Northern provinces asked to boost agricultural sector

The northern provinces of Hung Yen, Ha Nam, Thai Binh and Bac Ninh surrounding Hanoi have great advantages to promote the development of their agricultural sector.

Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh made the statement at a three-day meeting with the provinces’ leaders, which ended on August 5, to check their preparations for the Communist Party Congress for the 2010-2015 term.

The provinces should choose high-quality food products to supply to the city and for export, intensively apply bio-technology in agriculture and develop the food-processing industry, he suggested.

Located in the Red River Delta, with an increasing population but declining amount of available agricultural land, the provinces were asked to carefully consider the construction of industrial zones and prioritise the development of hi-tech and environmentally-friendly industries, he said.

However, Mr Manh said, while exploiting their own potential, they must pay attention to the development of the region as well as the whole community.

The Party leader stressed that the provinces must focus on sustainable development, requiring them to ensure food security and environmental protection.

The provinces were also requested to concentrate on rural planning and human resources training, he added.

In the meeting, Mr Manh highly appreciated efforts that the provinces had made in boosting socio-economic development and promoting the Party and political system.

He pointed out the provincial weakness such as poor quality of growth and low competitiveness and the widening gap between rich and poor, and urban and rural residents.

Mr Manh emphasised that promoting a spirit of public service and healthy lifestyles for Party members should continue in the following period.

He asked the provincial Party Committees to audit their achievements and shortcomings in their leadership over the past term.

In the following period, provincial committees must continue improving their leadership capacity to ensure a breakthrough in socio-economic development.

Tags: Vietnam agricultural sector