NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man speaks at the meeting (Source: VNA)

NA Chairman Man highlighted Dong Nai's strategic position in the southern key economic region, saying that it enjoys a robust transportation network interlaced with many national arteries. The province ranks fourth in economic size and fifth in population nationwide while boasting numerous tourist attractions and scenic spots.

In the first seven months of 2024, Dong Nai recorded a 6.8% year-on-year increase in its gross regional domestic product (GRDP). Its index of industrial production rose by 6.98% while commercial and service activities grew by 12.4%. Notably, Dong Nai also created jobs for around 66,000 people while 106 out of the 120 local communes met the advanced criteria for a new-style rural area.

However, Man pointed out that despite these achievements, several aspects fell short of expectations. In particular, public investment disbursement reached only 28.28%, below the national average. He urged the province to conduct a thorough analysis to uncover the root causes of this shortfall, whether they are related to procedural bottlenecks, inefficiencies in the bidding process, issues with resettlement compensation, land acquisition hurdles, or the selection of unqualified contractors.

Looking forward, he called on Dong Nai to resolutely implement the resolutions set forth by the 13th National Party Congress and the provincial Party Congress. He underlined the need to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of key national projects, including Long Thanh International Airport and Bien Hoa - Vung Tau Expressway.

The province was encouraged to continue with measures to significantly improve the business environment, reform administrative procedures, enhance provincial ranking indicators, and embrace sci-tech application and digital transformation.

It should also accelerate the disbursement of public investment capital, attract investment in key infrastructure, export processing zones, and industrial parks while creating favourable legal conditions for firms to thrive, he said.

The top legislator urged further attention toward combating corruption and wastefulness, alongside promoting cultural, sports, and tourism activities. Education, healthcare, social security, and sustainable poverty reduction were also highlighted as critical areas to be focused on.