This is part of the PM’s Decision 795/QD-TTg dated on May 23, approving the Master Planning Scheme for socio-economic development in the region through 2020.

Under the planning scheme, the region is expected to contribute 26.6% and 28.7% to the Viet Nam's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2015 and 2020, respectively.

Personal income will reach US$2,500 by 2015 and US$4,180 in the following five years, or 1.3 times higher than the national level.

Agriculture share in the region’s GDP will be around for 7-7.5% while construction-industry and services are expected to account for 45-47% and 46-48%, respectively.

Tourism among spearhead industries

The region will focus on developing high-quality services like logistics, consultancy, design, finance – banking, education and training, healthcare, tourism among others.

For tourism, by 2015, the region is expected to attract around 17-18 million turns of local tourists and around 3.2-3.5 million foreign arrivals. The figures will be increased to 24-25 million and 4.5-5 million by 2020.

In terms of industrial development, the region will give high priority to developing sectors, including electronics, information technology, telecommunication, ship-building, steel, new construction materials, pharmacy, food processing, garments and foot-wear.

Infrastructure development

The Red River Delta will steer resources on infrastructure development, particularly expressways linking commercial and economic centers.

Coastal road systems connecting regional provinces and ports will also be consolidated and expanded.

Hai Phong and Quang Ninh will be modern seaport centers of regional importance.

The region will also zero in on upgrading railway system and mulling to build express railways from Ha Noi to localities like Ho Chi Minh City, Lao Cai, Hai Phong, and Lang Son./.

By Huong Giang