Despite the volatility of the economy, recently industrial production in most provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta remain high, as the economic structure shift towards industry, construction and services has been fast. Industrial production growth has driven economic growth the region.
In only the first nine months of 2012, industrial output value of the Mekong Delta reached VND102,670 billion, up 16.45 percent compared with the same period in 2011. Some provinces in the region managed to maintain the industrial production value growth rate above that of the same period in 2011, including Hau Giang, Tien Giang and Ben Tre. As of June 2012, the whole region has 78,931 small and medium enterprises operating in the areas of trade and commerce, increasing 204 compared to 2011. Trade and commerce in the region continues to be promoted both domestically and abroad to create favourable opportunities for small and medium businesses to access information, find customers, maintain and expand their hold on the domestic market and reach out to world markets.
According to the Southwest Direction Board, in order to promote the distinctive advantage of each locality and link regions to promote business activity, navigate to the industrial growth in a sustainable and effective way and make industrial production the nucleus of growth and promote the region’s socio-economic development, Mekong Delta provinces are working together to make industrial production strategy, which has made dramatic changes and brought the value of industrial production of 2015 VND 302,000 billion, accounting for 40 percent of GDP.
To fulfill this goal, from now to 2015, the Mekong River Delta has mapped out industrial development plan in accordance with the whole country’s plan. It also launched Ca Mau gas-power-fertilizer project and O Mon power plant to provide electricity for production. The area is heading towards the formation of industrial axis: Long An, Tien Giang-Tho Tho-Soc Trang-Bac Lieu and Ca Mau, Can Tho, An Giang and Kien Giang, along with cooperating and promoting links with Ho Chi Minh City and South East area to develop local industrial strengths. Besides, it continues to develop seafood processing industry, foods and gradually accesses refinery through innovative technology solutions.
Under the plan, the coastal provinces will promote industrial development and processing of aquatic products and animal feed. The provinces of An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Hau Giang, Can Tho have been promoting catfish processing; Ben Tre province promotes coconut processing; Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Can Tho promotes fruit processing. Provinces abundant of sugar cane and pineapple concentrate on producing sugar, canned pineapple and fruit juice. Kien Giang province focuses on cement production. An Giang province focuses on quarrying and construction sand. Dong Thap province develops industry in accordance with the Ho Chi Minh Road and exports products to Cambodia. Can Tho focuses on the development of heavy industry, high-tech industry, engineering, agricultural and fishery production, export of consumer goods, industries with high technological content and great added value.
From now to 2015, the Mekong Delta will set up 36 more industrial parks and industrial zones, complete seaport system which ensures 10,000 tones safety, commence the highway Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho and upgrade the highway from Can Tho to Ca Mau and Kien Giang. Also the Mekong Delta area will establish the Association of industrial parks to effectively attract investment, link to academies and universities to transfer technology and innovate equipment, promote the application of science to production as well as train and standardize workers, especially highly qualified workers.
Besides actively implementing promotional activities aimed at encouraging and supporting enterprises, reducing difficulties and facilitating business development and boosting exports product strengths, Mekong Delta also supports businesses to raise capital, improves competitiveness by reducing production costs, improves product quality and environmental protection, ensure food safety, establishes synchronized distribution network, continues to support enterprises on quality management in accordance with international standards such as ISO 9000, ISO 14000, SA 8000, OHSAS 18001, heads to make brand for products, especially agricultural and fishery products, and produce products able to meet the demand of domestic and foreign markets.
Kim Ngoc
Vietnamese
