He said Dong Nai made significant achievements last year with the local economy growing by 14.3 percent and GDP per capita reaching above US$1,000. In addition, its foreign direct investment hit US$1.08 billion, domestic investment rose to VND5.2 trillion and export value fetched US$4.3 billion.

“With these results, Dong Nai will continue to be an engine of national economic and industrial growth,” said Mr Manh.  

However, he said the province should fully tap its natural resources and favourable geographical conditions to maintain its high economic growth. He said it should focus on developing high-tech industries and human resources while tackling social and environmental impacts.

In addition, the Party leader urged Dong Nai to expand its service and agricultural sectors and encourage the private sector to further invest in rural and mountainous areas in the hope of narrowing a socio-economic divide between regions and between rich and poor.

Mr Manh also praised the province for establishing the “four have’s” model, which embraces good infrastructure, improved living conditions, a healthy lifestyle and environmental protection.  

Mr Manh asked local authorities to pay attention to improving employees’ spiritual and material life in local industrial parks, saying houses must be built for these workers.