The Southern key economic area has set targets to reach an annual average GDP per capita of 3,900-4,000 USD by 2015 and over 5,000 USD by 2020, Nhan Dan (People) online newspaper reported on June 6.

The goals were outlined in a Master Plan for socio-economic development of Southern and Mekong Delta key economic areas until 2020 with a vision to 2030, which was released by the Ministry of Planning and Investment in Ho Chi Minh City on June 5.

The southern economic area, which includes Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Long An and Tien Giang, is specified as the leading region in developing electronics components, software production, logistical and financial services, and telecommunications and tourism, creating motivation for socio-economic development of the whole country.

The region, with Ho Chi Minh City as the nucleus, was also destined to be a significant centre for Southeast Asia in finance, trade, tourism and international exchanges.

Under the master plan, the region is expected to attain a GDP growth rate of 8-8.5 percent by 2015 and 8.5-9 percent in the 2016-2020 period, with 95-96 percent of GDP contributed by industry, construction and service sectors.

In the next period from 2021-2030, the region's GDP is planned to grow at 8.0-8.5 percent per year and GDP per capita is set to reach 12,200 USD by 2030.

The Mekong Delta key economic area, comprising Can Tho, Ca Mau, An Giang and Kien Giang provinces, is defined as a centre for services, tourism and food production of the nation.

In particular, Nam Can tourism site and Phu Quoc Island are set to be national tourism sites and bridges for international economic integration, as well as strategic areas in national defence and security.

The Mekong Delta economic area plans to achieve a GDP growth rate of 11 percent by 2015 and 10.5 percent in the 2016-2020 period. Average GDP per capita is hoped to reach 2,470 USD in 2015, 4,400 USD by 2020 and 9,300 USD by 2030.-VNA