Central Highlands calls for more investment

In his opening speech, General Tran Dai Quang, Politburo member, Minister of Public Security cum head of the Central Highlands Steering Committee, said the conference aimed to highlight the region's advantages and potential as well as brief investors at home and abroad on preferential policies, creating opportunities for businesses involved in socio-economic development, investment and construction in the regional provinces.

The conference also looks to bolster the linkages among localities in the region towards a more robust socio-economic growth for the entire area, he added.

According to SBV Governor Nguyen Van Binh, the SBV is planning to expand low-interest credit and welfare credit programmes in an aim to increase the quality of life of residents, especially ethnic minorities. Meanwhile, loans would also be given to agriculture, forestry, tourism, minerals and hydro-power projects as well as projects involving long-term industrial trees and plants, such as coffee, pepper and rubber.

The Central Highlands has a total land area of 5.4 million hectares with 5.3 million people. The region holds a key strategic position in terms of economics, security and national defence. It also has the potential and advantages to develop industry, tourism, agri-forestry product processing and hydropower.

The Central Highlands is home to five provinces including Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong. In 2012, despite numerous difficulties, the region's economy achieved encouraging results. Its GDP increased by 11.8% with per capita income averaging VND 26.9 million (US$1,287) and export revenue recording a year-on-year increase of 11%./.