Resolving numerous obstacles faced by businesses

(Baonghean.vn) - In the spirit of "institutional reform" and "improving the investment and business environment," the briefing meeting with business associations listened to and resolved the difficulties faced by businesses.

At the meeting, leaders of several departments and localities responded to the proposals of businesses in accordance with the conclusions of the Provincial People's Committee at the March 2017 briefing conference; and considered and resolved the proposals of businesses at the conference "Institutional Reform and Business Development - Briefing of Associations and Businesses in the North Central Region" organized by VCCI on April 25, 2017 in Nghe An.

Comrade Le Ngoc Hoa, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, chaired the meeting. Photo: Thu Huyen.

According to a summary of proposals and responses from businesses at the March 2017 briefing session reported by the Department of Planning and Investment, eight units, including the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Vinh City People's Committee, Dien Chau District People's Committee, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Planning and Investment, Nghe An Tax Department, Thanh Chuong District People's Committee, and Department of Finance, responded to and resolved 13 proposals from businesses.

Some businesses have raised concerns about the cumbersome process of issuing APEC cards. Mr. Tran Anh Son, Permanent Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Association of Outstanding Businesses in Nghe An, reflected: According to regulations, only an invitation letter and a contract from the partner are required, but the Department of Foreign Affairs requires a completed contract. Furthermore, businesses believe that information needs to be transparent and that maximum support should be provided. Officials should clearly understand the target recipients, not only businesspeople but also professionals and civil servants.

Regarding this matter, representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs clarified the businesses' questions and provided guidance on the procedures for issuing APEC cards to businesspeople.

Mr. Thai Dai Phong - Director of Duc Phong Co., Ltd., raised concerns about high land lease prices at Nghi Phu Industrial Park. Photo: Thu Huyen

At the meeting, representatives from businesses in Nghi Phu Industrial Park continued to raise concerns about the high and unfair land lease prices of eight companies within the park. These concerns have been submitted to relevant departments and agencies for 10 years but have yet to be fully resolved. Furthermore, the electricity and water systems in the park still do not meet the needs of businesses.

Some businesses also raised concerns regarding issues related to insurance policies, VAT refunds, delayed tax payments, inter-provincial transport permits, liquor business licenses, and startup initiatives. These business recommendations have been addressed and clarified by relevant departments and agencies: the Tax Department, the Party Committee of the Business Sector, the Provincial Social Insurance Agency, and the Departments of Industry and Trade, Finance, Natural Resources and Environment, and Transport.

Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, Vo Thi An, responds to a business's request regarding the licensing of imported alcoholic beverages. Photo: Thu Huyen.

Concluding the meeting, Mr. Le Ngoc Hoa, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, addressed and shared the difficulties and obstacles faced by businesses; and at the same time, received feedback and suggestions for compilation and resolution.

Nghi Thiet cement mixing plant. Photo: Thu Huyen

In the spirit of resolving difficulties and creating the most favorable conditions for businesses, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Le Ngoc Hoa requested the Department of Finance to take the lead in coordinating with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the Nghe An Tax Department, and the Vinh City Project Management Board to work with businesses to definitively resolve the issue of land lease prices at Nghi Phu Industrial Park; at the same time, he assigned the Vinh City People's Committee to work with Nghe An Electricity Company and Nghe An Water Supply Company Limited regarding ensuring electricity and clean water supply for businesses to operate.

Other suggestions and proposals from businesses are also specifically assigned to relevant departments and agencies for thorough resolution and response.

Also this morning, the meeting heard and gave opinions on the policy of establishing the Nghe An Provincial Business Association.

Thu Huyen