Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh urged the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum to fully tap into its local strengths in afforestation, agriculture, husbandry and border trade during his visit with local authorities on Dec 10 and 11.

The party leader emphasised that to accelerate economic growth officials must pay attention to sustainable development and protection of the environment. He stressed forestry as the province’s forte as well as other Central Highlands province and it is their responsibility to manage and preserve the ecological environment and bio-diversity.

The party general secretary underlined the need to enhance people’s knowledge, accelerate training human resources and have special policies to develop education and attract more talents.

He instructed locals to use advanced techniques in cultivation to grow higher-yield plants in order to quickly reduce poverty. In addition, the local authorities and people should facilitate their children’s study, said Manh.

Manh advised authorities to give more incentives to investors, particularly in knowledge-based and environment-friendly industries as part of its plan to boost the region’s economy.

But in general, Manh applauded the province’s socio-economic development results, including an annual economic growth of 13-14 percent from 2006-2009.

During his stay in Kon Tum, the Party General Secretary visited and presented gifts to underprivileged families in Ho Moong commune, Sa Thay district./.