Ninh Binh (VNA) – Prime Minister NguyenXuan Phuc had a working session with authorities from the northern province ofNinh Binh on July 12 to check the implementation of socio-economic developmentin 2020, including the disbursement of public investment.

Chairman of the provincial People’s CommitteeDinh Van Dien reported that Ninh Binh has so far disbursed 72 percent of thetotal allocated capital of over 3 trillion VND (129.4 million USD). 

The locality has been focusing on completing relevantprocedures and land clearance, which are the two key links in disbursementwork, he said, adding that a lesson Ninh Binh has drawn from reality is to increasethe number of meetings of the provincial People’s Council to timely addressissues related to procedures, thus ensuring the progress of capitaldisbursement for basic construction.

PM Phuc spoke highly of this experience, notingthat the People’s Councils of many localities only meet once in six months,which leads to the slow disbursement of public investment.

Thanks to its good method, Ninh Binh was one ofthe leading localities nationwide in public investment disbursement, the PMsaid.

The province reported to the PM that since thebeginning of this year, Ninh Binh recorded a year-on-year growth of only 3.85percent due to the impact of COVID-19. 

However, the industrial production expanded by 9percent in January-June. The State budget collection was estimated at nearly9.2 trillion VND (397 million USD), a yearly rise of 17 percent.

Ninh Binh was ranked eighth among the  top 15 cities and provinces nationwide inadministrative reforms.

The province proposed the Prime Minister selectit to pilot the digital transformation programme.

The PM recognised these outcomes, but pointedout some outstanding problems of Ninh Binh, such as the low per capita income,the lack of large-scale agriculture production areas, and undiversified tourismproducts.

He asked Ninh Binh to strive to become a growthdriving force for the northern region and the whole country, as well as anattractive destination for investors and tourists.

He recommended the province should focus ondeveloping the digital economy and e-payment, while drawing more investment intourism – its leading economic sector.

The PM also requested local authorities tocontinue improving the business-investment environment, building a competitiveagriculture, supporting industrial development, and leading in public investmentdisbursement./.