Perfect development planning critical to Can Tho: PM

Can Tho (VNA) – The completion of the development planning is the focal task of Can Tho city as it is the capital of the whole Mekong Delta region but also the one most vulnerable to climate change among the big cities in Vietnam.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the remark at a working session with municipal officials on June 13.

He applauded Can Tho’s performance in maintaining fair growth over the last decade, especially in industry and agriculture, despite economic difficulties and serious climate change impacts. It has also ensured social welfares, created jobs, and alleviated poverty, helping to enhance people’s trust in local authorities.

The city should step up agricultural restructuring and other aspects while making the best use of natural features as well as opportunities brought about by climate change to improve farmers’ income.

It needs to become a start-up hub, especially for hi-tech companies, and encourage scientific – technological application in business and production activities, the PM noted.

He told Can Tho to beef up cooperation with foreign businesses to expand markets, improve officials’ capacity and attract skilled personnel, particularly Vietnamese expatriates, to help with national development.

Meanwhile, it should foster partnership with other provinces and cities in Vietnam, in the region and the world to learn from their experience and tap into their potential.

The Government leader said more open mechanisms are necessary for the city to make breakthroughs, adding that authorities at all levels there to promote their renovation while performing their duties.

At the working session, local officials reported that Can Tho has advantages in agriculture, aquaculture along with geographical location, which is favourable for developing urban and transport facilities, hi-tech agriculture, processing industry, tourism and support industries.

In the first half of 2016, Can Tho recorded the gross regional domestic product (GRDP) at over 28.75 trillion VND (1.29 billion USD), up 6.82 percent year on year. Production and business indexes were also relatively high compared to the same period last year.

It ranked 14th of the 63 provinces and cities in terms of the provincial competitiveness index. The number of businesses in the city increases by 9.12 percent a year.

Also on June 13, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta Rice Research Institute, which is based in Can Tho.-VNA