President Tran Dai Quang has ordered Da Nang to actively coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors and localities to fully gear up for the Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit next year.

The hosting of the APEC events in 2017 is one of the major tasks that Da Nang will carry out between now and 2020.

At a working session with municipal officials on April 29, the State leader said in the next few years, Da Nang also needs to simultaneously foster economic growth in a rapid and sustainable fashion, and enhance growth quality and the economy’s competitiveness.

President Tran Dai Quang speaks at the working session with municipal officials

It should promote the effectiveness of urban planning and management, synchronously develop infrastructure, and improve social and cultural aspects.

He also told the local administration to do a good job of Party building and create a pure and strong political system that can muster people’s strength for socio-economic development.

More opportunities and challenges will arise this year as Vietnam is continuing intensive international integration, starting to implement the Resolution of the 12^th National Party Congress and the 2016 – 2020 socio-economic development plan, and electing the 14^th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils.

That fact requires unceasing efforts by the entire city, President Tran Dai Quang said, describing its location in the central key economic region, the long coast and large fishing grounds, and the strategic geopolitical position as the driving forces for local growth.

At the meeting, municipal officials reported that Da Nang’s GDP expanded by 9.8 percent, and per capita income averaged 62.65 million VND (over 2,800 USD) in 2015. While the services sector makes up 62.6 percent of the local economy, industry – construction account for 35.3 percent and agriculture has shrunk to 2.1 percent.

Tourism has become the spearhead industry, they said, noting that the city welcomed 4.6 million visitors, including 1.2 million foreigners, last year.

Continuously improving the investment climate and business support activities, and accelerating the construction of facilities for the 2017 APEC Summit are among the focuses of Da Nang in 2016, the officials added.

(Source: VNA)