Ha Giang should make full use of its potential to promote socio-economic development, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung during his visit to the province on January 19-20.
PM Dung led the Government delegation which visited the four districts of Quang Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac where ethnic minority people face a number of difficulties, especially water. The PM suggested several measures to deal with the essential needs of mountain people. He agreed to provide more than VND200 billion to build 30 reservoirs. He also asked the relevant ministries and departments as well as local authorities to help farmers step up intensive farming to increase their productivity, grow grass to breed cows and increase the planting of trees to ensure their steady jobs.
After making his fact-finding tour of water reservoirs and meeting with the local people, PM Dung met with the leaders of Ha Giang province and four districts. He praised the provincial Party and authorities’ efforts to overcome the recent economic difficulties to make significant progress in every field.
In 2009, despite many difficulties, the province achieved a growth rate of 13.46 percent and produced more than 30,000 tonnes of foodstuff – the highest amount so far. Grazing land has now risen to 4,000ha and nearly 14,000ha of new forest have been planted. Many irrigation and civil projects are also underway to help 6,300 poor households resettle. The number of poor households has dropped by 6 percent.
However, Ha Giang is still a poor country, with poor households doubling the national average. The State will continue to help the province to eradicate poverty but the provincial Party, administration and people must do their utmost to develop sustainably, PM Dung asserted.
He also urged provincial leaders to put in place measures to boost socio-economic development. The province must introduce more efficient production models, plant pastures for breeding cows, enlarge forests and rubber plantations. They must also build reservoirs to ensure clean water supplies for local use as well as upgrade the infrastructure.
Mr Dung also asked the province to check the progress of more than 20 hydro-electric power projects to ensure safety, socio-economic efficiency and no damage to the environment. He directed the province to foster import and export services via the Thanh Thuy border gate and develop services and tourism.
On the occasion, PM Dung presented gifts to ethnic minority people living in Dong Van, Meo Vac and Yen Minh districts and the workers at the Nho Que 3 Hydroelectric Power Plant. He also witnessed the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade handing over VND65 billion to build houses for poor people and the new Lung Cu Flag Tower.
During his stay in Ha Giang, PM Dung offered incense at the President Ho Chi Minh Memorial in Meo Vac town.
