The land access index of Thua Thien Hue province dropped to the bottom of 63 provinces and cities, according to the PCI Report 2011 released by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). In 2012, land access remained the worst indicator of the province’s competitiveness index, with 5.43 points, standing lowest among central coastal provinces.
Efforts
Since early 2012, Thua Thien Hue leaders started reviewing causes for the low ranking and took actions to improve land access index and land-use stability. The Department of Planning and Investment was assigned to publish information about social and economic development planning to citizens and businesses. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Construction, and People’s Committees of Hue City and all districts are responsible for providing information on land-use planning, construction planning and land access facilitation for businesses. The Department of Finance was asked to improve tax transaction service and implement State financial support policies for enterprises.
Commenting on Thua Thien Hue province’s efforts for a better land access index, the PCI Survey Team under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), said: "Thua Thien Hue province’s action plan for land access index improvement is comprehensive and specific from the very first steps of land registration and revocation to the very last steps of land compensation, resettlement support, and employment support for affected people.”
Despite these efforts, land access remained the weakest aspect of Thua Thien Hue. So, what are the reasons?
Finding the causes?
Thua Thien Hue province witnessed a strong wave of investment projects, but many were abandoned or changed owners. This left many prime land plots in economic zones, in industrial parks, and even in Hue City sitting unused for years. The province had to review and decided to revoke many projects.
Ho Sy Nguyen, Head of Chan May - Lang Co Economic Zone Authority, said: "Chan May - Lang Co Economic Zone, which is compared to a valuable pearl, cannot be broken into pieces to have more investment projects. We forced investors to deposit money for their project implementation – as a way to see their determination and capability.” Therefore, the province minimised infeasible projects or even register-to-exchange projects, but this move also affected the psychology of the business community.
Many companies have received considerable utility from land information transparency. But, some also complained about principles and time required to get land use rights.
Land reforms will impact many different objects. The action plans of Thua Thien Hue province will be more effective when the province increases dialogues with businesses. The province also needs to increase information on land-use procedures on websites for citizens and businesses.
Vietnamese
