Representatives from the six North Central provinces including Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien– Hue all agreed that the region has huge opportunities for further development.
Situated along the Ho Chi Minh Road, the six provinces create a large production area including 24 districts and towns, covering over 2 million ha of land with the majority being basaltic, which is highly suitable for agricultural development in the form of modern industrialised farming.
The region also has 670km of seaways, 14 seaports and many river mouths connected to the sea. It has a total population of 10.58 million including 61% of the population at the working age.
Despite its potential, the region faces many challenges including restrictions in production methods, a lack of development planning and the appropriate policies on land, in addition to invention shortages and frequent natural disasters, according to the MOST.
Secretary of Nghe An provincial Party Committee, Nguyen Dac Vinh, said that the region should create a link between local farmers, enterprises and the authorities through appropriate mechanism and policies to develop the region.
Sharing the same view as Vinh, Director of Lam Dong Department of Science and Technology, Vo Thi Hao, said that the participation of the whole political system, including the people, firms, scientists and authorities, is required to boost regional development.
Minister of Science and Technology, Chu Ngoc Anh, emphasised the importance of the application of science and technology in agricultural production and strengthening the connection between regions to improve competitiveness and develop industrial agriculture in the region.
