Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked the southern province of Dong Thap to better exploit its farming and aquaculture resources to achieve more rapid and sustainable development.

Working with key provincial officials in Cao Lanh city on September 10, PM Dung said the province should lessen the acreage of rice and instead grow more plants that are in high demand both at home and abroad, using technological advances to improve output.

He told the province that it should help farmers and packaging firms to improve the quality and design of products, especially key export items such as rice, seafood and fruit.

The leader also appealed for increased investment in basic construction, which he said will generate more jobs.

Other issues including climate change response, natural resources exploitation and environmental protection featured in discussions.

In the short term, the PM said that Dong Thap should clear obstacles facing businesses, especially farmers, while effectively disbursing infrastructure investment and ensuring social welfare. He told the provincial leaders to review its 2011-2013 socio-economic development progress soon and set targets for 2014-2015.

At the event, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Minh Hoan reported that as many as 53 hi-tech models of cultivation, farming and aquaculture encompassing material supply, processing, consumption and export, have been rolled out across the locality.
 
In January-September, the industrial production and retail of goods and services went up 6.87 and 19.61 percent respectively and the local economy is expected to grow 8.45 percent this year, he said.

He also vowed to introduce incentives like credit and tax breaks for investors and enterprises.

Referring to agriculture, he noted that Dong Thap will improve the efficiency of cooperation models, monitor epidemic animal and plant diseases and combat natural disasters.

Officials from ministries also commented on Dong Thap’s proposals regarding State funding for key transport and health care projects in the province.-VNA