The 10th anniversary of the Central Highlands Steering Committee was celebrated on July 17 in Buon Ma Thuot city, Dak Lak province, with the attendance of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

The event was also attended by former PM Truong Vinh Trong, Senior Lieutenant General and Minister of Public Security Tran Dai Quang, representatives from central ministries and sectors, and 179 outstanding ethnic minority people who are credited with serving the revolution.

In his speech at the celebration, PM Dung praised the tremendous achievements the Central Highlands has recorded over the past ten years, as well as the solidarity and efforts of the Central Highlands Steering Committee and relevant local agencies to overcome every difficulty and effectively implement Party and State policies.

Regarding the future of the Central Highlands, PM Dung said top priority should be given to socio-economic tasks and improving the lives of ethnic minorities. He also emphasized the need to develop mechanisms and policies to fully tap the region’s potential and advantages and deal with limitations and weaknesses.

Deputy Head of the Steering Committee, Nguyen Van Nen, briefly introduced the region’s significant socio-economic development and achievements in defence and security over the past ten years, adding that the region has reinforced the bloc of great national solidarity, maintained socio-political stability and prevented all hostile forces’ sabotage schemes.

The Central Highlands economy has changed drastically with an annual growth rate of 12 percent, which has resulted in remarkable improvements in socio-economic infrastructure and the material and spiritual lives of local people. From living in poverty not so long ago, more than half the local population now boasts average living standards and represents an exemplary model of economic development./.