Ninh Thuan (VNA) – Ninh Thuan needs a new, modern, and global perspective - one that resonates with the spirit of a new era, to optimise the great potential from its land and people, Party General Secretary To Lam said at a working session with the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee of the south-central province on December 5.

The Party chief noted that Ninh Thuan, a dry area with the lowest rainfall in the country at only 700-800mm annually, has shown strong efforts in overcoming challenges and promoting its strengths in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, as well as green tourism and high-tech agriculture.

Today, Ninh Thuan is not only an attractive destination but also a symbol of how determination, resilience, and innovation can turn challenges into opportunities, paving the way for sustainable and hopeful development, he noted.

The leader held that Ninh Thuan's development has yet to fully match its potential, urging the province to further promote its potential in tourism, coastal economy, ports, and logistics services, as well as renewable energy resources like solar and wind power, and industries such as salt production and post-salt chemical processing.

According to the provincial Party Committee, over the past five years, the province’s economy has grown more than 1.7 times, with the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) increasing at an average annual rate of nearly 9%. Ninh Thuan has successfully diversified its economy, increasing industrial output and making significant strides in renewable energy, especially wind and solar power, as well as in tourism and high-tech agriculture.

The province's tourism sector has seen a boom, with the number of visitor projected to reach 3.4 million in 2024, nearly three times higher than the figure in 2020. The province has also improved its competitiveness, attracting substantial investment. Over the past decade, the per capita income has quadrupled, and the poverty rate has dropped from 9.34% to 2.69%.

In addition to economic growth, Ninh Thuan has made progress in education, healthcare, and scientific research. National defence and security have been strengthened, and international cooperation has been expanded, raising the province's position both domestically and globally.

Regarding the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project, local authorities said that it was approved by the National Assembly under Resolution 41/2009/QH12 dated November 25, 2009. The resolution outlined the construction of two nuclear power plants of Ninh Thuan 1 in Phuoc Dinh commune of Thuan Nam district, and Ninh Thuan 2 in Vinh Hai commune of Ninh Hai district. The total planned area for the project is 1,642.22 hectares, affecting nearly 4,000 people of 1,100 households. After eight years of suspension, the National Assembly has agreed to resume the project.

Party General Secretary To Lam emphasised the importance of restarting the nuclear power project to meet the country’s growing electricity demands and ensure energy security.

He said that that many countries around the world are continuing to invest in nuclear energy, and modern nuclear technologies are much safer than before. He emphasised the project’s potential to foster high-tech industries and create skilled jobs, contributing to national scientific and technological development.

Lam hoped Ninh Thuan and nearby localities will share and allocate resources, such as land and natural assets, to develop energy projects that will contribute to the nation's overall development. The Party and State will ensure that only the best projects are chosen with the best human resources serving their safe and effective operations, he pledged.

The Party chief also reminded Ninh Thuan to continue to pay great attention to the building and rectification of the Party and political system as well as fostering the national solidarity bloc.

He urged Ninh Thuan to focus on streamlining the political system in a drastic, serious, comprehensive and effective manner, while making preparations for the all-level Party Congresses for the 2025-2030 tenure, developing high quality human resources, improving the infrastructure system, and closely combining economic development with ensuring security and defence.

Earlier the same day, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944-2024), the Party chief and his entourage offered in♕c🐎ense and paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the Ninh Thuan Martyrs' Cemetery./.