Dak Lak (VNA) ♍– Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak to maintain its momentum in pursuing rapid, sustainable, comprehensive and inclusive socio-economic development at a working session with the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee on August 18.

PM Chinh highlighted four growth pillars for Dak Lak, including quality agricultural and forestry products for exports, large-scale agro-processing and renewable energy production; urban economy, digital and irrigation infrastructure; and logistics and tourism services based on digital platforms and socio-economy. The province was asked to build a strong political system, and reinforce national defence- security in combination with environmental protection, climate change adaptation and sustainable poverty reduction. Dak Lak must elevate its status to the national average level, becoming a distinctive and attractive destination for both domestic and foreign tourists, PM Chinh said, adding that Buon Ma Thuot city, the centre of the Central Highlands, should serve as a gateway for global and regional integration and connectivity. The goal is to ensure a high quality of life for residents, with excellent social services, a secure environment, and ample employment opportunities, he said. The PM requested the provincial Party Organisation, administration, army and people to strengthen public trust in the Party and its policies and guidelines, foster solidarity among the 49 ethnic groups in the province and with others in the Central Highlands; ensure better living conditions for ethnic minorities, leaving no one behind, and promote shared progress and development; increase mechanisms to pool all available resources for development investment, particularly through public-private partnerships; accelerate investment in transport infrastructure to create new development spaces, urban and service areas, industrial zones, improve product and goods competitiveness. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a borderline of peace, friendship, cooperation and development; enhance the training of quality human resources for the province and the Central Highlands; facilitate the transition of labour from rural and agricultural areas to industrial and urban sectors; and boost national defence-security capabilities to safeguard territorial integrity, national security, social safety and order, he said. Acknowledging the need for transport infrastructure development to connect the Central Highlands with other regions, he agreed to review Dak Lak's proposals and instructed relevant ministries and agencies to coordinate with the province to adjust planning and strategies. As Dak Lak marks its 120th anniversary of construction and development this year, a range of cultural, diplomatic, and social welfare activities have been promoted. The province has seen growth in 10 out of 16 key indicators compared to 2023, with its gross regional domestic product (GRDP) increasing by 4.13% compared to 2023 and exports exceeding 1 billion USD, up 25.4%. As of July 31, 38.9% of the planned public investment capital was disbursed, successfully allocating capital for three national target programmes for the 2021-2025 period, totalling over 4.5 trillion VND (187.5 million USD)./.