Prime Minister urges institutional reforms
HÀ Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has urged ministries, localities and sectors in the Red River Delta region to take proactive measures in researching and proposing institutional and policy reforms in order to achieve ways of overcoming obstacles and foster the region's development during the period 2021-2030, with a vision towards 2050.
He stressed that it was imperative to adopt fresh perspectives, fostering innovation and cultivating a renewed vision in the planning process for the Red River Delta region. Such an approach should ensure the harmonious integration of traditional values with progressive breakthroughs, comprehensive strategies and sustainable practices.
He was speaking at the third meeting of the Red River Delta Region Coordinating Council held yesterday in Hà Nội where the plans for the 2021-2030 period were formally announced.
The Government's action programme sets out 21 development targets, 36 tasks and 20 key projects for the region to be accomplished by 2030. Currently, three out of 36 tasks have been completed and plans for nine out of 11 provinces in the region have been approved.
Regarding the 20 key projects, seven are already underway, eight are undergoing investment procedure formalities and the remaining projects are under review and will be implemented in the near future.
The socio-economic development of the region has achieved many positive results. The region's economic growth rate (GRDP) reached 6.28 per cent in 2023, 1.24 times higher than the national average and accounts for 30.1 per cent of the national GDP.
The per capita GRDP is now VNĐ131.9 million ($5,180), so number two nationwide. State budget revenue in the region in 2023 is estimated to exceed VNĐ720 trillion ($28.3 million), leading the country. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is estimated at over $17.3 billion for 2023, also the highest in the country.
The Government has directed ministries, sectors and localities to propose policies on innovation, venture capital funds, controlled experimental mechanisms and specific policies for the Hoà Lạc High-tech Park, the National Innovation Centre and the semiconductor engineer training project, Decree.
Internal and inter-regional cooperation and linkage activities have been actively implemented by ministries, sectors and localities in the region to hit targets for rapid and sustainable development. Many important regional linkage projects are actively being implemented, such as the Beltway 4 Project in the Hà Nội Capital Region, the urban railway investment project as a pilot project in Hà Nội and the section from Nhổn to Hà Nội Station. Many projects are in the investment stage, including the Ninh Bình to Hải Phòng Expressway construction project.
The quality of infrastructure in the Red River Delta region is continuously improving, with four out of 11 local areas in the top ten in terms of the best infrastructure nationwide.
However, the region is still facing challenges regarding urban infrastructure, interregional environmental issues and the insufficient role of science, technology and innovation as drivers of development. More attention is needed on collaborative activities and regional coordination.
Concluding the conference, PM Chính urged localities in the region to promptly bring together plans and action programmes to implement these plans, emphasising that while planning is crucial, equally important is the implementation.
PM Chính agreed with the conference's agreement to restructure economic sectors, innovate growth models towards modernisation, prioritise investment in pivotal and dynamic projects, concentrate on human resource development, attract talent, promote innovation and streamline administrative procedures to enhance the investment environment.