Acknowledging that investment promotion activities and enterprise support must be consistent, during 2011, the Dong Thap Trade and Investment Promotion Centre made a lot of efforts to urge trade promotion activities and support enterprises; additionally it also strengthened investment promotion activities, contributed to the advertisement and introduction of Dong Thap’s potential in the view of enterprises, as well as domestic and foreign investors. The following interview with Mr Huynh The Phien, Director of Dong Thap Trade and Investment Promotion Centre, gives us a closer view of this success. Quoc Hung reports.
Could you describe some features of the trade and investment promotion activities in the province in 2011 and the orientation in 2012?
In 2011, despite disadvantages in the economic and market context, Dong Thap trade and investment promotion activities deployed diversified programmes which reached planned targets and supported further development than in previous years.
Trade and tourism promotion activities become more professional in co-organizing trade and tourism events of the province. Specifically, successful events like Trade Fair Promotion on the Entrepreneurs’ Day 13th October in Dong Thap province and the Exhibition of Vietnamese Products in Pray Veng, Cambodia, were highly appreciated by domestic and foreign enterprises. Moreover, internal and external trade was also strengthened. The Trade and Investment Promotion Centre so far has organized two market survey groups and supported enterprises enrolling in 22 trade and tourism promotion events in major markets where most provincial products are purchased, which has consequently enhanced the competitiveness of products and contributed positively to total export turnover of the province.
Investment promotion activities have gradually become a communication channel of relevant departments, districts, towns and cities in providing early information about the investment environment of the province. By surveys about the practical needs for investment, the Centre also raised understanding about investors’ demands and products for investment promotion activities in the coming time.
In 2011, Trade and Investment Promotion Centre cooperated with relevant departments, sectors, and Sai Gon New Port Corporation to successfully hold the Investment Promotion Conference in Dong Thap province with 16 memorandum agreements of 18 investment projects. Besides that, in the list of 48 priority projects for 2011 - 2015, three projects were signed, a positive signal in investment promotion activities. In addition to that, the implementation of investment projects for expanding the performance of enterprises in the province, and logistic projects of Sai Gon New Port Corporation also further drew the attention of investors to Dong Thap province.
With achievements in 2011, relying on the plan for trade and investment promotion approved by the People’s Committee for 2012, we will actively organize trade, tourism and investment events in the province; intensively take part in domestic as well as international events on trade and investment to introduce and advertise the image and investment environment of Dong Thap to potential partners and investors. At the same time, we will also concentrate on effectively coordinating resources, methods of trade promotion, industry associations, and international organizations; as well as vigorously support enterprises to exploit and develop potential markets, and promote changing the export structure. Moreover, we will help enterprises strengthen product transportation, developing and expanding domestic consumption markets. Our target is also to foster small and medium sized enterprises to enhance their competitiveness, promoting the image and prestige of products to maintain acquired markets, as well as exploit new ones.
In order to make big changes in investment, create new conditions for the economy and new development directions, Dong Thap has acknowledged that activities calling on investment and attracting more external resources are crucial. Therefore, to realize all the targets, what will the province pay attention on?
In order to make big changes in investment, create new conditions for the economy and new development directions, Dong Thap has acknowledged that activities calling on investment and attracting more external resources are crucial. To realize all the targets, Dong Thap will intensify provincial image promotion by introducing its potential, advantages and investment needs directly to enterprises which have partnerships with enterprises already investing successfully in the province. Moreover, Dong Thap will strengthen foreign affairs and exchange relations with international enterprises through embassies and commercial counsellors. At the same time, the province will organize or participate in trade promotion activities to establish relations with potential markets, creating a stepping stone for enterprises to access and take part in the markets.
In addition, Dong Thap will keep focusing on improving the provincial investment environment by reforming administrative procedures and completing application of information technology in state administrative activities, making information more transparent. Besides, the province will invest in infrastructure; improve both quantity and quality of vocational activities; and commence supporting preferential enterprises according to State regulations on investment projects in rural areas.
With regard to supporting investors in completing administrative formalities, what do you think about the prospects of Dong Thap’s investment promotion activities in the future?
As a link supporting investors to realize the requirements of Department and sector in processes of completing administrative formalities, the Trade and Investment Promotion Centre will maintain connections with relevant departments and sectors to support domestic investors, both during the beginning of the investment project and later on. Regarding projects with difficulties in applying for investment licenses or investment guidelines, the Centre will organize meetings and coordinate with investors to solve the problems fairly, creating favourable conditions for them.
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