Home | China | World | Business Vietnam Plans to Boost Economy of Mekong Delta Region TUE, FEB 26, 2002     Vietnam has worked out a five-year plan to boost the economy of the country's Mekong delta region. Under the plan, the region will strive to achieve an annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 9.8 percent, almost three percent above the national average, according to a report of the local daily Vietnam News on Tuesday. The sector of agriculture, forestry and fisheries will grow at six percent per year, industry and construction at 13.5 percent, and services at 10 percent. About two million new jobs will be created over the next five years, and the region's per-capita income will average 550 U.S. dollars a year by 2005. Hunger will be eradicated and the number of poor households reduced to below 10 percent. Electricity and clean water will be provided to 80 percent and 60 percent of rural households, respectively. In order to reach the target, the region will focus on harnessing its human resources and exploiting its natural and geographical conditions to raise the output and export value of rice, other farm produce and seafood. The plan also accords investment priority to infrastructure projects in transport, irrigation and drainage, health care, education and training. Editor:Zhong Source:Xinhua Recommend to your friend email:    China Central Television,All Rights Reserved