Authorities in Can Tho are aiming to transform the Mekong Delta metropolis into an industrial city by 2020, with gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth targeted to reach 7.3 percent annually, according to the municipal Party Committee.

The city will also strive for per capita GDRP of 96.2 million VND (4,425 USD), total import-export and service value of 11 billion USD each year. The plans, outlined in a draft report, were revealed at a conference in the city on March 23, where Can Tho’s former leaders were invited to provide their feedback.

The ratio of highly-trained labourers in the locality is expected to reach up to 80 percent, while 26 communes are aiming to become new-style rural areas according to the report, which will be submitted to the city’s 8 th Party Congress for approval.

In the 2015-20 period, Can Tho is hoped to become a national-level city catering for industry, trade, tourism, education, health care and culture in the region. The plan states that it will be developed into a hub for domestic and international transport, while also being turned into a strategic regional and national defence-security provider.

To fulfil these ambitious goals, the city will focus on a number of specific measures, including transforming the economy towards industrialisation and modernisation, improving the investment environment, and strengthening regional connections with the Mekong Delta’s key economic regions.

Meanwhile, the city will roll out measures to attract high-quality human resources, lure more foreign direct investment and official development assistance, and enhance its competitiveness.

The draft report also includes review of the city’s socio-economic performance in the 2011-15 period, with 20 out of 22 goals completed.-VNA