Hanoi (VNA) – As many as 604 out of total 1,424 communes, or 42.4 percent, in the south central coastal and Central Highlands regions have been recognised as new-style rural areas, according to the Central Coordination Office on New Rural Development.
The south central coastal region counted eight districts gaining the status, while the Central Highlands had one.
The two regions strive to have 126 communes meeting advanced criteria for new-style rural areas by the end of 2020.
Currently, 27 districts in the nine south central coastal provinces of Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai and Kon Tum have not had any communes fulfilling new rural areas criteria.
Meanwhile, in the Central Highlands, the rate of new rural communes in Dak Lak and Dak Nong is below 30 percent; and Kon Tum under 20 percent.
The progress of developing rural areas in Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, Quang Ngai, Kon Tum, and Dak Lak provinces has been sluggish.
These localities should use their natural resources to support the building of new-style rural areas, according to the central coordination office./.
VNA