Cu Chi District is located in the northwest of HCMC with a population of 400.000 people. In 2010, Cu Chi was a poor district with average income of only VND 19 million Dong/person/year. Since implementing the program of new rural area development, Cu Chi has made a big change in economic structure from purely agricultural manufacturing to industry, service and trade. Cu Chi has now 10 industrial clusters and industrial parks, creating jobs and stable income for 50,000 local laborers. Thanks to strong investment and scientific-technical application into production, production value/hectare of farmers increases by VND 258 million/year, almost doubling compared to 5 years ago.

After 5 years, the face of Cu Chi has significantly changed. 20 communes meet 19/19 criteria of the new rural area development. There is no hungry household, the percentage of poor household with income of VND 16 million/year is down to 3,75%. Average income reaches VND 40, 5 million/person/year and expected to reach VND 60 million in 2020.

Chairman of Cu Chi District Nguyen Huu Hoai Phu said Cu Chi will focus on developing key plants and animals including milky cow and safe vegetables which bring back high economic value while ensure sustainable development. Besides, the district will boost growing orchids.

Permanent Vice Secretary of HCMC Party’s Committee, Head of Steering Board of the program of new rural area development Vo Van Thuong stressed development of new rural area has helped change the face of the rural area and the life of local people, closing the gap between people in rural areas and urban areas. However, he added, more efforts need to be done to continuously improve quality of every criteria, bringing practical benefits to local people, creating a new face of Cu Chi and HCMC.

HCM CITYWEB