Quang Ninh (VNA) - PrimeMinister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on December 22 had a working session with leaders ofthe northern coastal province of Quang Ninh on the socio-economic development situationof the locality and orientations for its robust growth in the future.

Withits strategic location, diverse terrains and most abundant natural resources inthe country, Quang Ninh is expected to rise as an economic driver of thecountry in the future.

QuangNinh has an economic structure that favours industry-construction (52 percent),and services (41.2 percent). In 2016, the province’s contribution to Statebudget reached 18 trillion VND (79.09 million USD).

Itranks sixth among localities nationwide in administrative reform index. InQuang Ninh, it takes only 1-2 days to complete procedures for businessregistration, while 99 percent of local firms use e-taxation.

Thisyear, the locality saw 1,600 newly-established businesses, the highest figureso far, raising total local firms to 12,000.

QuangNinh is also among the most busy tourism destinations in the country as it haswelcomed 8.4 million visitors so far this year.

Currently,Quang Ninh is focusing on expanding its infrastructure system to lay foundationfor the development of the Van Don Special Economic Zone.

Atthe working session, representatives from the Public Security Ministry proposedthe pilot operation of tourism police force in Van Don to better protect thesector’s development, while other ministries also suggested pilot mechanismsfor Quang Ninh to decide its organisation and decentralisation, thus supportingits reform.

PMPhuc said that the Government has approved the Van Don project during itsNovember meeting, while passing the building of three specialadministrative-economic zones, including Van Don, and assigning Quang Ninh tosubmit the complete project as soon as possible.

Heasked the Ministry of Planning and Investment to build a draft Law on Van DonSpecial Administrative-Economic Zone, so that the Government can submit it tothe National Assembly soon.

Hestressed that the law will help win investors’ confidence in investing to thezone.

He said “Quang Ninh should be proud of its Party building, socio-economic development,security and defence protection achievements,” citing its mobilization ofresources in society for development and leading role in using theprivate-public form.

As the locality has envisaged becoming an economic driver of the north and theentire country, an international exchange centre, and a destination forinvestors, tourists, cargoes and innovative and novel ideas, the PM hoped thatQuang Ninh will post the highest economic growth and lead the development inthe key northern economic zone.

To that end, it is crucial to build trust among local and foreign investorsalong with devising a cohesive, long-term master development strategy, he said.

Quang Ninh needs to draw talents in and outside the country to serve itsdevelopment model, with which the most open and favorable conditions should beput in place, especially those of the Van Don Special Economic Zone, thegovernment leader stressed.

He reminded the provincial authorities of the significance of high-qualityhuman resources, technological applications, dynamism and creativity indevelopment.

Regarding tourism, the locality should focus investments on infrastructure,public conveniences, workforce and advertisement towards serving at least 7million foreign tourists and 20 million domestic visitors, he noted, addingthat “All Quang Ninh’s people should engage in tourism activities.”

He also laid stress on managing the environment, especially in handicraftvillages and residential areas around Ha Long Bay while striving to be listedamong top five in the business and investment environment and administrativereform and to have 25,000 businesses by 2020.

In addition to that, the PM asked Quang Ninh to reinforce social foundation,narrow the rich-poor gap, ensure social welfare and safeguard security andsocial order.

Onthe occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army(December 22), PM Phuc visited the infantry brigade 242 in Van Don district,which covers Van Don district and Co To island. He conveyed greetings tosoldiers and officials of the unit, expressing hope that it will promote thetradition and continue fulfilling its tasks in ensuring defence, security andnational territorial integrity.

Healso visited and presented gifts to war veteran Nguyen Van Ty at Cai Rong townin Van Don./.