Nghe An's Industry and Trade Sector: 65 Years of Construction and Development

(Baonghean) - On August 28, 1945, the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam issued a declaration on the unified national cabinet, which included the Ministry of Economy. On May 14, 1951, President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree No. 21/SL renaming the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. On October 2, 2008, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1418/QD.TTg designating May 14th of each year as the "Traditional Day of the Vietnamese Industry and Trade Sector".

Leaders of the Department of Industry and Trade inspect Namsung Vina garment company.

Over 65 years of construction and development, to adapt to the political tasks of each period, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has undergone organizational changes with various names, but always within the framework of its mission to build and develop the country's industry and trade.

The sector has focused on directing and implementing policies decisively, resulting in rapid growth in industry, trade, and services, making a positive contribution to the successful achievement of the province's socio-economic development goals and ensuring national defense and security.

1. Industrial production value in 2015 reached VND 34,140 billion, with an average growth rate of 15.4% per year during the 2011-2015 period, exceeding the national average; the proportion of the industry and construction sector increased from 31.7% in 2010 to 32.5% in 2015.

2. Total retail sales of goods in 2015 reached VND 38,505 billion, with an average growth rate of 15.34% during the 2011-2015 period. Export turnover in 2015 reached USD 655 million, with an average annual increase of 11.14% during the 2011-2015 period, exceeding the set target.

Market management has been strengthened, contributing to price stability and protecting the rights of producers and consumers.

3. Planning and investment in industrial and commercial infrastructure have received attention and developed rapidly:

- Regarding concentrated industrial zones: Currently, there is one economic zone and ten industrial zones with a total area of ​​over 22,000 hectares, attracting many large projects from strong domestic and international investors such as: VSIP Group, Massan, Royal Food, BSE, Vinamilk, TH, Habeco, Sabeco, Tien Phong Plastic, Hoa Sen Steel, The Vissai Cement,...

- Regarding industrial clusters: Currently, there are 33 industrial clusters with a total area of ​​578.4 hectares, attracting many domestic and foreign investors. The textile and garment sector, particularly for investors from South Korea, Japan, Hanosimex, etc., is very effective, providing employment for tens of thousands of workers.

- Regarding commercial infrastructure: Commercial infrastructure is increasingly developing and improving. Currently, the area has 405 markets, 4 shopping centers, 39 supermarkets, over 500 gas stations, and a system of warehouses and depots that have been invested in and upgraded…

4. Nghe An has become one of the localities producing and supplying electricity to the nation: There are 10 hydropower projects in operation with a total generating capacity of 708.5 MW. The Quynh Lap 1 thermal power plant has commenced construction with a capacity of 1,200 MW. The electricity distribution and transmission system has received focused investment, renovation, and upgrading, with 100% of communes having access to the national power grid, meeting the socio-economic development needs of the province and national energy security.

With these achievements, the Nghe An Department of Industry and Trade has been awarded the Third-Class Independence Order; the First, Second, and Third-Class Labor Orders; many collectives and individuals in the department have been awarded Labor Orders by the State, and one individual has been awarded the title of Hero of Labor; in addition, the department has also received many rotating flags, medals, and certificates of merit from the Government, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Provincial People's Committee…

Entering a period of deep and broad economic integration with the region and the world, the Industry and Trade sector of Nghe An province is implementing the goals of the Resolution of the 18th Provincial Party Congress for the 2015-2020 term under conditions of many advantages and difficulties and challenges. Regarding the goals for industrial and trade development in Nghe An province for the 5 years from 2016 to 2020, the province aims for an average growth rate of 11% in Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) from 2016 to 2020; with industry growing by 17%.

Total production value by 2020 (at 2010 constant prices) reached VND 228,663 billion, of which industry accounted for VND 78,757 billion. Total retail sales of goods by 2020 reached VND 90,000 billion, with an average growth rate of 14.5% from 2016 to 2020. Export turnover by 2020 reached USD 1,200 million. Import turnover of goods by 2020 reached USD 1,000 million, contributing to building Nghe An into a relatively prosperous province in the Northern region, developing towards industrialization and modernization, and becoming a center for trade and high-tech industries in the North Central region.

Manufactured at Hoa Sen Steel Factory in Nam Cam Industrial Park. Photo: Hoang Vinh

To achieve comprehensive success in fulfilling the goals and tasks of the 2016-2020 period, the Nghe An Department of Industry and Trade will focus on implementing the following contents and solutions in a coordinated manner:

1. Improve the quality of planning, research, and the development of policies and mechanisms for the development of the Industry and Trade sectors, in line with the realities and trends of the times.

2. Organize research, development, and implementation of projects and programs to carry out the action plan of the Industry and Trade sector in accordance with the Resolution of the 18th Provincial Party Congress in a timely and effective manner.

3. Continue to advise on and promote the construction and improvement of electricity infrastructure, industrial zones and clusters, craft villages, market systems, commercial centers, supermarkets, warehouses, ports and depots... to promptly serve and attract investment projects for industrial, commercial and service development.

4. Focus on removing obstacles, supporting businesses, and enhancing the competitiveness of businesses and the economy.

5. Strongly innovate trade promotion activities, industrial promotion and consulting on industrial development, and efficient energy use across all sectors, fields, and localities.

6. Strengthen market management, combat smuggling and trade fraud, ensure a healthy market, protect businesses, entrepreneurs, and consumer rights.

7. Develop human resources, innovate, and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state management in industry and trade, meeting the requirements of industrialization, modernization, and the general development trends of the economy.

Hoang Van Tam

(Party Committee Secretary, Director of the Department of Industry and Trade)