Can Tho (VNA) – TheSouthwest region recorded a gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth of6.9 percent, higher than the nation’s average of 6.21 percent, in 2016.
The region saw a surge in totalretail sales of goods, exceeding 13 percent, almost double the national figure.Regional budget collection also exceeded its target by 11.3 percent
The figures were released by DeputyPrime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue at a conference to review the work of theSouthwest Region Steering Committee in 2016 and discuss plans for 2017 in theMekong Delta city of Can Tho on January 8.
The Committee worked with regionallocalities to instruct, coordinate and support localities in socio-economicissues, national security, ethnicity and religious affairs, among others, said Hue,who is also Head of the Committee.
He hailed efforts the region made toovercome difficulties like historic droughts and salt water intrusion in 2016.
Elections for the 14th NationalAssembly and the People’s Councils at all levels for 2016-2021 weresuccessfully held across the region, Hue added.
However, the Deputy PM pointed toseveral shortcomings in the region, including a slowing economic growth rate,low GRDP per capita, poor FDI appeal and struggles in enterprises development,labour training, health care services, traffic infrastructure and new-stylerural areas.
He requested the Committee continue consultingthe Government on incentives for the region to develop, with a focus on itsstrategic tasks.
He assigned ministries to accelerate planningwork, including zoning off areas for adapting to climate change andrestructuring and to develop regional connectivity and values chain for the fourkey agricultural products of the region; shrimp, tra fish, rice and fruit.
Investment is needed in the trafficnetwork, such as the National Road 60, Quan Lo - Phung Hiep, and the nationalroad section through Ca Mau city.
Localities in the region were alsodirected to complete planning on education and health care development while focusingon ethnicity issues, religious affairs, national defence, border, economic andtraditional security.
In 2017, the region aims to achieve aGRDP growth of 7.9 percent. It also targets earning 22 billion USD from export,collects 75.5 trillion VND (3.32 billion USD) for the state budget. Its totalinvestment is expected to reach 317.9 trillion VND (13.98 billion USD).-VNA
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