Tra Vinh gains momentum as regional economic bright spot

Tra Vinh gains momentum as regional economic bright spot

Despite undergoing administrative streamlining in preparation for potential provincial mergers, Tra Vinh province continues to stand out as a stable economic performer in the Mekong Delta region.

The province is working to mobilise underutilised revenue streams and upgrade systems, Photo: Tra Vinh province

In the first five months of 2025, Tra Vinh recorded impressive industrial growth, maintained macroeconomic stability, and outlined decisive strategies to sustain a growth rate of at least 8 per cent, in alignment with the nation’s broader development vision.

According to the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, Tra Vinh’s industrial production index in May rose by 17.45 per cent compared to April, bringing cumulative growth for the first five months to 6.7 per cent on-year. Total industrial production value for the five-month period reached $745 million, equivalent to 40.6 per cent of the annual plan and up 9.6 per cent on-year.

Of particular note, electricity production and distribution contributed more than 62 per cent of total industrial value. Electricity output in the first five months was estimated at $11.487 billion per kWh, up 8.38 per cent on-year, meeting 43.51 per cent of the annual target.

Meanwhile, the manufacturing and processing sector continued to perform robustly, with several products showing double-digit growth, such as activated carbon (up 49 per cent), finished shoes (29.5 per cent), pharmaceutical tablets (11.4 per cent), garments (10.2 per cent), and auto transmission components (8 per cent).

The Provincial Competitiveness Index in 2024 for Tra Vinh climbed six ranks to 18th out of 63 localities nationwide, and sixth among the 13 Mekong Delta provinces. It now ranks among the top 30 provinces for governance quality. Tra Vinh also led the Mekong Delta in the Public Administration Service Index, rising five positions to 10th nationwide. The province’s Public Administration Reform Index rose one level to 47th, while its Foreign Trade and Investment Index reached fifth place nationwide.

To sustain growth momentum and ensure resilience amid a changing policy and economic landscape, Tra Vinh has identified several strategic priorities that underpin its development roadmap for the remainder of 2025.

The provincial leadership has underscored the importance of maintaining administrative discipline while managing the dual tasks of economic development and institutional restructuring. A comprehensive mid-year review is planned to assess the implementation of key directives, enabling local authorities to fine-tune their approach and align resources more effectively.

In the agricultural sector, Tra Vinh is strengthening its capacity to adapt to climate challenges. With the threat of salinity intrusion and shifting weather patterns, the province is actively monitoring hydrometeorological conditions and reinforcing irrigation infrastructure. Preparations are underway for the upcoming storm season, with measures in place to protect vital dykes and canals.

At the same time, pest outbreaks, particularly the spread of black-headed caterpillars damaging coconut plantations, are being addressed, alongside stricter enforcement of animal disease prevention and anti-IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing regulations.

Rural modernisation remains a cornerstone of Tra Vinh’s socioeconomic agenda. The province is accelerating the review and recognition of advanced new-style rural communes and model rural areas, while finalising assessments of national target initiatives for the 2021–2025 period. Planning has also commenced for the 2026–2030 phase.

Additionally, Tra Vinh is stepping up support for local cooperatives and collective economic models, with a particular focus on enhancing the quality and competitiveness of One Commune, One Product (OCOP) offerings.

On the commercial front, Tra Vinh is intensifying trade promotion efforts and tightening enforcement of intellectual property (IP) regulations. The province is preparing for rural trade fairs in key districts such as Chau Thanh and Cau Ngang, and supporting local enterprises to participate in regional events, including Dong Nai OCOP Week.

Meanwhile, local authorities are ramping up inspections to combat smuggling, counterfeit goods, and IP infringements, creating a more secure business environment.

Fiscal discipline and investment disbursement have also come into sharper focus. Tra Vinh is working to mobilise underutilised revenue streams while ensuring compliance with electronic invoicing regulations. Key infrastructure projects, particularly those linked to upcoming Party congresses, are being expedited.

This includes the timely handover of public investment initiatives as part of the province’s administrative restructuring plan, issued in mid-May.

The province is also revisiting its 2025 public investment allocations and preparing budget estimates for 2026. With a strong emphasis on prudent fiscal management and synchronised capital deployment, Tra Vinh aims to ensure that ongoing projects are aligned with broader governance reforms and long-term development goals.

VIR