VietNamNet Bridge – Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has urged the four key economic regions – North, Central, South and southeast, and Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta – to implement solutions to develop further.

Speaking at a conference to review Politburo resolutions for development in the regions, Trong said land issues, employment, education and training, and human resources were key areas for the regions to focus on.

The conference was told that the Politburo's resolutions were timely and necessary – and provided accurate policies to provide a foundation for work to be carried out.

It was stated that these activities had led to important results in socio-economic development, ensuring defence and security in the regions as well as strengthening the political system.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the regions was reported to be higher than the national average and had exceeded all targets.

The average income per head in 2010 increased significantly. Figures for the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta and the hilly and mountainous northern region were 2.5 and 3.6 times higher than those in 2004.

Total investment in social development in all regions had also increased.

Apart from these achievements, the Politburo also listed some weaknesses and obstacles facing the four regions.

These included unsustainable, low-quality economic development and competitiveness.

The speed of investment in infrastructure development was also said to be slow and of low quality. Investment mainly depended on the State budget, which took time.

There were also shortcomings in education and training, culture and social activities, health care and human-resources development.

The Politburo instructed the four regions to reform their development models, re-structure their economies, develop sustainably and comprehensively – and invest in building a modern socio-economic infrastructre.

Economic growth should go alongside the development of education, culture and protecting the environment.

Strong defence and security in these regions would ensure a favourable environment for development, the Politiburo said.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News