The central coastal province of Binh Thuan should weigh the pros and corns of local key staples for further investment in anticipation of challenges posed by the global integration and the formation of the ASEAN Community in late 2015.

To create a breakthrough, provincial authorities need to concentrate on three important set targets, namely infrastructure, human resources improvement, and administrative reform, State President Truong Tan Sang said at a working session with provincial key officials as part of his tour to Binh Thuan on March 16-17.

He suggested the province to temporarily halt investment in poorly-competitive fields, while prioritising major projects with the application of science and technology.

The President noted that Binh Thuan should be supported financially to develop fishermen’s off-shore fishing operations as it holds a strategic position in safeguarding the national sea and island sovereignty.

He asked the province to address existing problems, especially in preparation of the all-level Party congresses and the 12 th national Party Congress.

Over the past five years, Binh Thuan recorded an annual economic growth of 8.9 percent. The province has formed specialised areas for growing dragon fruits and rubber – the two local major products.

It is focusing financial sources on upgrading the irrigation system and bringing new facelift for rural areas and ethnic minority inhabited regions.

However, more efforts are needed to improve the living standards of residents in the far-flung areas.

During his two-day working trip, President Truong Tan Sang visited Thuan Lan dragon fruit farm in Ham Thuan Nam commune.

As a key agricultural product, dragon fruits from Binh Thuan are popular in the domestic market and exported to China , India , Europe, the US , and Japan.

The President also examined the new-style rural model at Thien Nghiep commune of Phan Thiet city as well as some effective models combining cultivation and animal husbandry.

While visiting the Phu Hai fishing union in Phat Thiet city, the President underlined the need to support fishermen to stay more regularly at sea, adding that each should improve skills in the field.

He also offered incense at the late President Ho Chi Minh’s monument in Phan Thiet city.-VNA