PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (standing) speaks at the Key Northern Economic Region development conference. (Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu)

Mr. Phuc said key economic regions are important drivers of economic growth and asked departments and sectors to evaluate the results of policy implementation and the development of regional transport, culture, tourism, and related issues.

“The Key Northern Economic Region should aim to take the lead in science, technology, innovation, strategic breakthroughs, and socio-economic development with respect to the environment. Economic restructuring should concentrate on the digital economy, circular economy, and green growth. We need to build a large database for Industry 4.0,” the PM noted.

Nguyen Duc Chung, Hanoi Mayor and President of the Key Northern Economic Zone Council, recommended giving priority to transportation networks, industrial zones, clean water supply, waste treatment, environmental protection, and housing in each locality. 

The Key Northern Economic Region consists of Hanoi and Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh, Hai Duong, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, and Vinh Phuc provinces. In 2014, the Prime Minister approved a socio-economic development plan until 2020 with vision to 2030, which said that the key northern economic region is the center of Vietnamese politics, economy, culture, science, and technology.