Modernised Mekong Delta relies on Can Tho progress

HA NOI — The rapid and comprehensive development of Can Tho City would play an important role in the modernisation of the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta region and the country as a whole.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made these comments at a meeting yesterday between the Politburo and Can Tho City's Party Committee to review the seven-year development implementation plan.

Trong urged the city to consider the whole region as it reviews the resolution, in order to ensure long-term and sustainable development.

"Development should occur alongside economic restructuring and renewal of the model to enhance the quality, effectiveness and competitiveness of the economy; ensure social welfare; improve people's living standards; and maintain political stability and national defence," he said, adding that such improvements would create a foundation for rapid growth from now until 2015.

The Party leader pointed out that limitations on the city's development had been present, but these could be overcome by emphasising the city's central role in region and determining key economic products.

After seven years of implementation of the Politburo's resolution, Can Tho City has reportedly achieved several of its main goals.

The city had an average annual growth rate of 15.13 per cent in 2006-10. The figure last year was reported at 14.46 per cent. Local economic reform has focused on industry, services and hi-tech agriculture. — VNS