Nghe An province collected over 12,000 billion VND in budget revenue.

(Baonghean.vn) - In 2017, the socio-economic situation of Nghe An province continued to improve positively, achieving fairly comprehensive results in most areas; 26 out of 27 targets were met or exceeded the plan.

On the morning of November 23rd, under the chairmanship of Comrade Nguyen Xuan Duong – Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, the Provincial People's Committee held its regular November meeting to hear opinions on the assessment of the socio-economic development situation in 2017.

Attending the meeting were the Vice Chairmen of the Provincial People's Committee and leaders of various departments and agencies.

Comrade Nguyen Xuan Duong - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, presided over the meeting. Photo: Xuan Hoang

At the beginning of the session, delegates listened to and commented on the report on the results of implementing the conclusions of the regular meeting of the Provincial People's Committee in October 2017 and the thematic working sessions in October and November 2017; and the report on the situation of implementing administrative reform and applying information technology in the province according to Notice No. 479/TB-UBND dated August 1, 2017 of the Provincial People's Committee.

The report covers the implementation of the socio-economic development and national defense and security plan for 2017, the direction and tasks for 2018, and the draft Resolution of the Provincial People's Council on the socio-economic development plan for 2018.

Overview of the meeting. Photo: Xuan Hoang

In 2017, the province's socio-economic situation continued to improve positively, achieving fairly comprehensive results in most areas; the main indicators basically met and exceeded the plan. The Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of the province in 2017 was estimated at VND 71,265.13 billion, an increase of 8.13%. The growth rate in 2017 was estimated at 8.13%, higher than the growth rate of recent years and higher than the national average growth rate.

The economic structure has shifted in a positive direction: the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector decreased from 25.59% in 2016 to 22.87% in 2017; the industry and construction sector increased from 29.72% in 2016 to 31.70% in 2017; and the service sector increased from 44.69% in 2016 to 45.42% in 2017. The estimated GRDP per capita in 2017 was 32.26 million VND.

The Vice Chairmen of the Provincial People's Committee participated in the meeting. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Budget revenue for the first 10 months reached VND 9,453.312 billion, equivalent to 81.6% of the projected figure, an increase of 11.5% compared to the same period last year; Estimated budget revenue for 2017 is approximately VND 12,030.7 billion, equivalent to 103.8% of the projected figure and an increase of 9.3% compared to 2016.

Culture and society are well-developed, social welfare issues are ensured, and the material and spiritual lives of the people are improved. Administrative reforms, the investment and business environment, and the province's competitiveness have progressed. Political security and social order are maintained.

Comrade Nguyen Van Do - Director of the Department of Planning and Investment, reported on the socio-economic development situation at the meeting. Photo: Xuan Hoang.

However, one economic indicator is expected to be difficult to achieve the set plan: the growth rate of the value of production in the service sector; although the increase was quite high (7.39%), it was still lower than the planned target (8-9%). Many businesses are still facing difficulties in their production and operations; outstanding social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance contributions remain high.

The unpredictable weather conditions have caused significant damage to production and people's lives; plant diseases have also become more complex. The province has focused on decisively directing key projects, but some projects have not yet met the set deadlines.

In 2018, the province aimed to achieve a gross provincial product growth rate of approximately 8.0-9.0%.

Developing the textile and garment industry in Nghe An. (Photo: Archival image)

During the meeting, the delegates generally agreed with the reports of the Provincial People's Committee and the relevant departments. In recent times, the Provincial People's Committee has made many innovations in directing departments and localities to carry out their tasks.

However, representatives from various departments and agencies suggested that the province needs to adjust its local economic structure; enhance the value of land use in land bidding for projects; strengthen the management of mineral exploitation activities in the province; accelerate the implementation of key projects and more decisively address projects that are behind schedule. The 2017 winter crop yielded a lower-than-planned area, affecting people's livelihoods, therefore, all levels and sectors need to boost production for the upcoming spring crop.

Furthermore, although the government has paid attention to some policies and regulations concerning teachers and students in mountainous areas, some localities still experience financial irregularities, requiring increased investigation and clarification.

Concluding the meeting, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Xuan Duong directed: From now until the end of 2017, all sectors are requested to continue implementing solutions to complete the plan and exceed targets; actively care for winter crop production and implement spring crop production in the best possible way. Localities should register communes that will achieve the target by 2028.

At the same time, focus on urging and directing key projects in the area, and continue to address projects that are behind schedule. Ensure effective budget revenue and expenditure management, especially tax debt recovery. Ensure social security during the Tet holiday, and provide support for the poor during Tet.

Salt production for export in Nghe An. (Photo: Archival image)

To achieve the goals set for the 2016-2020 term, in 2018 the province focused on several key issues: Strengthening foreign relations and improving investment attraction; concentrating on directing the construction of new rural areas and developing production; promoting tourism and trade; taking care of social welfare; accelerating administrative reform... and ensuring security and national defense.

Also this morning, delegates heard reports on the implementation of the 2017 budget revenue and expenditure plan, the 2018 budget plan and allocation, and the draft Resolution of the Provincial People's Council approving the state budget revenue plan, local budget expenditure, and the local budget allocation plan for 2018.

Xuan Hoang