Industry and Trade Sector: Exceeded many economic targets.

(Baonghean) - In 2014, thanks to the efforts of businesses and the support of local authorities, Nghe An's industrial production and trade achieved positive results, contributing to overcoming difficulties and maintaining the overall stability and development of the economy. On the occasion of the beginning of Spring 2015, Nghe An Newspaper conducted an interview with Comrade Phan Thanh Tinh - Provincial Party Committee member, Director of the Department of Industry and Trade.

Reporter:In 2014, Nghe An's industrial production and trade achieved positive results, contributing to the socio-economic development of the province. Could you tell us about the outstanding achievements?

Comrade Phan Thanh Tinh:In 2014, overcoming difficulties, industrial production was on the path to recovery, especially in the last months of the year in some advantageous sectors. The value of industrial production reached VND 30,846 billion, an increase of 13.537% compared to 2013, achieving 104.92% of the annual plan (the national growth rate was 7.14%). Specifically, mining increased by 8.58%; processing and manufacturing increased by 14.14%; electricity, gas, hot water, steam and air conditioning production and distribution increased by 7.52%; water supply, waste management and wastewater treatment increased by 10.41%. In 2014, the industrial production index increased at its highest rate in the last three years due to the opening of several new factories and production lines, which increased production output. Some products that are raw materials for construction, such as building stone, fired bricks, cement, and roofing sheets, are beginning to see production resume.

Comrade Phan Thanh Tinh - Provincial Party Committee member, Director of the Department of Industry and Trade

The province has 32 industrial clusters (ICs) that have completed the initial stages of investment and construction. Of these, 9 ICs are fully occupied, 7 ICs are under investment and have businesses operating, 8 ICs are in the process of infrastructure construction, and 8 ICs have had their detailed plans prepared and approved. These industrial clusters have attracted 179 investment projects, including 3 foreign investment projects. The total investment capital of businesses in these ICs reached 2,038 billion VND. The number of workers employed in these ICs is 11,745. Currently, the production value of businesses in these ICs is approximately 2,358 billion VND per year, accounting for 9% of the province's total industrial production value. Tax revenue from businesses in these ICs is approximately 165 billion VND.

In 2014, the Department of Industry and Trade proposed to the Provincial People's Committee the recognition of 7 new craft villages, bringing the total number of craft villages in the province to 133. Simultaneously, the department successfully organized the selection of outstanding rural industrial products. As a result, 2 products achieved regional recognition, and 11 products received provincial recognition. Production in these craft villages has developed quite diversely, attracting a regular workforce of nearly 28,600 people with an average income of approximately 21 million VND per person per year.

Regarding trade activities, total retail sales of goods in 2014 reached VND 34,652 billion, an increase of 11% compared to 2013. Total export turnover for the year reached USD 682 million, an increase of 5.53% compared to 2013, of which, merchandise export turnover in 2014 reached USD 415.4 million, an increase of 10.2% compared to the previous year. Excluding the collective economic sector, all other economic sectors participating in exports increased compared to the previous year, with a strong increase in foreign-invested enterprises, at 19.87%.

Reporter:To achieve those results, what kind of development plans, mechanisms, and policies has the sector implemented, Comrade?

Comrade Phan Thanh Tinh:Over the past year, the Department of Industry and Trade has collaborated with the Institute for Industrial Development Policy Research to develop the Industrial and Commercial Development Plan along the Ho Chi Minh Highway until 2025, with a vision to 2035; the Industrial and Commercial Development Plan for the North Central and Central Coastal regions; compiled and reported on adjustments and additions to the overall socio-economic development plan of Nghe An province until 2020; the department also reviewed the situation regarding the preparation and approval of development plans and projects in various sectors under the Department of Industry and Trade; coordinated with relevant units to continue implementing the electricity development plan for districts, cities, and towns in Nghe An province for the period 2011-2015; and compiled a report on the results of implementing the targets of the 17th Provincial Party Congress and the results of one year of implementing Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW of the Politburo.

Booth showcasing products from Que Phong district at the North Central Region Trade Fair - Nghe An 2014. Photo: Thu Huyen

In addition, the sector has advised on the development and submission to the Provincial People's Committee of documents on: Regulations on the management and use of industrial promotion funds; the "Investment attraction project in the field of industry and trade until 2020"; the project on the development of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic product processing industries associated with exports in Nghe An province until 2020; the adjustment and supplementation of the development plan for industrial clusters in Nghe An province until 2020; and the development of the outline for the development of electricity in Nghe An province for the period 2016-2025 with consideration to 2035. It has also advised the Provincial People's Committee on rectifying the business activities of petroleum products and improving state management of market operations in the province. Furthermore, it has developed an action plan for the Industry and Trade sector to implement Resolution No. 19/NQ-CP dated March 18, 2014, of the Government on key tasks and solutions to improve the business environment and enhance national competitiveness. Implementing the development of the Industrial and Trade Development Plan and the State Budget Estimate for 2015, and the Industrial and Trade Development Plan for the period 2016-2020...

Reporter:2015 is the final year of the 2011-2015 socio-economic development plan. The province continues to focus on implementing Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the direction and tasks for the development of Nghe An province until 2020; it is also the year of holding Party congresses at all levels for the 2015-2020 term. Could you please share some solutions to create a new momentum in various sectors to meet the objectives and tasks for 2015?

Comrade Phan Thanh Tinh:Based on the projected situation, the Industry and Trade sector has set the following goals for 2015: Striving to achieve the highest possible level of completion of the main targets and tasks of the 17th Provincial Party Congress; continuing to significantly improve the investment environment and effectively mobilize resources for development; enhancing efficiency, sustainable development, and reasonable growth; strengthening social security; promoting administrative reform and combating corruption and waste. All of this aims to create a higher level of development and effectively implement Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW of the Politburo on Nghe An.

Manufactured by Yen Thanh Garment Company.

Specific targets: Industrial production value (at 2010 constant prices): VND 34,882 billion, an increase of 13.08% compared to 2014; Total retail sales of goods and services: VND 45,000 billion; Total export turnover: USD 550 million, of which: goods export turnover: USD 420 million; import turnover: USD 350 million.

Along with reviewing and completing the targets of the Resolution of the 17th Provincial Party Congress, the Industry and Trade sector is focusing on implementing Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the direction and tasks for the development of Nghe An province until 2020; at the same time, it is proceeding with the construction of the 5-year plan for 2016-2020 of the sector, preparing plans and targets for the sector to serve the resolutions of the Party congresses at all levels for the 2015-2020 term. The sector focuses on the following groups of solutions: Boosting industrial production, developing the domestic market, and developing import and export; Paying attention to investing in building a team of entrepreneurs and improving the quality of human resources; Promoting administrative reform; directing and managing, preventing and combating corruption, practicing thrift, and combating waste. Strengthen state management of industry and trade activities, effectively implement the coordination regulations between provincial-level departments and agencies and localities in directing, managing, and supervising the implementation of tasks, programs, and plans for 2015.

Thu Huyen(Perform)