Border provinces should develop economic connectivity system: PM
Border provinces should develop economic connectivity system: PM
Border provinces, including Lang Son, should jointly build an economic connectivity system to form a strong economic corridor, said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at an investment promotion conference held today, September 30.
The conference, themed “Lang Son: Successful destination for investors,” gathered 500 delegates who are investors and representatives of companies at home and abroad. The event was held in Lang Son, which is on the path to becoming a key economic zone in the north, especially in terms of border trade.
Despite having positive economic indicators, the northern mountainous province has yet to achieve sustainable growth. Local incomes remain low, while State budget collection is still lower than expected. Also, there are no outstanding products in the province that can join large value chains, and it has not made any breakthroughs in the border economy, according to PM Phuc.
Thus, he suggested a number of development orientations for the province to obtain higher growth.
The province should focus on three sectors that are the main drivers of provincial socioeconomic growth: the border economy, sustainable tourism and smart agriculture in close connection with food processing.
Apart from setting up an economic connectivity system with other border provinces, Lang Son should maintain good trade ties with neighboring Chinese localities.
It shares a border with a large market of 50 million people in Guangxi, China. Annual import-export turnover through Lang Son-based border gates reaches over US$5 billion.
PM Phuc asked that Vietnamese goods being exported to China strictly meet requirements on product quality and origin labeling.
A broad, long-term vision for zoning and investment plans, given the advantages of the local economy, is also needed. Besides this, Lang Son should focus on developing infrastructure for trading, tourism and logistics activities.
It should also tighten control over the influx of Chinese goods into Vietnam due to tariff issues triggered by the existing trade dispute between the United States and China.
Further, the northern province should continue to improve its investment environment, boost administrative reforms and roll out social welfare policies effectively.
The provincial government after the conference must take steps to remove existing obstacles that hinder approved projects. The PM said that the Government will create favorable conditions for investors, as well as continue to maintain peace and ensure a stable macroeconomy.
