These Politburo members include permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Truong Tan Sang, Minister of Public Security Le Hong Anh, and Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Pham Quang Nghi.

Having heard the provincial leaders’ reports on their preparations for Party congresses, including draft political reports, operational reviews of the 2006-2010 term, personnel plans, and congress resolutions, Mr Sang approved the presented contents.

Mr Sang praised the achievements the provincial Party Committees have reaped during the 2006-2010 term, citing gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates of 13.6 percent in Gia Lai, 15.1 percent in Dak Nong, 12.3 percent in Phu Yen,12.8 percent in Quang Nam,14.5 percent in Kon Tum, and 18.5 percent in Quang Ngai.

The provinces have made progress in cultural and social affairs, improving the quality of human resources, reducing the number of poor households, mobilising investment sources, ensuring political stability and security, and promoting foreign affairs, he said.

However, the Party official pointed out shortcomings facing the provinces such as small-scale economy, poor living conditions, and low tax collection, despite their advantages in terms of location, natural resources, tourism potential and maritime economy.

Mr Sang asked the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai to pour investment into developing traffic systems, create an open investment environment, facilitate local businesses’ efforts to expand production, and expedite construction of the Pleiku, An Khe, Ayun Pa and Chu Se economic zones.

For the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong, Mr Sang recommended that it foster the development of the support industry and the forestry and mining sectors, while protecting the environment. Dak Nong should also focus on developing human resources and vocational training to meet the requirements of the new period, he said.

Working with the Phu Yen authorities, Mr Sang said Phu Yen needs to step up its application of scientific and technological advances to production and reduce its export of raw natural resources.

Phu Yen must scale up its industries, enhance its competitiveness, promote marine tourism and make the most of its coastal location in a bid to reach its socio-economic targets in the next term.

Mr Sang asked Quang Nam province to allocate more investment to reducing the number of poor households and support sustainable development in its eight mountainous districts.

He also urged Quang Nam to do an effective job of implementing Party and State policies on agriculture, farmers, and rural areas, and correct shortcomings related to planning.

While working Kon Tum province, Mr Sang emphasised the need to conserve natural resources and speed up poverty reduction. The province must uphold national solidarity, enhance the leadership and strength its Party Committees, and improve the management efficiency of administrations at all levels.

During his working session with Quang Ngai province, Mr Sang advised that the province pay closer attention to management of natural resources and the environment.

In addition to accomplishing its socio-economic growth targets, Quang Ngai needs to make greater efforts to respond to climate change, the Party official stressed.

While agreeing with most of their personnel plans, Mr Sang asked the provinces to accelerate their training of female, young, and ethnic minority officials.