President visits and works in Soc Trang

To inspect the socio-economic development situation, implement the policy of great national and religious solidarity and respond to climate change in the area, from June 1-2, President Truong Tan Sang and the Central working delegation worked in Soc Trang province.

President Truong Tan Sang talks with abbots of Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagodas and the Association of Patriotic Buddhist Monks and Monks in Soc Trang province.
(Photo: Nguyen Khang/VNA)

During two days of field work, the President personally surveyed the climate change protection forest in Mo O hamlet, Trung Binh commune, Tran De district; visited the shrimp farming facility of the My Thanh Shrimp Association, Trung Binh commune, Tran De district; inspected the implementation of the Long Phu 1 Thermal Power Plant project - the largest thermal power project in the Mekong Delta region, with a capacity of 1,200 MW, invested by the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group; visited and encouraged policy families.

Working with key leaders of the province, the President said that in 2012, despite many difficulties in the world and the country, the socio-economic situation of Soc Trang province remained stable and developed. Of the 26 main targets, 22 targets were completed and exceeded the targets set by the Party Resolution. Rice production continued to be a bumper crop with the annual output reaching 2.25 million tons, the highest result ever.

Welcoming the achievements of Soc Trang in agricultural production and caring for the lives of local people, the President emphasized that in the face of the common difficulties of the national economy, provincial leaders need to be proactive in building mechanisms to remove difficulties, creating conditions to help farmers take the initiative in harvesting, distributing and circulating goods, and reducing losses. For a locality where the agricultural structure still accounts for a large proportion, contributes a lot to the budget and creates jobs for many workers like Soc Trang, this is extremely important.

After listening to the province's report, the President noted that in 2012, Soc Trang still had more than 4,200 poor households and 5,000 near-poor households. The President requested that all levels and sectors of the province persevere in implementing solutions to reduce the poverty rate, especially for ethnic minorities, in order to contribute to ensuring political security and social order and safety in the area.

Faced with the reality that 40% of enterprises are operating inefficiently or have temporarily suspended operations; many traffic, irrigation, and electricity and road infrastructure projects are slow to be implemented due to appraisal procedures and lack of capital, affecting the pace of industrial and commercial development of the province, specifically the case of the Long Phu 1 Thermal Power Project, the Chairman suggested that relevant units, ministries and branches meet to discuss and analyze the subjective and objective causes to focus on resolving them.

The President emphasized that the spirit of proactive participation of the locality is an important factor. The Central Government always pays attention to creating favorable conditions, but Soc Trang needs to proactively review and resolve tasks that are the responsibility of the local government. The President stated that focusing on removing difficulties for businesses, opening up the market for agricultural products - the strength of Soc Trang, improving social security, minimizing accidents and social evils, along with effectively fighting against crimes that are showing signs of increasing, requires the mobilization of the entire political system; if this can be done in a difficult context, it is the best way to maintain trust and demonstrate the Party's responsibility to the people and the country.

Regarding the situation of climate change, the President emphasized that if sea levels rise as predicted, Soc Trang will be one of the provinces that will be most severely affected. Given the risk of sea level rise being present and developing abnormally faster than predicted, the President suggested that all levels and sectors of the province need to coordinate with central agencies, plan timely solutions, including socializing projects and private sectors that can participate in investment and construction to respond and proactively adapt to climate change.

During his visit and working session in Soc Trang, the President had a friendly meeting with representatives of the Association of Patriotic Buddhist Monks and Nuns of Soc Trang province, and the monks, abbots, and venerable monks of 92 Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagodas in the area. Informing about the domestic and international situation, the President said that although Vietnam has been affected by the general difficulties of the world, the country has still achieved certain growth, and that common success has the contribution of the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta region.

The President affirmed that the Party and State always pay attention to and have policies for people of all ethnic groups, identifying national unity as an important factor for development. The President hopes that Theravada Buddhist dignitaries in particular and Khmer people will continue to unite with other ethnic groups and religions to live a good life and practice their religion, contributing to the overall development of the country.

The President requested that Party committees and authorities at all levels implement ethnic and religious policies in the province well. When proposing policies and action plans, they should pay attention to promoting the strength of national unity, respecting and ensuring freedom of belief and religion; taking care of the lives of areas with large ethnic and religious populations; improving people's knowledge, preserving and promoting the cultural identity and traditions of ethnic minorities.

The President also met with delegates of the People's Armed Forces Heroes from different periods of resistance, including delegates who are Khmer ethnic people living in the area. Listening to the delegates' passionate speeches on the issue of sovereignty over seas and islands, anti-corruption and economic development, the President asked the delegates to promote their tradition and steadfast revolutionary qualities, set a good example in educating the ideals of the younger generation, contributing to building and protecting the homeland.

The President also attended the inauguration ceremony of the restoration and embellishment of the national historical relic of President Ho Chi Minh Temple in An Thanh Dong Commune, Cu Lao Dung District. This temple was built by the people of Soc Trang right after President Ho Chi Minh passed away to show their love and respect for Uncle Ho.

The project has a total cost of over 30 billion VND, including items: Memorial house, exhibition house, meeting house, ceremony yard... with an area of ​​22,000m2. After 36 months of urgent construction, the project was completed on the occasion of the 123rd anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday./.

According to (TTXVN) - LT