President Truong Tan Sang asked the central province of Thanh Hoa to step up administrative reform, making it easier to attract more foreign investors at a working session with its authorities in the locality on December 8.

To propel the local economy further, he suggested more focus on the Nghi Son economic zone and Cua Dat aqua-farming project to develop support industry and generate more jobs.

He hailed the province for its 2014 economic growth of 11.6 percent, exceeding the set target and its progresses in building new-style rural areas, saying that it is quite significant because a majority of local population feed on agriculture and rural development.

During the year, the local revenue to the State budget is estimated at over 7.5 trillion VND (357 million USD) and the income per capita averages 1.365 USD, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Trinh Van Chien informed the President.

Thanh Hoa currently ranks eighth in the provincial competitiveness index and comes sixth in the international economic integration index. It also fares well in the provincial governance and public administration performance index, sitting on the ninth place, he added.

Chien, however, also admitted shortcomings, including poor infrastructure in mountainous areas and low agriculture output.

The authorities proposed more State support to the establishment of the Nghi Son special administrative unit and development of Tho Xuan airport up to international standards.

On the occasion of the 70th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 25th anniversary of All People’s Defence Day, the President toured Z111 factory, an unit of the General Department of Military Industry./.