(VOVworld) – The Government wants to boost the conditions for Thai Nguyen province to become an economic, cultural, and educational center for the northern mountainous region, and a growth region north of Hanoi. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung was speaking at a meeting with Thai Nguyen officials on Monday. Mr. Dung asked the provincial authority and relevant agencies to strive to complete the Hanoi – Thai Nguyen Highway this year, in order to connect this growth region with Noi Bai International airport, and attract more foreign investment. He urged the province to train more high-quality human resources, and to apply science and technology to raise productivity, quality, and competitiveness. The Prime Minister also asked Thai Nguyen to focus on developing new rural areas and reducing poverty.