The government leader made the recommendations during his visit to the province on June 25-26 to discuss the province’s socio-economic development from now until 2010.

The PM said Cao Bang, which shares 300 km of borderline with China, is one of the poorest provinces in the country. The province registered an economic growth rate of more than 11 percent and had an average per-capita income of US$340 last year.

Cao Bang is capable of being self sufficient, its industry and service sectors have developed and the province has paid attention to developing education and culture and upgrading its infrastructure. However, economic targets set by the province remain too low.

The PM asked the province to review its plan regarding the current situation and to upgrade environmental protection efforts. He spotlighted the advantages of the province's proximity with China, which he said would create favourable conditions for tourism and services development.

The government leader proposed the province give equal priority to industry, agriculture and services in its economic development plan, and to hook up with the central authorities to tap its ability to develop hydroelectricity and mining. He asked the province to call on parties to develop industry and services while ensuring environmental protection and sustainable development. Priority will be given to developing the Ban Gioc waterfall, including the construction of a route linking National Highway 3 to the waterfall for tourism purposes, he said.