Deputy PM encourages Southwest region to tap agricultural strengths

VGP – Presiding over the year-end meeting of the Steering Committee for Southwest Region (SCSR) in Sóc Trăng City on Tuesday, Permanent Deputy PM Nguyễn Sinh Hùng pointed out that strengths of the region are such agro-products as rice, shrimps, fish, and fruits.

December 29, 2009 3:24 PM GMT+7

At the year-end meeting of the Steering Committee for Southwest Region, Deputy PM Nguyễn Sinh Hùng urges the Southwest Region to make full use of its agricultural advantages for further development, Sóc Trăng City, December 29, 2009 - Photo: VGP/Kiều Liên

In 2009, the region’s economic growth rate is estimated at 10.08% and GDP per capita US $970, up 9.33% against 2008.

The production value and industrial production value are VND 300 trillion and VND 74 trillion, increasing by 11.4% and 19% respectively compared to last year.

Trade activities and services have significantly contributed to socio-economic development in regional provinces, bringing about nearly VND 230 trillion in terms of total retails and service revenue.

According to SCSR Permanent Vice Chairman Sơn Song Sơn, developing infrastructure, irrigation, education and human resource will be a main target in the time to come. The SCSR will closely coordinate with ministries and local governments to realize major transport projects, control floods, build schools and hospitals, and assist poor ethnic minority households.

The Southwest Region is famous for tropical fruits - Photo: VGP

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy PM Nguyễn Sinh Hùng, who is also Chairman of the SCSR, stressed that the Southwest Region should improve value of agro-products of its advantages, especially rice, shrimps, fish and fruits.

It is necessary to nurture the labor force for agriculture and build hi-tech agricultural areas in 2010, said the leader.

He also underlined urban management, rural environment, and transport development, striving for higher year-on-year economic growth in the period of 2010-2015.

By Xuân Hoàng