Minister of Public Security Tran Dai Quang presided over a meeting held in Gia Lai province on June 28, reviewing the implementation of socio-economic development goals set for the Central Highlands in the first half of 2014 and outlining key tasks for the remainder of the year.

Quang, who is also head of the Central Highlands Steering Committee, highlighted the socio-economic outcomes the region reaped in the reviewed period and asked regional provinces to make more efforts to realize next tasks.

He suggested the provinces step up the checking of the implementation of an infrastructure development plan approved by the Ministry of Transport and realising a credit support package soon, with the aim of further boosting the regional socio-economic growth.

The region’s Gross Domestic Droduct (GDP) posted an increase of 10.3 percent, while its industrial production value rose by 12.6 percent and its State budget collection was up 6.7 percent year-on-year, equivalent to 46 percent of the year’s plan.

A 553km section of the Ho Chi Minh Highway running through the region was upgraded, with a combined capital of more than 20 trillion VND ( 940 million USD).

To date, ground clearance for key projects has been completed and the execution of the work has started.

In the time ahead, efforts should be exerted to support locals living near hydropower plants to stabilise their production activities and life.

The Central Highlands includes the provinces of Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong.-VNA