PM lays out ambitious plans for central city

"Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said the central city had already achieved good results in construction, planning and infrastructure investment". Photo sgtvt.danang.gov.vn

Dung said the central city had already achieved good results in construction, planning and infrastructure investment.

"The city has successfully changed its economic structure, of which tourism and service accounted for nearly 68 per cent. Budget collection and exports have also grown well in the first quarter," Dung said.

He said the city should overcome any difficulties and promote its socio-economic development in coming years.

The prime minister also assigned ministries and agencies to co-operate with Da Nang administration to develop proposals and plans for infrastructure development.

This includes roads, airports, seaports, railways, metro system, sporting complexes, an international convention centre, student village, biology institute centre, hospital expansions, the Viet Nam-UK University and seeking funds for the East-West Economic Corridor which links Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Viet Nam.

He also agreed with Da Nang on developing Public Private Partnership (PPP) model projects, but he warned the city to be cautious with Building-Transfer projects.

"During his working visit to the Song Thu shipyard Corporation, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung praises the endeavours of staff and engineers."— VNA/VNS Photo

The city has earned VND2.64 trillion (US$126 million) for the state budget revenue in the first quarter, of which VND1.7 trillion was from taxes and fees. The city also earned $235 million from exports.

Chairman of the city's People's Committee, Van Huu Chien, also proposed that the prime minister create more support for the city with Official Development Aid (ODA) projects and funds for a hi-tech park.

The city also requested the Government to supply 50 per cent of funds to build high power vessels for local fishermen.

Last week, the prime minister agreed on the city's adjusted master urban plan for 2030 until 2050, which will help build the city as a centre of sports, education, science and technology for the central and Central Highlands region.

Da Nang is situated in the central region of Viet Nam and at the end of the East-West Economic Corridor – linking Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Viet Nam.

This year, the city has attracted 285 FDI projects with a capital of US$3.32 billion.

During his working visit to the Song Thu shipyard Corporation yesterday, Prime Minister Dung also praised the endeavours of staff and engineers.

He also urged the corporation to raise its potential to contribute to the country's shipyard industry development.

The corporation, which is a major ship builder in Viet Nam, has exported 24 vessels, including fast crew supply ships, rescue ships, salvage tugs, drive tugs and patrol boats, for the Middle East, South America, Europe and domestic markets. Last year, annual exports totalled US$55 million. The ship builder earned $71 million in revenue last year.