The southern province of Tay Ninh should focus on personnel training and administrative reform in order to create a favourable environment to attract investors, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

While working with the local leaders on August 11, the Government leader praised efforts made by the provincial authorities and people to overcome difficulties and attain certain achievements in all aspects.

The PM, however, pointed out several shortcomings that the province should surmount in the future, including unsustainable economic development, lack of long-term and stable orientations for agricultural production, small-sized and labour-intensive industries as well as out-dated technologies.

Tay Ninh province should concentrate on fulfilling all targets set for 2010, including the effective disbursement of investment sources, and successfully organising Party congresses at all levels, he said.

In the next five years, the province needs to call for investment in eight industrial zones, build programmes for processing industries and apply advanced sciences and technologies in agricultural production and seafood, he added.

In the 2005-2010 period, Tay Ninh recorded an average GDP growth rate of 14 percent and per-capita income of 1,390 USD per year. Its poverty rate reduced to 1.5 percent.

The province sets a target of maintaining its average annual GDP growth rate at over 14 percent and increasing per-capital income to 2,970 USD per year in the next five years./.