Leaders of the southern provinces of Vinh Long, Binh Duong and NinhThuan on Jan. 16 held meetings with dignitaries of religions in theirprovinces to extend best wishes to the religious community on theoccasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet).

In Vinh Longprovince, Vice Chairman of People Committee Nguyen Van Thanh met with 60dignitaries representing more than 221,000 followers of all religionsin the locality.

Thanh highlighted the achievementsof the province in 2011, in particular a record rice output of morethan one million tonne, earning an export turnover of 378 million USD,exceeding the set target by 40 percent. Vinh Long also raised more than25 billion VND to assist poor people to welcome Tet, to which thereligious community made a significant contribuition.

He hoped that in 2012, local religious organizations will furtherstrengthen the solidarity in the province and continue to join effortswith the local government to boost the socio- economic development.

In Binh Duong province, Vice Chairman of the People Committee HuynhVan Nhi hosted a get- together with dignitaries and representatives ofHoa ethnic group.

Nhi said the religious communityand the Hoa ethnic people have significantly contributed to theprovince’s achievements by observing the nation’s law and policies, andactively participating in patriotic movements and charity activitieslaunched by the province’s Fatherland Front.

The leaders of Ninh Thuan People Committee organised a similar event the same day.

Ninh Thuan is home to 27 ethnic groups who practise various religions at 170 places of worship./.