.
However, development gaps still exist with small economic scale, he said, noting that the low rate of businesses has discouraged the occupational generation and budget collection. Furthermore, environmental pollution has affected the development of agriculture and tourism, he added.
He asked the locality to focus on developing high-quality human resources and realising Resolutions adopted at the 12th National Party Congress along with the National Assembly and Government’s Resolutions on measures to develop socio-economic affairs.
Thanh Hoa needs to seek appropriate and effective economic models to improve investment and labour productivity as well as protect the environment, improve administrative procedures, and better serve businesses and people, he said.
He told the province to make the best use of its advantage as a “miniature” Việt Nam, as well as drastically carry out the Government’s Resolutions to boost business production and facilitate operations of small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The PM also directed Thanh Hóa to pay more attention to agricultural restructuring in line with new-style rural building to develop a multifunctional agriculture.
He reminded the province to prioritise development of its western part – where the living conditions of locals are difficult, while tightening the management of public investment.
The province is also expected to improve urban development planning, ensure social welfare and reduce the proportion of poor households under the country’s average level, while concentrating on corruption prevention and the protection of marine environment.
The gross regional domestic product (GRDP) expanded by 8.06 per cent in the first nine months of 2016. The per capita GRDP is expected to stand at US$1,648 at the year’s end.
The province collected over VNĐ8.48 trillion ($381.6 million) to the State budget in the period. It also allowed businesses to invest in 158 projects with total registered capital of over VNĐ18.36 trillion ($826.2 million) in January – September, 2.5 times the same period last year.
Local economic growth is estimated to reach 9.07 per cent at the end of 2016, surpassing the set target of 9 per cent. — VNS