Da Nang city should not rest on its laurels: PM

He recognized the city’s achievements such as a favorable investment environment, dynamic human resources, efficient public servants, and a large number of enterprises. Da Nang has also done a good job of developing tourism.

At the same time, the PM pointed out outstanding problems of the city such as the small-scale economy and the modest capacity of services provision and agricultural production. The city has not fulfilled its role in regional connectivity and integration.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the working session with Da Nang officials (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang needs to invest more in its western areas where socio-economic conditions are not as developed as in other areas of the city, the PM said, adding that in the long run, it should strive to become a smart and competitive city that helps connect other localities in Vietnam and cities around the world.

He suggested the city have a better planning to optimize the limited land resource and open its door wider to talented people and domestic and foreign businesses.

The Government leader commended the city’s resolve to reject polluting investments so as to protect the environment. He asked it to support other central provinces and promote trade with strong economies like Singapore and Hong Kong.

At the session, municipal officials reported that tourism is a key economic sector that generates the most revenue for Da Nang. The city welcomed 4.41 million tourists in the first nine months of 2016, up 18.3 percent from a year earlier. It earned almost VND 12.8 trillion (USD 573.7 million) in tourism revenue, rising 25.4 percent year on year, while attracting many USD-multi-billion tourism projects.

Da Nang has led the country for eight straight years in terms of the Information, Communication and Technology Index and for four consecutive years in the Public Administration Reform Index.

The city is hosting the fifth Asian Beach Games and is gearing up for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in 2017, local officials added.