(VOVworld) - The construction of a gas processing plant, part of the Ca Mau Gas-Electricity-Fertilizer Complex, commenced in the southernmost province of Ca Mau on Saturday in the presence of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

The facility is designed with a capacity of processing 6.2 million cubic meters of natural gas taken from gas fields in the south-western region on a daily basis. It is expected to diversify highly-value oil and gas products in the region, ensure the national energy security, and contribute to the local socio-economic development.  Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung acknowledged efforts by the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) to start construction of the plant and welcome the safe transport of 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas from the PM3 – Commercial Arrangement Area (PM3-CAA) to the Ca Mau Gas-Electricity-Fertilizer Complex. He urged the group to work hard for the early operation of the plant, which is expected to generate approximately 238 million USD in annual production value once completed by the end of 2016. He also lauded the group for fulfilling the Government targets of oil and gas exploration and exploitation in 2014. 
The same day, Prime Minister Dung held a working session with ca Mau provincial leaders. He urged the province to focus on aquaculture production and exports, applying technological advances in production and processing, and deploying incentives to encourage business investments. He said that the province should work hard to achieve targets of the 5-year plan, make thorough preparations for Party congresses at all levels, and work out socio-economic development plans for the years to come.