Hanoi (VNA)𒀰 – The economy of the northernmost province of Ha Giang is expected to expand by 7.5 percent annually from now to 2020.

The objective was set in a socio-economic development plan approved by the Prime Minister on February 2. Accordingly, local per capita income is expected to reach 30 million VND (over 1,340 USD), while annual trade revenue will reach 600 million USD by 2020. The rate of deprived households should also fall below 5 percent. The plan expects Ha Giang’s economic growth rate to rise to 8.5 percent between 2021 and 2025, and 9.5 percent between 2025 and 2030. The proportion of services in the local economy is set to increase from 38 percent by 2020 to 41 percent by 2030. Meanwhile, agriculture and industry-construction will respectively account for 33 percent and 29 percent by 2020, and 25 percent and 33 percent by 2030. The province should also provide 18,000 jobs every year and expand forest coverage to 60 percent by 2030. In the next few years, more high-yield plant varieties will be cultivated – especially wet rice, hybrid maize and other crops suitable to the local climate. The processing industry will also be developed to create competitive agricultural products. Animal husbandry will be improved and is expected to become the province’s main agricultural endeavour. Notably, ecological, cultural and community tourism will be expanded to optimise the natural, historical and cultural features of Ha Giang. The industry will hold an important position in the local economy by 2030 to help the province draw more tourists. Ha Giang is a mountainous locality that shares 274km of land border with China’s Yunnan and Guangxi provinces. Among the roughly 750,000-strong population of 22 ethnic groups, ethnic minorities account for up to 88 percent. H’Mong people are the most populous ethnic group there. The province also boasts a number of stunning beauties, including Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Hoang Su Phi terraced rice fields, and Dong Van ancient town.-VNA