Quang Ngai mountainous region is the poorest area of the province. This region has abundant natural resources that are favorable for the development of a comprehensive economy
however, its economic sectors grow slowly and people's lives are very difficult. The greatest strengt of mountamous areas are agro- forestry, but it is still at a low and backward level. To help this region overcome poverty and rapidly develop commodity production, it is essential to promote its comparative advantages and solve its current difficulties. After analyzing its natural potential, the paper proposes some orientations for the socio-economic development of mountainous areas based on reasonable use of natural resources and environmental protection toward sustainable development.