Addressing the discussion, Party General Secretary To Lam said that the policy to establish the Hue municipality has been discussed for a long time with an aim to make it the sixth centrally-run city in the country.
Holding that investing in the city means investing in the growth pole of the region, he pointed to the need to design special mechanisms and policies for the locality.
However, he also reminded Hue to ensure harmony in development of rural and urban areas, while overcoming difficulties in the process to meet the criteria of a centrally-run city.
Regarding the organisation of the urban government of Hai Phong, Lam clarified the need to ensure that it is streamlined and effective.
Streamlining the apparatus is a task that must be carried out at all levels with the central level taking the lead, he stated, stressing that development cannot be achieved without a streamlined system.
The Party chief said that a bulky system hinders development, noting that currently, 70% of the State budget is spent on salaries and regular expenditures for operations. If the situation continues, the budget for other activities such as development investments, ensuring national defence and security, poverty reduction, and social welfare will run short, he underscored.
