A boost for southern key economic region

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the conference on southern key economic region development, Dong Nai, May 6, 2019 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

This is the second region-level conference of the Government chief after the recent meeting of the central key economic region three months ago in Thua Thien-Hue province. 

So far, Viet Nam houses four key economic regions including the northern key economic region (comprising seven provinces and cities); the central key economic region (five provinces and cities), the southern key economic region (eight provinces and cities), and the Mekong Delta key economic region (four provinces and cities). The four key economic regions include 24 provinces and cities, accounting for 27.3% of the country’s total areas, 27% of the national population, and 89% of national GDP.

The southern key economic region is dynamic with high economic growth rate, leading the country in industrialization and modernization. It makes up 45.42% of GDP and 50.9% GDP of the four key economic regions. The region takes the lead in production of electronics, software, trade services, logistics, finance, telecom, and tourism. 

The southern key economic region has attained important socio-economic achievements. In the 2016-2018 period, average GDP growth rate hit 8.34%. Average income per capita valued US$ 5,474, double the average rate of the country. 

However, the region has failed to optimize its potentials and advantages.

At the conference, delegates are expected to discuss management mechanisms and policies to spur growth, transport connectivity, logistics, and human resources./.  

By Khanh Phuong