In an effort to align with industrialization objectives, Tien Giang’s industry and trade sector will concentrate on the development of key industries that leverage local advantages. We aim to robustly expand services, particularly those with high added value and export potential. Furthermore, we are committed to promoting the circular economy and fostering deep integration for sustainable development,” said Mr. Luu Van Phi, Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, Tien Giang province, in an interview with Vietnam Business Forum, on the directions for the province’s industry and trade sector in 2023 and beyond.
 Mr. Luu Van Phi, Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, Tien Giang province |
Could you elaborate on Tien Giang’s strategies for developing key industries, enhancing high-value services, and promoting exports?
Currently, Tien Giang province continues to maintain the growth of major advantageous products with a large export share like light industrial goods, aquatic products (pangasius), fruits and agricultural products; foster the development of minor but valuable or fast-growing exports.
The sector is maintaining manufacturing industries that currently have big export value and create many jobs like textile and garment, leather and footwear, handbags, food and beverage; supporting the development of products with comparative advantages such as agricultural, aquatic and marine products; attracting investment capital for technical production and export sectors like electricity, electronics, mechanics and supporting industries.
Moreover, the province is boosting trade promotion, supporting local companies to deal with business difficulties and facilitating them to develop sustainably.
Could you share the strategy for attracting investment in the industry and trade sector for 2023-2025?
Implementing Resolution 10-NQ/TU dated April 5, 2017 of the Executive Board of the Provincial Party Committee on economic and urban development of three regions of the province to 2020 and further to 2030, the province will draw investment capital for following industrial and commercial fields.
Central region: It involves the relocation of pollution-intensive industrial factories and facilities from urban areas, with a focus on attracting and fostering the growth of clean, high-tech industries. It also includes the construction of a comprehensive regional infrastructure, the enhancement of the My Tho and Tan Huong industrial complexes, and the expedited development of the Tan Ly Dong Industrial Complex. Additionally, the plan encompasses the development of industrial routes in the Xuan Dong and Binh Ninh communes of the Cho Gao district.
Western region: Attracting investors to Long Jiang Industrial Park and expedite the Tan Phuoc 1, Tan Phuoc 2, My Phuoc Tay, Thanh Tan, and Tan Ly Dong projects. The strategy includes fostering industrial and handicraft production by linking regional industrial parks, leveraging local transportation, agricultural supplies, and labor resources. It also involves enhancing rural economies through handicraft production in communes with agricultural and service capabilities. Furthermore, the plan includes the development of fruit and rice production, processing, packaging, and logistics facilities along key provincial roads and the Nguyen Van Tiep Canal.
Eastern region: Mobilizing investment resources for infrastructure construction of industrial zones, creating motivations to attract more investors; inviting infrastructure investors to build Soai Rap Oil and Gas Service Industrial Park and Binh Dong Industrial Park; accelerating the execution progress and investment attraction to fill industrial zones.
Trade promotion and business facilitation are bolstered for sustainable development
How has Tien Giang progressed in promoting concentrated industrial complexes to meet investor needs?
Under the Industrial Development Plan through 2030, Tien Giang aims to establish 27 industrial parks across 1,067 hectares. This initiative seeks to bolster infrastructure, attract investment, and promote concentrated industry. It also aims to streamline investment cooperation and enhance environmental stewardship.
At present, Tien Giang province has five operational industrial complexes with a total area of 158.9 ha and a total investment capital of VND422 billion. To date, they have called for 79 investment projects (including five infrastructure development investment projects and 74 secondary projects, with six FDI projects) with a total registered investment capital of VND2,306.15 billion (US$100 million) and US$150.3 million. The leased land area is 92.144 ha out of 120.444 ha, accounting for 76.5% of the rentable area. Licensed projects have employed 19,374 workers. Key industries in these industrial complexes include garment, footwear, seafood and agricultural processing.
Moreover, four other industrial complexes are carrying out procedures to start operations. Some other industrial complexes are seeking for infrastructure investors.
Seafood processing, one of Tien Giang's key industries
What steps have you taken to promote green growth and a circular economy to improve the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI)?
We will continue to research and advise on solutions on industrial development in the coming time, specifically as follows:
First, completing the legal corridor for the development of the circular economy, stipulating specific responsibility of manufacturers and distributors in recovering, classifying, recycling or paying treatment costs; managing discarded products based on their products sold on the market; managing projects by life cycle, establishing a roadmap for building and applying environmental regulations and standards equivalent to those in advanced countries in the region.
Second, actively informing and changing the perception of businesses and consumers towards product durability and sustainable production instead of making products quickly and cheaply; informing and educating people to raise their awareness of classifying waste at source, creating conditions for more convenient and easier waste collection, transportation, reuse and recycling.
Third, the development of the circular economy needs to be associated with technology development, digital economy and Industry 4.0. New technology will help reduce pollution, preserve nature and biodiversity, and avoid overexploitation of resources.
Fourth, quickly providing information about export market developments, coordinating closely with relevant agencies at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnamese embassies and consulates in foreign countries to promptly disseminate regulations in import and export markets.
Fifth, building and implementing strategies, programs and plans for local commercial development; accelerating administrative reform and enhancing the effectiveness of state administration of trade in the market economy; creating a favorable and fair business environment for commercial companies.
Sixth, coordinating with relevant agencies to boost the development of logistics systems, attracting investment capital for developing warehouses and related services, and connecting waterway and road transportation systems with Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces to reduce the time of freight transportation.
Thank you so much!
Source: Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
