Dak Lak Withstanding Difficulties

In 2014, in spite of numerous difficulties caused by slow global and domestic economic recovery, Dak Lak province achieved and even exceeded many socioeconomic development targets like production value of agriculture, forestry and fisheries and total flow of goods. The province also saw significant growth in industrial production, export and social capital mobilisation, while witnessing progress in healthcare, education and training, poverty alleviation, social security and employment. Political security, social order and safety were maintained.

 

2015 is a very important year as the final year in the five-year development plan from 2011 to 2015, when our country faces with new challenges and opportunities as well. We believe that, under the leadership of the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Council, and the Provincial People's Committee, Dak Lak province will carry out six groups of solutions put forth by the Provincial People's Committee to complete all social and economic development tasks in 2015.

 

According to a report of the Provincial People's Committee, in 2014, Dak Lak province failed to achieve nine out of 18 socioeconomic development indicators, of which six indicators were economic. However, the economy still grew up 9.2 per cent in this tough year. GDP was projected at VND37.7 trillion, of which the value of agriculture, forestry and fisheries was VND16.42 trillion, up 5 per cent year on year and equal to 100.7 per cent of the full-year plan. Better than expected agricultural and forest production made important contributions to economic stability, improving livelihoods in rural areas and sustaining economic growth. In agriculture, crop cultivation still played an important role. All staple crops exceeded acreage, yield and output targets. Food output was estimated at 1.2 million tonnes in 2014, an increase of 153,000 tonnes and 13.8 per cent in excess of the plan. Specially, in the winter - spring crop, the average rice yield reached 6.95 tonnes per hectare. The province also harvested 457,000 tonnes of coffee, 30,000 tonnes of rubber and 21,000 tonnes of pepper. Notably, the province also replanted 3,118 ha out of 27,775 ha of coffee area in 2014. Also in 2014, Dak Lak attracted many livestock investors to study projects in the province like Thai Thanh Company, TH Milk, Duc Long and Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

 

These results came from the close guidance and timely support of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Council, and the effective administration of the Provincial People's Committee in 2014.

 

The province’s economic growth quality and economic competitiveness are low. Although the development quality has been improved, it is mainly contributed by extensive development (by expanded area, wider exploitation of natural resources, simple processing, etc.) Industry and services still have a small contribution to local GDP; thus they have not generated a strong push within economic development. GDP per capita is on the rise and narrowing the gap with the national average, but it is potentially left behind. The province’s potential and advantages like land, natural resources and climate have been tapped, but exploitation levels remain low.

 

With the care and support of the three governments, cooperation and province programmes within the Development Triangle have achieved positive results in recent years. However, the results achieved are thus far incommensurate with the potential and the expectations of the three countries. Some works have not been done because of emerging difficulties and obstacles.

 

To become an economic, cultural and social centre of the Central Highlands, Dak Lak province must focus on social and economic infrastructure development from now to 2020. The economy is rapidly and sustainably developed towards industrialisation, modernisation and international integration. The province will further renovate and develop scientific, technological, education, training, health, cultural and sports fields. It will also ensure social security, reduce poverty and protect the environment, while strengthening national unity, building a firm political system, and guaranteeing national defence and social security and order.

 

The 5^th Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival in 2015 inherits the success of the previous coffee festivals in 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2013. This is expected to be an important event of international class in the Vietnamese coffee industry, to assert the brand name of Vietnamese coffee on the world market. This festival helps domestic and foreign coffee companies introduce their brands, promote trade, and raise knowledge of coffee production and processing to boost product quality and export turnover.

The Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival was approved to be organised in every two years by the Government - an important decision to not only the coffee industry of Dak Lak province but also of Vietnam. In the previous editions, the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival has become an event of international stature and helped affirm the position and standing of Vietnamese coffee in the world market. This event has helped maximise internal force, raise economic efficiency of coffee industry, and boost the popularity of Buon Ma Thuot coffee brand.

 

Without doubt, the coffee sector is a spearhead economic sector of Dak Lak province and a potential and plus of Vietnam when the coffee value is raised and well-positioned. Therefore, the festival will popularise, honour and assert coffee values, raise social awareness of sustainable coffee development and globally renowned coffee branding.

 

The fifth Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival 2015, held by Dak Lak province, has received the strong support of the Government and central agencies. Besides, the festival has been already added to the National Trade Promotion Programme, making it a meeting place for domestic and foreign specialists and companies to exchange experience in coffee production, processing, and technology transfer. Especially, this is an opportunity to introduce coffee products of Vietnam in general and Buon Ma Thuot coffee of Dak Lak province in particular to the world, speed up economic activities, trade and tourism promotions and cultural exchanges, and draw domestic and foreign investors and tourists.