The Party leader made the remark at a working session with provincial officials in the locality on March 17.

To that end, Thua Thien-Hue needs to devise appropriate development programmes targeting foreign investment to regional connectivity, he noted.

The province currently possesses much development potential, such as a large number of intellectuals sourcing a high quality workforce, sea-based economic advantages and many pieces of cultural heritage, he added.

Reports at the session said that between 2011 and 2013, Thua Thien-Hue attained an annual economic growth rate of over 10% while its collection for the State budget rose by 12.1% annually.

During the period, the province’s gross domestic product per capita reached US$1,700, up more than 1.6 times from the figure in 2009. Tourism revenue grew 19% year on year while household poverty has been brought down to 6.5%.

On the same day, General Secretary Trong visited residents in Hong Ha commune, A Luoi district – the most impoverished locality of ThuaThien-Hue.

Vietnam now has five centrally-run cities, namely Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Danang and Can Tho.