Hai Duong (VNA) – The Red River Delta provinceof Hai Duong held a ceremony on December 24 to mark 20 years of itsre-establishment and received an Independence Order, first class, for itsoutstanding achievements.

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, who is former Secretary ofthe provincial Party Committee, attended the event.

In his address, Secretary of the provincialParty Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council Nguyen ManhHien said on November 6, 1996, at its 10th session, the 9th NationalAssembly approved a resolution on separating and adjusting the border of someprovinces, including Hai Hung. On January 1, 1997, Hai Duong and Hung Yen wereofficially re-established from the division of Hai Hung.

Over the past two decades, Hai Duong hasobtained a number of prominent attainments in various fields, he said,elaborating that its annual economic growth has continually been higher thanthe national average, reaching 9.3 percent between 1997-2016. The local economyis now 17.2 times bigger than it was 20 years ago.

The province is currently home to nearly 9,500businesses with registered capital totaling 72 trillion VND (almost 3.2 billionUSD), and 18 industrial parks with 10 of them already operational. About 7.2billion USD has been poured into 325 FDI projects in the locality.

Hai Duong’s budget collection is estimated toreach almost 11 trillion VND (483.3 million USD) this year, rising by 26 timesfrom 1997. Per capita income approximates 47 million VND (over 2,000 USD), up16 times. Meanwhile, the province has also continually recorded high growth inexports which expanded by 28.8 percent annually to nearly 5 billion USD in 2016,Hien said.

He noted his province has also performed well incultural and social aspects, adding that Hai Duong is one of the leadinglocalities in ensuring universal education and healthcare for people. It hasabout 8.2 doctors per 10,000 people, up 2.5 times from 1997.

While more than 30,000 jobs are created everyyear, the household poverty rate under new criteria has dropped to 6 percent.Hai Duong has also paid attention to preserving and upholding cultural values,the official said.

At the ceremony, National Assembly ChairwomanNguyen Thi Kim Ngan presented the Independence Order (first class) to Hai Duongprovince and applauded its efforts and contributions to Vietnam’s overalldevelopment.

Located in the northern key economic region, HaiDuong should capitalise on its potentials and advantages while optimising allresources to make breakthroughs, thereby ensuring rapid, comprehensive andsustainable development, she said.

The NA Chairwoman also told the provincialauthorities to build a pure and strong political system in line with the Resolutionof the 12th National Party Congress, and press on with Party reinforcementactivities.

Ngan voiced her belief that with its tradition,accomplishments, experience and determination, Hai Duong will achieve greatersuccesses in the future.

Later on the day, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan visited Duc Chinh commune in Cam Giang district.

Working with the local authorities, the NA leader praised the commune’s positive changes in the life of local residents as well as its efforts in reducing poverty and ensuring security and social order.

She requested administrations from the provincial to grassroot levels to create favourable conditions for agricultural production and building transport and irrigation networks.

Ngan also urged Duc Chinh commune and Hai Duong in general to continue speeding up the building of new-style rural areas.-VNA