Decision No. 46/2008/QĐ-TTg Approving the Master Plan for Socio-Economic Development of Lào Cai Province until 2020

Pursuant to …;

Approving the Master Plan for Socio-Economic Development of Lao Cai Province until 2020

tỉnh Lào Cai đến năm 2020

PRIME MINISTER

Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated December 25, 2001;

Considering the proposals of the People's Committee of Lao Cai Province in documents No. 109/TTr-UBND dated December 19, 2007, No. 01/UBND-TH dated January 2, 2008, and the opinions of the Ministry of Planning and Investment in documents No. 583/BKH-TĐ&GSĐT dated January 23, 2008, No. 1820/BKH-TĐ&GSĐT on approving the Master Plan for Socio-Economic Development of Lao Cai Province until 2020,

DECISION:

Article 1. Approves the Master Plan for Socio-Economic Development of Lao Cai Province until 2020, with the main contents as follows:

I. DEVELOPMENT VIEWS

1. Accelerating the economic growth rate while maintaining the quality of growth and social progress, reducing the disparity in living standards, wealth, and difficulties among different strata of the population and regions within the province.

2. Prioritizing investment in key economic sectors and dynamic economic zones, along with prioritizing socio-economic development, poverty reduction, improving the material and spiritual life of ethnic minorities in border highlands and difficult areas of the province.

3. Placing the development of Lao Cai in the context of international integration, closely cooperating and linking with other provinces and cities nationwide; aligning with the development of the midland and mountainous region of Northern Vietnam (Region) and the country's reform process to achieve high-quality economic development.

4. Leveraging the potential and comparative advantages of the province to promote development; using provincial resources efficiently, especially natural resources.

5. Developing the economy in conjunction with environmental protection and ecological balance; not harming or degrading the natural landscape.

6. Combining economic development with national defense and security consolidation, building a strong political system and administrative foundation.

II. DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

1. General Objective

Striving to build Lao Cai into a developed province in the midland and mountainous region of Northern Vietnam and a relatively prosperous province nationwide by 2020; making Lao Cai City a major economic center, modern city, and important area for international cooperation and economic exchange between the Region and the country with China and internationally; addressing cultural, social issues, and protecting the natural environment; maintaining political stability, public security, and national sovereignty.

2. Specific objectives

a) Economic Goals

- Average annual GDP growth rate from now until 2010 is 13%; from 2011 to 2015 is 14.5%; and from 2016 to 2020 is 12.5%;

- Striving for average per capita GDP to reach 13 million VND/person/year in 2010, 31.8 million VND/person/year in 2015, and 63.1 million VND/person/year in 2020;

- Shifting the economic structure towards increasing the share of non-agricultural industries. By 2010, the industrial and construction sector will account for 34.1%, services for 38.0%, and agriculture, forestry, and fisheries will decrease to 27.9% in GDP; by 2015, the corresponding shares of these sectors will be 40.1% - 43.6% - 16.3%, and by 2020, they will be 40.7% - 49.6% - 9.7%.

b) Social Goals

- Striving to reduce the average annual birth rate by about 0.4% to stabilize the population size at approximately 703,600 people by 2020; the average annual natural population growth rate from now until 2010 is 1.4%, and from 2011 to 2020 is 1.3%;

- The average annual urbanization rate from now until 2010 is 8.2%, from 2011 to 2015 is 8.4%, and from 2016 to 2020 is 8.0%; the urbanization rate will be 27.5% in 2010, 38.9% in 2015, and 53.6% in 2020;

- Reducing the poverty rate to below 20% by 2010, below 5% by 2015, and by 2020, basically eliminating poverty;

- Creating new jobs annually from now until 2010 for about 9,500 people, and from 2011 to 2020 for about 5,500 people;

- The proportion of trained labor force will reach 36% by 2010, over 55% by 2015, and over 75% by 2020;

- The rate of malnourished children will decrease to 26% by 2010, 20% by 2015, and 15% by 2020;

- Maintaining political and social stability, border security, and national sovereignty.

c) Environmental Protection Goals

- Basically greening bare land and barren hills; improving forest coverage quality and ratio, reaching 48% by 2010, 55% by 2015, and 60% by 2020;

- Properly addressing urban, border economic zone, industrial park, and mining area environmental hygiene issues, ensuring clean environments in both urban and rural areas;

- Achieving 100% urban residents and over 75% rural residents having access to clean water by 2010; achieving 85% by 2015 and 98% rural residents having access to clean water by 2020;

- Achieving 100% industrial parks having centralized wastewater treatment systems by 2010, over 75% solid waste collected and treated, and basic medical waste treatment; achieving 90% by 2015 and 100% solid waste collection and treatment by 2020.

III. GOALS AND DIRECTIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SECTORS AND FIELDS

1. Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries

a) Development Goals

- The average annual growth rate of added value in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector from now until 2010 is 6.2%, and the average annual production value increase is 6.1%; of which, the average annual growth rate of added value in the agriculture and forestry sector is 6.1%, and the fisheries sector is 9.8%;

- The average annual growth rate of added value in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector from 2011 to 2015 is 5%, and the average annual production value increase is 5.1%; of which, the average annual growth rate of added value in the agriculture and forestry sector is 5.0%, and the fisheries sector is 6.2%;

- The average annual growth rate of added value in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector from 2016 to 2020 is 4.0%, and the average annual production value increase is 4.0%; of which, the average annual growth rate of added value in the agriculture and forestry sector is 4.0%, and the fisheries sector is 3.1%;

- The average labor productivity in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector will reach 8 million VND/person/year in 2010, 15 million VND/person/year in 2015, and 20 million VND/person/year in 2020.

b) Directions for Development

Promote structural transformation in agriculture towards commodity production; reduce the proportion of crop cultivation and increase the proportion of livestock breeding and services. Develop concentrated, specialized, and intensive production areas for high-value crops with stable markets. Develop large-scale livestock farming, aquaculture, and quickly shift to industrial and semi-industrial livestock farming methods. Develop forestry sustainably, improve the quality and economic efficiency of forests; prioritizing the development of economic forests and focusing on protecting and developing upstream protective forests and special-use forests.

c) Land use orientation:

- Agricultural land by 2010, approximately 92,231 hectares, accounting for 14.5% of total natural area; by 2020, approximately 103,044 hectares, accounting for 16.2% of natural area;

- Forest land by 2010, approximately 306,000 hectares, accounting for 48.1% of total natural area; by 2020, approximately 353,658.2 hectares, accounting for 55.6% of natural area;

- Residential land by 2010, approximately 5,407 hectares, accounting for 0.9% of natural area; by 2020, approximately 7,951 hectares, accounting for 1.25% of natural area;

- Special-purpose land by 2010, approximately 54,703 hectares, accounting for 8.6% of natural area; by 2020, approximately 130,396 hectares, accounting for 20.5% of natural area;

- Unused land by 2010, approximately 164,426 hectares, accounting for 25.85% of natural area; by 2020, approximately 41,027 hectares, accounting for 6.45% of natural area.

d) Main tasks and solutions:

- Plan and manage land use, reasonably allocate land use plans for communes, wards, and towns with key projects;

- Build key programs and projects to effectively exploit and utilize potential and comparative advantages in agricultural production of the Province;

- Establish a system for crossbreeding, selection, and production of high-yield plant and animal seeds; conserve and develop rare genetic varieties such as black chicken, Muong Khang pig, Si Ma Cai yellow cow, Bao Yen buffalo, Sen Cu rice, Khau Nam Xit rice, Tau Bay rice, Muong Khang golden soybean, etc.;

- Invest in developing infrastructure to serve the development of agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture; prioritizing irrigation, seed production, processing, post-harvest product preservation, and rural industry development;

- Reorganize and consolidate state management machinery in agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture; transform and establish new agricultural cooperatives, develop household economies, and farmstead economies;

- Promote agricultural extension activities, forestry extension activities, etc.

2. Industry - Construction

a) Development Goals

- The average annual growth rate of added value in the industry-construction sector from now to 2010 should exceed 20.7%; the average annual growth rate of industrial production value should exceed 14.3%;

- The average annual growth rate of added value in the industry-construction sector during the period 2011-2015 should exceed 16.5%; the average annual growth rate of industrial production value should exceed 13.4%;

- The average annual growth rate of added value in the industry-construction sector during the period 2016-2020 should exceed 13%; the average annual growth rate of industrial production value should exceed 10.5%;

- The average labor productivity in the industry sector should reach 22 million VND/person/year in 2010, 30 million VND/person/year in 2015, and 45 million VND/person/year in 2020.

b) Development orientation:

Prioritize the development of mining and mineral processing industries, construction materials production, hydropower, fertilizers, and chemicals. Focus on developing auxiliary industries linked to industrial zones, clusters, and points. Form small and medium-sized industrial clusters. Develop industry in conjunction with urbanization processes. Develop traditional crafts and small-scale industries. Exploit existing factories effectively that still have competitive capacity. Prioritize technological innovation to enhance product added value.

c) Main tasks and solutions:

- Invest in developing traditional textile, garment, and embroidery industries in villages such as Sa Pa, Bac Ha, Van Ban, etc.; encourage deep investment, technological change, and mechanization of certain production stages to improve productivity and product quality; create brands for some products, such as Bac Ha corn liquor, Bat Xat San Lung liquor, and traditional weaving and embroidery products to serve tourists and exports;

- Concentrate on managing, exploiting, and deep processing of various minerals to enhance economic efficiency and ensure raw material supply for local and national industrial production bases and for export;

- Develop the chemical and fertilizer industry in a modern direction;

- Vigorously develop industries such as machinery, metallurgy, agricultural and forest product processing, construction materials, electricity, water, and high-tech products with high intellectual content.

3. Services

a) Development Goals

- The average annual growth rate of added value in the service sector from now to 2010 should be 13%; including: business services at 16.23%, public services at 16.5%, and public services at 7.5%;

- The average annual growth rate of added value in the service sector during the period 2011-2015 should be 18.1%; including: business services at 19.74%, public services at 17%, and public services at 7%;

- The average annual growth rate of added value in the service sector during the period 2016-2020 should be 14.8%; including: business services at 15.24%, public services at 15.2%, and public services at 6.5%;

- The average labor productivity in the service sector should reach 18 million VND/person/year in 2010, 25 million VND/person/year in 2015, and 40 million VND/person/year in 2020.

b) Directions for Development

Diversify and improve the quality of various service forms; strongly transform the internal structure of the service sector. Prioritize the development of breakthrough service industries serving foreign trade exchanges, border economy, such as: import and export, commerce, tourism, telecommunications, finance, education, legal consultancy, business consultancy, notarization, appraisal, auction of assets, Internet. From now until 2010, focus on developing support services for industrial and social development such as: transportation, import and export, commerce, telecommunications; from 2011 to 2020, focus on developing leading service sectors with competitive opportunities and positions in areas of trade exchange, border economy, information technology and communication, science and technology, tourism.

c) Directions for the development of some key sectors:

- Commerce

+ Development objectives:

From now until 2010, the total retail value of goods and services in society will grow at an average annual rate of 23.5%, reaching 4.309 trillion VND in 2010; the total turnover of imports and exports will grow at an average annual rate of 22.5%, with the export turnover growing at an average annual rate of 24.5%, reaching 299 million USD in 2010.

From 2011 to 2015, the total retail value of goods and services in society will grow at an average annual rate of 24.2%, reaching 12.736 trillion VND in 2015; the total turnover of imports and exports will grow at an average annual rate of 23.4%, with the export turnover growing at an average annual rate of 25.1%, reaching 917 million USD in 2015.

From 2016 to 2020, the total retail value of goods and services in society will grow at an average annual rate of 15.4%, reaching 26.065 trillion VND in 2020; the total turnover of imports and exports will grow at an average annual rate of 16.2%, with the export turnover growing at an average annual rate of 15.5%, reaching 1.884 billion USD in 2020.

+ Main directions and tasks for development:

Plan and invest in developing commercial services from the provincial level to village centers. Exploit effectively the potential and advantages of foreign economic relations. Strengthen economic cooperation with Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou provinces and other southwestern Chinese provinces. Improve the quality of border gate services. Invest in building, renovating, and upgrading infrastructure at the international border gate Laocai - HaKhau; build the national border gate MuongKhong - KieuDau, and other secondary border gates with potential for trade exchange with China such as BatXat, NaMo, etc. Develop the KimThanh Trade-Industrial Zone within the scope of the LaoCai Border Economic Zone into a special economic zone. Promote trade, service, and investment activities, seek markets for product sales, register trademarks and brand names.

- Tourism

+ Development objectives:

From now until 2010, the occupancy rate of hotel rooms will reach 65%; the total number of tourists will grow at an average annual rate of 9.4%, reaching over 782 thousand visitors in 2010, including: domestic tourists growing at an average annual rate of 9%, international tourists growing at an average annual rate of 10%; revenue from tourism activities will grow at an average annual rate of 26%.

From 2011 to 2015, the occupancy rate of hotel rooms will reach 80%; the total number of tourists will grow at an average annual rate of 8.3%, reaching 1.163 thousand visitors in 2015, including: domestic tourists growing at an average annual rate of 7.5%, international tourists growing at an average annual rate of 9.5%; revenue from tourism activities will grow at an average annual rate of 18.5%.

From 2016 to 2020, the occupancy rate of hotel rooms will reach 90%; the total number of tourists will grow at an average annual rate of 5.2%, reaching over 1.5 million visitors in 2020, including: domestic tourists growing at an average annual rate of 3.5%, international tourists growing at an average annual rate of 7.6%; revenue from tourism activities will grow at an average annual rate of 8.5%.

+ Development directions:

Develop tourism into a leading economic sector, with representative products: beach resort tourism, mountain climbing, ethnic culture, traditional festivals, eco-tourism. Strengthen state management of tourism. Vigorously develop tourism, linked with the protection and enhancement of historical sites, cultural relics, and natural conservation areas. Improve the quality of human resources serving tourism activities. Focus on investing in developing tourist routes, destinations, zones, and services for tourists. Enhance domestic and international cooperation in the field of tourism.

- Transportation and Telecommunications

From now until 2010, the average annual growth rate of added value will reach 14.1%, reaching 143 billion VND in 2010; from 2011 to 2015, the average annual growth rate will reach 18.2%, reaching 330 billion VND in 2015; from 2016 to 2020, the average annual growth rate will reach 15.2%, reaching 669 billion VND in 2020.

- Finance and Banking

From now until 2010, the average annual growth rate of added value will reach 26.9%, reaching 198 billion VND in 2010; from 2011 to 2015, the average annual growth rate will reach 25.8%, reaching 623 billion VND in 2015; from 2016 to 2020, the average annual growth rate will reach 16.6%, reaching 1.343 billion VND in 2020.

- Science and Technology

From now until 2010, the average annual growth rate of added value will reach 12.4%, reaching 3 billion VND in 2010; from 2011 to 2015, the average annual growth rate will reach 13.2%, reaching 6 billion VND in 2015; from 2016 to 2020, the average annual growth rate will reach 10.2%, reaching 10 billion VND in 2020.

- Improve various forms of public service related to environmental sanitation, potable water, and public services.

4. Social Fields

a) Education and Training

- Development Objectives:

+ By 2010, the enrollment rate of children aged 6-14 in school will reach 99.5%, reaching 100% by 2015;

+ By 2010, 30% of kindergartens, 25% of primary schools, 20% of junior high schools, and 20% of high schools will meet national standards; by 2015, corresponding indicators will reach 60%, 55%, 50%, and 50%; by 2015, these indicators will reach 80%, 85%, 85%, and 85%.

By 2010, there will be sufficient teachers for all subjects; preschool teachers will exceed the standard by over 10%, primary school teachers by 30%, junior high school teachers by 20%, and senior high school teachers by 5%; by 2015 and 2020, the corresponding targets will reach 40% and 85% for preschool teachers, 60% and 90% for primary school teachers, 75% and 90% for junior high school teachers, and 45% and 90% for senior high school teachers exceeding the standard.

By 2010, the proportion of junior high school graduates entering grade 10 and vocational schools will exceed 70%; by 2015 it will reach 85%, and by 2020 it will reach 98%.

By 2010, more than 20% of children under three years old will attend daycare centers and groups; by 2015 it will reach 30%, and by 2020 it will reach 50%. The rate of five-year-old children attending kindergarten will reach 95% by 2010; by 2015 it will reach 99%, and by 2020 it will reach 100%. Strive to reduce malnutrition among preschool children to below 12% by 2010; to below 10% by 2015, and to below 5% by 2020.

By 2010, the rate of students of age attending school will reach 99%; the rate of students of age entering senior high school will reach 50%, and the province will achieve universal junior high school education.

- Development direction:

Mobilize all resources and promote socialization in education to ensure sufficient schools, classrooms, and teaching staff. Complete the program to solidify schools and classrooms. Develop a network of early childhood education facilities and community learning centers covering all communes (communes, wards, towns). Strengthen boarding schools for ethnic minorities, encourage the development of half-day boarding schools. Promote training and vocational education; diversify training forms, expand scale and methods of professional training in the province with appropriate industries to meet production needs. Build a Community University in Lào Cai City.

b) Health care and public health

- Development Objectives:

By 2010, the infant mortality rate under one year old will decrease to 29.7%; full vaccination coverage for children under one year old annually will reach 95%; reduce the rate of malnutrition among children under five to 26%; average medical consultations per person per year will be over two times; over 70% of food processing and trading establishments will meet food safety standards. By 2015, the corresponding targets will reach 27%; 98%; 22%; 2.6 times per person per year and 90%. By 2020, the corresponding targets will reach 25%; 100%; 18%; 3 times per person per year and 95%.

By 2010, district hospitals will reach a scale of over 80 beds; 60% of multi-disciplinary clinics in regions and commune health stations will be fully developed in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and healthcare personnel; 60% of communes will meet national standards for commune health. By 2015, 100% of communes will meet national standards for commune health.

- Development direction:

Increase investment in building new and upgrading healthcare facilities, preventive healthcare systems; basically complete the healthcare system at all levels according to industry planning. Promote socialization in people's health care services. Improve the professional skills, management, and ethics of healthcare workers at all levels.

c) Culture, information, and physical education and sports

- Development Objectives:

By 2010, strive to reach 80% of families meeting cultural family standards, including 85% in urban areas, 75% in lowland rural areas, and 65% in mountainous areas. By 2020, this ratio will reach 90%, including: 95% in urban areas, 85% in lowland rural areas, and 75% in mountainous areas.

By 2010, strive to reach 40% of cultural villages and 75% of cultural neighborhood associations. By 2020, these ratios will reach 55% of cultural villages and 85% of cultural neighborhood associations.

By 2010, strive to reach 35% of villages and hamlets having village cultural houses built comprehensively, including 20% in border and difficult areas. By 2020, these ratios will reach 65%, including 35% in border and difficult areas.

By 2010, reach 95% of communes having land reserves for construction of physical education and sports facilities; 50% of communes/towns having construction sites for physical exercise and sports practice. By 2020, these ratios will correspondingly reach 98% and 80%.

- Development direction:

Build cultural institutions. Promote the ethnic cultural identity. Build cultural villages (villages, hamlets), cultural families. Make the ethnic cultural diversity in the province a resource for development. Build sports facilities in Lào Cai City: stadium, swimming pool, sports field; sports training area in Sa Pa. Build Lào Cai into a sports center in Northwest Vietnam and for international exchange.

d) Radio, television, propaganda, and press:

- Development Objectives:

By 2010, strive to reach 95% of households able to listen to the radio, 90% able to watch television; by 2020, these ratios will correspondingly reach 100%.

By 2010, strive to increase local radio broadcasting time by 1.5 times; local television broadcasting time by 8 times (average 15 hours/day); newspaper circulation by 3 times; highland broadcasting time in ethnic languages by at least twice that of 2005.

- Development direction:

Continue to increase relay and broadcast time of Vietnam Television and Voice of Vietnam; develop cable television, satellite digital, and terrestrial digital services to cover different regions and areas within the province.

5. Infrastructure development

a) Transportation network development

- Roadways

Invest in constructing the Lào Cai - Nội Bài expressway. Kim Thành Bridge connecting Lào Cai City (Vietnam) with Hà Khẩu Town (China).

+ Developing ring roads: Ring road 1A (border ring road): The main route aligns with the border corridor from the city of Ha Giang along National Highway 4 to Muong Khuong - following National Highway 4D to Ban Phiet - along National Highway 70 to the city of Lao Cai - following National Highway 4D to Tram Ton Pass (Sapa) and then to Lai Chau. By 2010, invest and upgrade to connect all of National Highway 4C, 4D, etc., to form a ring road for National Highway 4 to unify management and upgrading according to Class IV standards. Ring road 1B near the border: Starting from the city of Lao Cai (from the end point of National Highway 4E), follow provincial road 156 through Bat Xat town to Ban Vuoc - Trinh Tuong - Am Sung - Y Ty - Den Sang - to Phong Tho district (Lai Chau). This route runs close to the border, serving as both a border corridor and a ring road, with many sections being border patrol routes, thus having special significance and requiring early investment and upgrading. Study converting this section into an extension of National Highway 4E through two provinces, Lao Cai and Lai Chau, and upgrading it to facilitate construction, investment, and management.

+ Developing intra-provincial transportation routes: Upgrading provincial roads: constructing Coc Ly Bridge to connect provincial road 153 (North Ngam - Bac Ha) with provincial road 154 (Hoang Lien Son 2); upgrading provincial road 155 (O Quy Ho - Ban Xeo); upgrading the remaining section of provincial road 153 (North Ngam - Bac Ha - Si Ma Cai); implementing the construction of road D2 (city of Lao Cai) at the scale of a Class II urban road; upgrading provincial road 151 (Route 79). By 2010, complete the program to invest in transportation roads to the centers of communes without existing transportation roads and complete the investment in building the border patrol road system.

- Railways

From now until 2010, upgrade the current railway line from Hanoi to Lao Cai to meet transport needs up to 2015; from 2016 to 2020, study constructing a double-track railway with a standard gauge of 1.435mm meeting international standards to meet future transport demands.

- Air transport

From now until 2010, study investing in constructing the Taxi airport, while completing preparatory work to implement the construction of the Lao Cai airport (terminal, runway) for ATR72/F70 aircraft, with a capacity to accommodate 2 flights per week.

- Waterway

From the city of Lao Cai to the boundary with Yen Bai province, invest in upgrading and rectifying rapids, constructing wharfs to exploit barge transport over 100 tons; construct a river port area in the city of Lao Cai.

b) Developing the irrigation network

Upgrade and repair existing irrigation works; intensify the reinforcement of canals and irrigation works; build small and medium-sized reservoirs. Continue to invest in upgrading the Coc Ly irrigation project in Bac Ha district and the existing canal system. Construct new irrigation projects in Van Ban, Sa Pa, Bao Thang, Muong Khuong, Bao Yen, West Bat Xat. Prioritize investment in water supply projects for the entire region, especially highland areas and limestone regions lacking water during dry seasons such as Muong Khuong, Bac Ha, etc. Construct bank protection works along the border rivers to prevent erosion, ensuring the safety of the border and production and living conditions of the people.

c) Developing the power grid

- Construct 220KV transmission lines and 110-220KV substations according to the Sixth Power Development Plan (approved by the Prime Minister's Decision No. 110/2007/QD-TTg dated July 18, 2007).

- Focus on investing and upgrading electricity supply for communes currently without grid electricity, completing the power system for urban centers, industrial zones, and commercial areas. Invest effectively in small and medium hydropower plants.

6. National defense and security

Closely integrate economic and social development tasks with consolidating the people's national defense and security posture. Implement the construction of fortified border guard posts; invest in constructing border ring roads and border patrol roads, comprehensively consolidate and develop the economic-defense zone of Bat Xat district; firmly establish the provincial and district defense zones. Gradually build border communes strong in economy, secure in security and defense. Maintain public order, discipline, and social safety; reduce crime and social evils; promptly resolve citizens' complaints and denunciations; create a stable social environment.

IV. ORIENTATION FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SPACE

1. Orientation for developing economic centers, driving axes, and development lines

a) Central region, the driving force for socio-economic development of the province, including: the city of Lao Cai, the border economic zone, Kim Thanh Trade Center, Lao Cai Airport.

b) Industrial, service, and tourism urban corridors: the city of Lao Cai, Bac Ngam Town, Bao Ha, Pho Lu, Pho Rang.

c) Tourism, agriculture, forestry, and processing industry development axis: the city of Lao Cai - Sa Pa, Bao Thang (Pho Lu, Tang Long) - Bac Ha.

d) Economic development axis with national defense and security: Bat Xat - the city of Lao Cai - Muong Khuong - Si Ma Cai.

2. Developing the urban system, population distribution, and rural areas

a) Orientation for developing the urban system by 2020: upgrading the city of Lao Cai to become a Class II city - the center of the province and the Vietnam-China border region.

b) Further developing and upgrading four towns including: tourist town Sa Pa, Pho Rang town, Pho Lu town, Bat Xat town; upgrading central town centers: Khanh Yen town, Bac Ha, Muong Khuong, Si Ma Cai; developing central town centers of economic bases: Phong Hai, Tang Long, Bac Ngam, Bao Ha, Ban Vuoc; developing specialized towns: Sa Pa, Pho Rang, Pho Lu, Bat Xat, Phong Hai, Tang Long, Bac Ngam, Bao Ha, Ban Vuoc; economic-defense zone: Khanh Yen - Van Ban; developing border towns: Ban Phiet, Ban Lau, Pha Long, the city of Lao Cai, Y Ty, Ban Vuoc, Muong Khuong, Si Ma Cai; developing two central towns of county regions: Pho Rang and Bac Ha.

c) Building commune cluster centers, village clusters, particularly border communes, linked to population resettlement during industrialization and modernization.

d) From now until 2010, continue to intensify efforts to rearrange and relocate residents in highland communes, border communes, and particularly difficult communes. Invest in developing rural infrastructure such as roads, irrigation, electricity, potable water, etc.

3. Spatial planning for industrial development

a) From now until 2010, focus on investing in infrastructure and filling up the Dong Pho Moi Industrial Cluster, Bac Duong Hai Industrial Cluster, and Tang Long Industrial Zone.

b) From 2011 to 2020, plan industrial zones and clusters along major transportation routes such as National Highway 70, 4D, and the expressway from Lao Cai to Hanoi.

4. Orientation for organizing commercial spatial development

a) By 2020, build a medium-sized trading floor-center with a floor area of 5,000 to 10,000 square meters, serving transactions for 200 partners in one trading session.

b) From now until 2010, focus on effectively utilizing the International Border Trade Center in Lao Cai and the Kim Thanh Trade Center; from 2011 to 2020, develop two additional trade centers in the new urban areas of Lao Cai - Cam Duong and Sa Pa town.

c) Supermarkets: from now until 2010, renovate and upgrade existing supermarkets, and develop new supermarkets in concentrated urban areas (Lao Cai city and some district centers); from 2011 to 2020, strive to have supermarkets meeting standards in all district towns and industrial townships.

d) Implement the reinforcement of the market system, aiming to eliminate temporary markets by 2010. From now until 2010, renovate and upgrade 11 markets, construct 18 new operating markets, and develop 8 new markets. From 2011 to 2020, renovate and upgrade 20 markets, and develop 15 new markets.

đ) Plan the construction of slaughterhouses for livestock and poultry in the outskirts of Lao Cai city and other towns; plan the network of key logistics hubs and oil distribution networks.

5. Orientation for organizing spatial development of tourism

a) Organize the spatial layout of driving regions for tourism development:

- Region 1: Lao Cai city - this is the driving region, serving as a transit point to other tourist areas;

- Region 2: Northwest, including Sa Pa and Bat Xat districts - this mountainous region belongs to the Hoang Lien Son range, with cool climate and rich biodiversity, suitable for developing high-quality resort areas, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism;

- Region 3: Northeast, including Bac Ha, Si Ma Cai, and Muong Khuong districts;

- Region 4: Southwest, including Bao Yen, Bao Thang, and Van Ban districts - this region focuses on developing eco-tourism and historical site tours.

b) Plan tourist routes and spots:

- Develop the Sa Pa tourism center. Plan to develop Sa Pa into a tourism township, a Class IV city of Lao Cai. Here, plan to construct a national tourism center, invest in building international-scale tourist areas, establish training and health recovery centers for athletes from domestic and foreign sports teams; national conference and seminar centers;

- Plan provincial tourist routes: Lao Cai city - Sa Pa - Lao Cai city route; Lao Cai city - Bac Ha - Lao Cai city route; Sa Pa - Lao Cai city - Bac Ha route;

- Plan to develop inter-provincial tourist routes: Lao Cai - Yen Bai - Phu Tho - Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh route; Lao Cai - Yen Bai - Phu Tho - Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City - Tien Giang - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh - Lao Cai route;

- Plan to develop international tourist routes: Lao Cai - Yunnan and western provinces of China.

6. Organization of agricultural, forestry, and aquaculture production space

a) Plan to expand the scale of fruit tree cultivation, high-value cash crops such as high-quality tea in Bao Thang, Muong Khuong, Bac Ha, and Bat Xat districts; safe vegetable and flower production in Sa Pa, Bac Ha, and Lao Cai city; tobacco planting in Muong Khuong, Si Ma Cai, Bat Xat, and Bac Ha districts; production and supply of hybrid rice seeds in Bat Xat and Bao Thang districts.

b) Plan to plant grass on approximately 1,500 hectares to improve and develop local cattle breeding in highland areas in Bac Ha, Si Ma Cai, Muong Khuong, Bat Xat, and Sa Pa districts; develop Zebu crossbreed cattle herds in lowland areas in Bao Thang, Bat Xat, Bao Yen, and Van Ban districts; develop buffalo herds in eight districts (excluding Lao Cai city).

c) Develop aquaculture area to reach 1,500 hectares by 2010, converting less efficient paddy fields to aquaculture. Leverage advantages to develop specialty aquatic products: salmon, sturgeon, etc.

d) Vigorously develop three types of forests (protective forests, economic forests combined with production forests, and special-use forests). Invest in forest product processing facilities such as wood, bamboo, and forest specialties. Conserve and promote rare genetic resources at Hoang Lien National Park and Hoang Lien Son Nature Reserve - Van Ban.

V. IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES FOR THE PLAN

1. Mobilizing investment capital for development

The total estimated capital requirement for implementing the Plan is very large compared to the province's resource capacity and central support. Therefore, to meet the capital requirements mentioned above, the province needs to implement a comprehensive set of measures to actively mobilize capital, mainly through internal resources and land funds; appropriate mechanisms and policies to attract capital from non-state economic sectors; promote socialization in healthcare, education, culture, sports, etc., focusing on the following main solutions:

a) State budget capital (central and local budgets) is primarily allocated for investment in economic and social infrastructure development.

b) Continue to create additional capital from land funds, implement land use rights auction mechanisms to attract capital for infrastructure construction, new urban areas, industrial zones, etc.; use land funds to create capital for necessary infrastructure development for industrial growth. Review and reclaim unused land and land used for inappropriate purposes.

c) Continue to research, promulgate or propose the promulgation of mechanisms and policies to promote the development of enterprises in the Province in terms of both quantity and quality; create conditions for enterprises within the Province to issue and list shares on the stock market; implement the policy of "the State and the people working together" to concreteize irrigation canals, construct and reinforce rural transportation systems.

d) Vigorously reform administrative procedures, build preferential mechanisms and policies, create a favorable investment environment, and actively promote investment attraction to draw domestic and foreign investors to invest in the Province.

đ) Take advantage of and effectively utilize official development assistance (ODA) funds from abroad.

2. Develop human resources

Build and implement a strategy for developing human resources in the Province. Plan, positively support, and further expand the training of new and refresher courses for business leaders and corporate managers. Formulate appropriate policies to attract economic officials, scientific and technical personnel, outstanding experts, skilled workers, and artisans to work in the Province. Expand cooperation and collaboration with reputable training institutions both inside and outside the Province to train skilled laborers. Encourage enterprises to contribute capital and equip facilities to improve training quality or collaborate in training. Establish training facilities suitable for actual conditions and requirements. Promote socialization in education, mobilizing all social resources to develop education.

3. Develop science and technology and protect the environment

Encourage enterprises in the Province to focus on investing in technological improvements. Invest in developing science and technology to achieve breakthroughs in productivity and product quality. Retrain staff in scientific fields such as technology, management, business, and environmental protection. Collaborate with research institutes and universities, provide funding for research projects, applications, and technology transfers to enterprises.

4. Enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of state management

Continue to perfect mechanisms and policies; vigorously reform administrative procedures, focusing on administrative procedures; strengthen guidance and implementation of planning and plans.

5. Labor, employment, and social policies

Continue to effectively implement programs (Poverty Reduction Program, Program 135 Phase II, etc.), policies, and measures to assist economic development and access to social services for the poor. Study, build, and promulgate policies to encourage production development, establish vocational training networks for workers, and increase the proportion of trained and skilled labor. Implement social policies such as caring for war veterans, social welfare, prevention and control of social evils, etc., towards socialization.

6. Develop external economic relations

Expand economic cooperation and integration with provinces in the midland and mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam and key economic zones to promote development. Build Lào Cai City into an international economic center. Cooperate in infrastructure construction and urban development; coordinate in planning industrial zones, providing services, raw materials, and markets. Cooperate in information exchange and trade promotion, organizing fairs and exhibitions. Open up markets, enhance the competitiveness of products, ensure proactiveness in regional and international integration processes. Create a transparent environment to attract foreign investments and aid. Maintain and expand export markets to China, actively seek new international markets. Provide timely economic information, especially about mechanisms and policies to facilitate economic and social activities of various economic sectors. Facilitate enterprise access to information, entry into, and expansion of markets.

7. Ensure security and defense

Continue to implement the national defense and security strategy, building the province into a defensive region. Launch mass movements among the people to participate in national security protection. Closely integrate economic and social development tasks with security and defense assurance. Strengthen legal education among cadres and the public; state management over security and order in the locality; resolutely suppress and handle criminal offenses. Intensify grassroots situation awareness work and citizens' complaints and denunciations resolution to foster trust and a safe, clean social environment.

VI. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF THE PLAN

1. Organize the announcement and dissemination of the Plan

a) Organize the announcement and dissemination

The overall plan for socio-economic development of the Province from now until 2020 to Party committees, governments at all levels, sectors, mass organizations, enterprises, and the people in the Province.

b) Organize introductions and promotions

2. Develop action programs and investment promotion

a) After the Plan is

b) Vigorously promote investment promotion activities, focusing on key projects with core products that are decisive for the success of implementing the Plan's objectives.

c) Develop some core product programs of the Province and organize their implementation strictly to create new impetus for the production and business development of the people. At the same time, formulate genuine incentives and preferences for the development of these core products in terms of capital markets and land.

d) Gradually concretize planning work and incorporate it into five-year and annual plans for implementation. Adjust and supplement the Plan in a timely manner according to changes in socio-economic development during each period to suit the development process.

đ) All levels, sectors, and the people in the Province have the responsibility to inspect and supervise the implementation of the Plan.

Article 2. Direct the People's Committee of Lao Cai Province to base on the objectives, tasks, and directions for socio-economic development of the Province as stated in the Plan after it has been approved; coordinate with relevant Ministries and sectors to direct the preparation, approval, and implementation of the following contents in accordance with regulations:

1. The overall socio-economic development plan at the district level; urban system development planning and residential areas; construction planning; land use planning and plans; industry and sector development planning to ensure comprehensive and synchronized development.

2. Five-year and annual plans; key economic, cultural, and social development programs; specific projects to focus investment and reasonably prioritize investment.

3. Study and develop, issue, or submit to competent state agencies for issuance (if the matter exceeds authority) some mechanisms and policies appropriate to the development requirements of the Province at each stage, aimed at attracting and mobilizing resources to implement the Plan.

Article 3. Direct relevant central Ministries and sectors according to their functions and tasks to support the People's Committee of Lao Cai Province in researching and preparing the aforementioned plans; study and develop and submit to competent state agencies for issuance some mechanisms and policies appropriate to the socio-economic development requirements of Lao Cai Province at each stage, aimed at effectively mobilizing and utilizing resources, encouraging and attracting investment to ensure the achievement of the objectives, tasks, and directions for socio-economic development of the Province as stated in the Plan. Accelerate investment and implementation of projects and works of regional scale and importance to the development of Lao Cai Province that have been decided to be invested. Study and consider adjustments and supplements to industry development plans and investment plans for related projects expected to be invested as stated in the Plan.

Article 4. This Decision takes effect fifteen days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

Article 5. The Chairman of the People's Committee of Lao Cai Province, Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Heads of government-affiliated agencies are responsible for implementing this Decision./.