State President Nguyen Minh Triet has asked authorities of the Mekong delta province of Ben Tre to maintain its agricultural strength to stabilise local people’s lives and promote the development of its industry, trade and services.

While paying a Tet visit to Ben Tre on Jan. 28, President Triet emphasised the importance of agricultural production development, saying it cushioned people’s lives in Ben Tre and throughout the entire country against the impact of the global economic crisis last year.

In addition, the rate of poor households in the province has fallen to nearly nine percent, he added.

The State President reminded that as Party organisations at all levels will hold congresses this year in preparation for the National Party Congress, Party officials, especially those who are nominated to Party committees and important leading positions, need to review their responsibilities in front of people and the Party and work hard to build a strong and transparent Party and administration.

The State President wished the provincial Party Committee and people even greater successes in the New Year.

Earlier, President Triet attended the inauguration ceremony of a section of road connecting An Khanh, Phu Tuc, Phu Duc and Tan Phu communes in Chau Thanh district.

The new roadway will help boost Chau Thanh district’s socio-economic development and shorten the distance from the Rach Mieu bridge to the Dinh Khao ferry in neighbouring Vinh Long province by 11km./.