Ca Mau EZ Management Board: Prioritizing Operational Quality for Effective Investment Attraction

9:08:51 AM | 17/9/2024

The Ca Mau Economic Zone Management Board has gained recognition for its proactive support, effectively engaging with businesses and investors to address their needs, helping boost investor confidence and position Ca Mau’s industrial and economic zones as a favored investment destination. In an interview with Mr. Tran Linh Trang, Deputy Director of the board, Vietnam Business Forum explores the board's evolving role and management effectiveness.

What achievements did the Ca Mau Economic Zone Management Board obtain in investment promotion and attraction during 2023 and the first half of 2024?

The board maintained a strong focus on its tasks with clear policies and goals. It adhered to the directives of the Provincial People's Committee and coordinated effectively with departments, branches and districts. We adjusted the planning of industrial parks and economic zones and provided support to address investor challenges, including efforts in investment promotion and attraction, and reviewed investment project lists for 2024. Priority was given to infrastructure projects, attracting FDI with modern technology, ensuring safety and environmental sustainability, supporting local industries and utilizing local labor.

In 2023, we attracted two new projects with a registered capital increase of VND230 billion and made 14 adjustments involving 10 projects, including one with reduced capital and three with increased capital totaling VND282.3 billion. In the first half of 2024, the board granted one new project with an increased registered capital of VND59 billion, adjusted seven projects, and revoked two projects with a decrease in capital of VND77.51 billion. Currently, there are 49 projects with valid investment licenses in the industrial and economic zones, totaling VND20,860.81 billion in registered capital. This includes three FDI projects with capital of VND1,964.02 billion (US$85.41 million) and one infrastructure project of VND538.6 billion. Of these, 29 projects are operational, and 20 are in preparation. Enterprises in these zones generated total revenue of VND3,500 billion, with export revenue reaching US$38.5 million and a budget contribution of VND60 billion, creating over 2,850 jobs.

How do you enhance motivation to improve state management and support the business activities of enterprises in industrial and economic zones?

Despite remarkable achievements, we still face several challenges. However, we remain committed to supporting investors, treating their difficulties as our own and measuring our success by the investors' achievements. The board is dedicated to informing businesses in industrial parks and economic zones about Party policies, State laws, and socio-economic conditions.

To meet investor needs, we focus on creating clean land funds and advancing administrative reforms. This includes implementing 4.0 technology to streamline state management and reduce processing times and costs. The board is also enhancing coordination among many levels and sectors to address business requests efficiently. The board remains adaptable, applying policies and regulations flexibly to foster an open investment environment in Ca Mau province. We are always prepared to listen to and address investor concerns promptly. Additionally, we are committed to building a professional, transparent, and effective team to improve the quality of business support services.


C.P. Vietnam Corp.’s Aqua Feed Factory Project in Khanh An Industrial Park, U Minh District

What are the outcomes of the infrastructure planning and investment initiatives?

Ca Mau province has planned and is developing three industrial parks namely Khanh An, Hoa Trung and Song Doc, and Nam Can Economic Zone. Additionally, Tac Thu and Tan Thuan Industrial Parks have been incorporated into the province's development plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. The Prime Minister approved these plans under Decision 1386/QD-TTg. The adjustment of the Hoa Trung Industrial Park planning is complete, making it ready to attract infrastructure investors. The General Planning adjustment for the Nam Can Economic Zone was approved by the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee on June 4, 2024, with Notice 809-TB/TU issued to detail the project and outline further steps.

Annually, we proactively organize and participate in investment promotion activities, following approved provincial programs and plans. This includes engaging in investment promotion initiatives led by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and other relevant agencies. We also support investors throughout the project preparation and implementation phases and maintain a communication strategy to ensure that potential investors are well-informed about the province’s investment opportunities and policies.

How have you prioritized and implemented digital transformation efforts?

To support digital transformation and streamline investment procedures, we have prioritized the implementation of advanced technologies, including IOffice software for document management, digital signatures, online meeting rooms, and online reception of administrative procedures. These initiatives have enhanced efficiency and improved enterprise satisfaction within industrial parks and economic zones. We are committed to establishing clear operating regulations and ensuring inspection and supervision to maintain discipline and address any signs of harassment or misconduct. This approach aims to reinforce investor trust and attract new investment.

In 2024, our goal is to mobilize resources for attracting infrastructure investment projects by developing clean land funds and completing essential planning projects. Priority will be given to investments in the Nam Can Economic Zone and the Hoa Trung Industrial Park. The board remains dedicated to using quality, efficiency, technology and environmental protection as key criteria for investment attraction, with the aim of advancing the province’s industrial sector to new heights.

Thank you very much!

By Binh Minh, Vietnam Business Forum