President Truong Tan Sang has called on the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau to try to rise to the mid-range level of development druing the 2015-20 period.

He made the advice came during a working session with provincial officials on December 9 as part of his visit to the province.

Lai Chau recorded an economic growth of 13 percent this year. It also made progresses in two significant areas: approving development plans for villages as part of the new rural development requirements and relocating local residents to build Lai Chau hydropower plant.

The President applauded the province's success in moving beyond the poorest group of provinces nationwide.

However, he said, the region should continue to improve human resources and seek new sources of capital.

The president also visited officers and soldiers at the Ma Lu Thang border gate, responsible for ensuring the security of 13km along the border as well as the border commune of Ma Li-Pho in Phong Tho district.-VNA