The southern key economic region comprises HCM City, Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Long An and Tien Giang.

Under the action programme, the region's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2010 must be at least 2.5 times that of 2000, and in 2020 must be 2.3-2.5 times that of 2010, while its export value should double the GDP growth and State budget turnover should rise from 16 to 18 percent per year.

The region should strive to keep the unemployment rate under 5 percent and renew 20-25 percent of its technologies per year. Meanwhile, the ratio of skilled workers must be over 50 percent in 2010 and over 70 percent in 2020, and its investment capital for the 2006-2010 period has to double the previous five years' figure.

To achieve these targets, the region should carry out in-depth renovation in instruction, management and policies to bring into play internal strengths, investment attraction, administrative and apparatus reform and enhance cadres' and public employees' capability.