The Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long has been developing from strength to strength. Lu Quang Ngoi, member of Vinh Long Party Committee Standing Board and Deputy Chairman of Vinh Long People’s Committee, talked with VIR’s Huu Phuc about the province’s socio-economic achievements in 2019 and orientations for the next 12 months.
What major achievements has the province reaped in its socio-economic development in 2019?
In 2019, despite numerous difficulties, Vinh Long’s economy has recorded a 6.22 per cent rise in regional GDP, thanks to the great efforts by the whole political system, the business community, and people, as well as the direction of the government and the prime minister, and Vinh Long Party Committee.
The province’s socio-economic development goals have been almost completed, with 20 out of 22 key goals reached and even exceeded. Seven of the goals have surpassed the initial plans. Specifically, total state budget revenue is estimated to have hit nearly VND6.8 trillion ($295.65 million), equal to 110 per cent of estimates and up 12.1 per cent on-year. Total development capital reached VND14.1 trillion ($613 million), hitting 102.3 per cent of the initial plan, and up 8.46 per cent on-year.
Besides that, around 25,250 jobs were generated, reaching 126 per cent of the initial plan, and up 8.82 per cent on-year. Total per capita touched VND50.65 million ($2,200), an increase of VND2.55 million ($110) against 2018.
What other highlights were produced in the province in 2019?
In Vinh Long’s economic sectors, industrial production has seen a breakthrough as compared to previous years. The index of industrial production in 2019 is estimated to climb 15.04 per cent on-year, also the highest growth since 2015.
This attainment comes from efforts by local authorities in removing difficulties for enterprises to perform and put their projects into operation. This has greatly contributed to the growth of the industrial sector, and creating many optimistic signals for the local economy.
Vinh Long has also enjoyed big growth in exports in 2019, with total turnover of $568.7 million, up 22.3 per cent on-year, reaching 121 per cent of the year’s plan. Turnover of almost all export products has strongly increased, such as footwear, textiles and garments, and fruit and vegetables.
For tourism, the province has continued implementing many solutions to attract investment and diversify tourism products.
In 2019, Vinh Long welcomed about 1.5 million tourist arrivals, up 15 per cent on-year and including 215,000 international tourist arrivals. Total revenue of the tourism sector hits VND525 billion ($22.8 million), up 31 per cent on-year.
The province has continued to support enterprises, with the renewal of activities about investment promotion, helping enhance its advantages and image, and therefrom enabling it to welcome more foreign investors.
The number of newly-established enterprises has continued increased strongly. Especially in August 2019, Vinh Long People’s Committee successfully organised an investment promotion conference which has helped promote Vinh Long’s potential, advantages, and projects prioritised for investment attraction.
In addition, Vinh Long also put into operation a public administration centre and software systems in April, making it more favourable for the public and enterprises to conduct relevant procedures. Moreover, the province has also boosted activities about enterprise and startup development, such as the establishment of Vinh Long Startup Support Fund, and the launch of a competition on seeking ideas and startups in 2019.
What will be the development orientations of Vinh Long in 2020?
The province will take the initiative in all activities in order to accomplish all socio-economic development goals both in the year and for the whole 2016-2020 period, with the best results. At the same time, the province will also make preparations for formulating and implementing its socio-economic development plan for the 2021-2025 period. The province will implement all macro policies to maintain economic stability and improve the domestic business climate. Efforts are to be made for the province to grow by at least 6.2 per cent in regional GDP in 2020. We will also boost regulatory reform and unleash all resources, while creating new impetus for economic growth.
Moreover, we will strongly develop the private sector with more dynamism and innovation, improve the effectiveness in urbanisation and connectivity between urban areas and surrounding areas, and pursue sustainable development in environment and adaptation to climate change.
Furthermore, the province will also develop startup and innovation ecosystems, while supporting investors out of difficulties, especially in site clearance, so that their projects can be accelerated.
