Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chaired a conference on the development of the southern key economic zone on May 6 in Bien Hoa city, the southern province of Dong Nai.

An overview of the conference (Source: VNA)

The southern key economic zone comprises of Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Long An and Tien Giang provinces.

It leads the nation in terms of industrialisation and modernisation and drives Vietnam’s economic development, accounting for 45.42 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In recent years, the region has gained many achievements in socio-economic development, with average annual GDP growth rate of 8.34 percent during 2016-2018, and per capita income reaching 5,474 USD last year – two times higher than the nation’s average.

However, the region’s potential has yet to be tapped fully, and regional connectivity is lacking.

Therefore, at the conference, delegates are expected to discuss policies to boost regional growth, connectivity to develop logistics and transport infrastructure and the quality of human resources.

They are also expected to make recommendations to help the region bring its potential and strengths into full play.