Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on August 11 led a delegation to northern Quang Ninh province's Van Don island district to inspect the area's socio-economic development.

In response to the local report on socio-economic development, the PM praised efforts made by the local government and residents, especially in modernising the countryside and creating job opportunities for local people.

Dung stressed that Van Don island district holds important positions, both in terms of economics and national defence, and offered great potential for helping develop the Northeast region and the country as a whole in term of economics, trade, service and tourism.

He said the Government and relevant State agencies are actively conducting surveys and assessments to complete a plan to develop Van Don into a special economic zone, which would soon be submitted to the National Assembly for approval.

Since the plan would require a great deal of work, PM Dung urged local authorities to continue making efforts to strengthen staff capacity, effectively reduce poverty and improve the living standards of the local people.

During the working visit, PM Dung and his delegation took the opportunity to offer incense at the President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site and the memorial of war martyrs on Ngoc Vung island. He also visited border guard and military units stationed on the island.-VNA