Which Province is the Shining ‘Star’ of the Central Highlands?

At the 7th session of the 12th term, held yesterday (July 8), the People’s Council of Kon Tum province focused on reviewing and providing opinions on 30 reports and 30 draft resolutions.

During the session, members of the Provincial People’s Committee and heads of agencies and localities provided answers to deputies, voters, and people on a number of important issues.

Ms. Y Ngoc, Vice Chairwoman of the Kon Tum People’s Committee, reported on the socio-economic situation of the province in the first six months and the tasks and directions for the last six months of 2024. Accordingly, the regional gross domestic product (GRDP) is estimated at VND 8,165 billion, with a growth rate of about 6.5%, ranking 30th out of 63 provinces and cities and the highest in the Tay Nguyen region. Total social investment capital reached approximately VND 13,000 billion, equivalent to 43% of the plan and an increase of 23% compared to the same period.

Additionally, the Public Administration Reform Index (PAR INDEX) in 2023 ranked 43rd out of 63 provinces and cities, up 12 places compared to 2022; the Satisfaction Index of Public Administration Services (SIPAS) ranked 35th out of 63 provinces and cities, up 7 places compared to 2022. The tourism sector attracted 1.4 million visitors, reaching 85% of the plan.

According to Ms. Y Ngoc, despite these achievements, the province still faces certain limitations, such as forest destruction for agricultural land, illegal logging, slow state budget collection compared to the plan, difficulties in compensation and site clearance, challenges in agricultural and forestry production, untapped potential of the cold vegetable and flower specialized growing areas, and an increase in all three traffic accident criteria compared to the same period in 2023.

In the last six months of the year, Kon Tum province aims to achieve a GRDP growth rate of 12.5% or higher, state budget collection of over VND 2,811 billion, total social investment capital of VND 17,000 billion or more, 3,000 hectares of new forest land, and thousands of hectares of various types of trees (499 hectares of macadamia, 500 hectares of Ngoc Linh ginseng, 603 hectares of other medicinal plants, 1,470 hectares of fruit trees, etc.) and attract an additional 255,000 tourists.

“We strive for a trained labor rate of 58.5%, create jobs for over 2,490 laborers, increase the health insurance participation rate by 1.85%, have at least 75% of communes, wards, and towns with strong movements for national security, 85% of communes, wards, towns, residential areas, agencies, and schools meeting safety standards for security and order, achieve a settlement rate of 90% or higher for denunciations, accusations, and reports related to criminal offenses, and reduce crimes related to social order by 5%”, said Ms. Y Ngoc.