VietNamNet Bridge – About VND104 trillion (US$5 billion) has been set aside for socio-economic development in the Central Highland province of Kon Tum.

The plan is to divide development into two phases, the first from 2011-15 and the second from 2016-20.

About VND33 trillion ($1.6 billion) is expected to be spent on the first phase and VND71trillion ($3.4 billion) on the second.

The economic growth rate is forecast be about 14.7 per cent in 2011-20.

The provincial GDP per capita is scheduled to reach about VND27.9 million ($1,340) by 2015, double that of 2010, and to double again to VND53.2 million ($2,550) by 2020.

To reach the target, the province plans to develop its agriculture sector by focusing on commodity production and the processing industry while also taking advantage of its forest land.

The industrial sector would develop its most suitable industries, including forestry processing, building materials, minerals and hydroelectricity.

The provincial education system also would be comprehensively developed at all levels from kindergarten to senior secondary schools.

Priority issues, such as hunger elimination and poverty reduction and narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas and between ethnic minority groups, will continue.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News