Dak Nong(VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had a meeting with key leaders of theCentral Highlands province of Dak Nong, during which he asked for drastic andbreakthrough measures to boost the locality’s growth.

The PM suggested thatDak Nong continue speeding up its economic restructuring, focusing on renewableindustry and service, while reforming administrative procedures in acomprehensive manner to attract investment and fostering the growth ofindustry, tourism, and startups.

He reminded theprovince to pay greater attention to forestation and natural forest protection,as well as improving its provincial competitiveness index.

Particularly, the PMstressed the need to take measures to enhance the living conditions of ethnicminority community in the province, as well as maintain good relations withCambodian localities bordering Dak Nong.

He held that a conferenceshould be held to discuss how to deal with unplanned migration.

Last year, Dak Nongrecorded a growth of 9.47 percent, with State budget collection of over 2trillion VND, surpassing the plan by 24 percent. The province currently hasover 2,600 enterprises.

Dak Nong is facinghigh burden from a large number of immigrants. So far, 675,500 people havemoved to the locality, doubling the population of the province in 2004.

Earlier the same day, the PM visited two major projects in the province,including Nhan Co Aluminium Plant and Dak Nong Aluminium Electrolysis project.

The Nhan Co Aluminium Plant has become operational since July 2017 witha design capacity of over 500,000 tonnes, mainly products exported to foreignmarkets, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, China and Singapore.

Meanwhile, the 690 million USD Dak Nong Aluminium Electrolysis projectwith a capacity of 450,000 tonnes per year is scheduled to produce firstproducts in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Also on February 9, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made a pre-Tet visit to theprovincial border guards and police forces.

He applauded their plans to ensure security in border areas during Lunar Newyear holiday. Dak Nong, sharing 130km of border with Cambodia, should payspecial attention to ensure security and safety along the border, while helpingpoor households enjoy a warm Tet festival, he asked.

The PM asked them to improve combat readiness to protect nationalsovereignty and increase the involvement in socio-economic developmentactivities.

He urged Dak Nong border guards to build a stronger and more competent force,who is closer to the people and determined to safeguard the fatherland.

Acknowledging the provincial police force’s effort in fulfilling the task ofsafeguarding security, he urged them to continue fighting cross-border crimesand poachers, and create a favorable environment for investment.-VNA