VietNamNet Bridge - Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has told authorities in the key economic zones throughout the nation to improve co-operation and information exchanges-and thus pushing forward the domestic industry.

Mr. Hai said this would enable them to tap the potential of each locality and region.

The deputy PM was speaking at an on-line meeting on May 6 with leaders of 24 provinces and cities in the northern, southern, central and Mekong Delta regions.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment and relevant ministries and agencies should work with provinces and cities throughout Vietnam to review industrial development plans.

He then reiterated that the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs should consider issues related to job shortages and losses and promptly give support to unemployed workers. He said this should be done as it finalised an information network on the labour market.

Ministries, agencies and localities were asked to solve any difficulties arising from the disbursement of the Government’s US$8 billion stimulus package.

Mr. Hai also said the development of reservoirs in the central region will not only help power plants and provide water for economic development, but also help conserve water and reduce flooding.

Therefore, he said, it is essential to boost investment in developing hydro-electric power plants and irrigation works in the region.

Mr. Hai told ministries and agencies to quickly deal with recommendations made by leaders of provinces and cities at the meeting.

These recommendations include improving water supply and drainage, building expressways, ring roads, ports and dykes, treating harmful waste, solving environmental and river pollution, developing industrial and economic zones, and training human resources.

Hai said the key economic zones have achieved positive results in recent years in spite of price fluctuations and the impact of the global economic crisis.

He said they have recorded an average growth rate of 13 percent while the national average growth rate was 6.23 percent. They account for 91.8 percent of total industrial production and 88 percent of export turnover.

Per capita income in the regions reached US$1,555 per year, double the national average level.

VietNamNet/VNS