He said despite national economic difficulties in 2008, Gia Lai’s GDP growth rate was even higher than the national average rate, with its economic structuring on the right track. Of the total GDP, the agro-forestry made up 47.3 percent, industry-construction 25.2 percent and services 27.4 percent.

He lauded the province’s achievements in developing education and healthcare services, especially in ethnic-inhabited areas. On average, one of every 3.5 residents went to school and every 10,000 residents had 4.3 doctors. The number of poor households fell to 18.1 percent, with nearly 7,200 out of 8,460 ethnic households escaping poverty last year.

He said that local authorities should examine the impact of the global economic crisis on Gia Lai and work out practical solutions to sustain growth.

“Gia Lai should accelerate economic restructuring to achieve high industrial production and service value, make the best of its advantages, especially natural resources and labour, maintain national defence and security, and effectively implement social welfare policies,” said Mr Triet.

He reminded Gia Lai to pay due attention to education development, considering it the “golden key” to socio-economic development during the process of national modernisation and industrialisation.

He welcomed the province’s initiatives to build kindergartens in ethnic-inhabited areas and cooperate with universities to run higher education courses for ethnic people.

While staying in Gia Lai, Mr Triet visited Dak Doa district where he presented gifts to several social policy beneficiaries.