Overview of the conference (Photo: VNA)As political, economic, cultural,scientific and technological hub of the entire country, the northern keyeconomic region comprises seven cities and provinces, namely Hanoi, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, HaiDuong, Bac Ninh and Vinh Phuc. It boasts a range of advantages in terms ofgeographical location and infrastructure systems, enabling it to support otherregions’ development.
The region is also leading thecountry in terms of international cooperation, foreign investment attraction aswell as close combination of socio-economic development with strengthening defence,security and social order.
In the 2011-2016 period, the regionallocalities have reaped an array of outstanding cooperation outcomes inplanning, transport infrastructure development, industry, trade, tourism,agriculture, among other fields. However, these results have yet to match withthe region’s economic development potentials.
Nguyen Duc Long, Chairman of theQuang Ninh People’s Committee, said the most difficulty facing the regionalconnectivity is transportation. He noted that his province will basically completehighway networks in 2018.
Long also stressed the need to completean express railway that connects the capital city of Hanoiwith the port city of Hai Phongand Ha Long city in Quang Ninh province.
Deputy Minister of TransportNguyen Ngoc Dong held that the regional localities have yet to fully exploit advantagesin waterway transportation, thus roads have been overloaded, leading to hightransportation fees and slow flow of goods.
Nguyen Chi Dung, Minister ofPlanning and Investment, emphasised the importance of a common thought of theentire region in working out policies and investment programmes and projects.
The regional localities shouldpartner together and support each other for common benefits and development, hesaid.
Chairman of the Hanoi People’sCommittee Nguyen Duc Chung asserted that the region has basically completedtasks in the first year of the 2016-2020 development plan, fueled by thecountry’s intensive international integration and new opportunities.
Hanoi’s economic growth in 2016reached 8.2 percent, with budget collection hitting 173 trillion VND (7.7billion USD) and total social investment estimated at 278 trillion VND (12.4billion USD). The city saw the establishment of over 22,900 new firms in theyear, he noted.
Chung called for the regional localitiesto foster connectivity to create sustainable value chains and fulfill sustainabledevelopment goals.
He pledged to adopt more supportingpolicies for safe agricultural production and trading facilities to encouragelinks from production to distribution.
Chung also proposed the regionallocalities organise more trans-provincial tourism events, conferences,exhibitions and fairs to promote regional tourism and introduce cultural valuesof each locality, thus boosting the rapid development of industry and services.-VNA
VNA
