Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc launched the New Year Tree Planting Festival in memory of President Ho Chi Minh at a ceremony in Thuong Phuc village, Bac Hong commune, Dong Anh district, Ha Noi, on February 18.
Addressing the ceremony, the Government leader noted that the Tet tree planting festival should become a movement in all localities around the country, particularly in 2019 - the 50th anniversary of the sacred testament of beloved Uncle Ho.
He also emphasised that the Government is working with localities around the country to actively plant, develop and protect forests, striving to achieve the target of increasing forest coverage to at least 42% and making Vietnam a leading centre of timber plantations in the world.
PM Phuc asked Ha Noi to develop specific action plans on forest plantation and protection as well as planting scattered trees to create green environments and landscapes.
In addition, the city should boost the attraction of investment resources into forest plantation, while enhancing the renovation of science and technology in forest management and biodiversity conservation, he added.
The PM urged for stronger communication of the purpose and significance of the New Year tree planting festival among people from all strata in the capital.