President Truong Tan Sang has expressed his approval of the development policy of the central province of Quang Binh, saying that the question now is how to implement it effectively to achieve the middle income status.

At a working session with the provincial Party committee’s standing board during his visit to Quang Binh on March 1, Sang said the province has made progress in many fields, from rural and marine economy to urban transport and tourism.

“If the province continues to take drastic and concerted measures suitable with the local socio-economic situation, Quang Binh is sure to record even greater development,” he said, adding that with the large number of fishermen operating offshore, the provincial government should organise more logistic and rescue services to assist the fishermen at sea.

Located in the northern central coastal region, Quang Binh is endowed with rich marine resources. The province gained a growth rate of 7.1 percent last year with industrial production and services accounting for an increasing proportion in its economic structure. Also in 2012, the number of tourists to Quang Binh surpassed 1 million for the first time, up 9 percent from the previous year.

The same day, President Sang visited Dai Trach commune in Bo Trach district, which is a model in the programme of building new style rural areas.

Over two years implementing the programme, the commune has now achieved 13 out of 19 categories for a standard new style rural area. The poverty rate has dropped to 4.53 percent.

Praising the people and officials in the commune for upholding their revolutionary traditions, the President stressed that only when the people’s right of mastery is respected, can the achievements be sustainable.

President Sang also toured the fishing commune of Bao Ninh in Dong Hoi city and Ly Hoa border post.-VNA