Nghe An: The economy is flourishing, determined to accelerate to achieve the growth target by 2025

On the morning of July 9, at the 31st session of the 18th Provincial People's Council, Comrade Bui Thanh An - Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee presented a report on the socio-economic situation in the first 6 months of the year and directions, tasks and solutions for the last 6 months of 2025.

In the context of the complicated international situation, geopolitical competition, armed conflicts, supply chain instability, etc. negatively affecting the global economy, Nghe An still maintains a quite impressive growth momentum.

The GRDP growth rate of the whole province is estimated at 8.24%, ranking 12th out of 34 provinces and cities after the reorganization, higher than the same period in 2024 (6.76%). In particular, the industrial - construction sector plays a leading role with an increase of 13.45% (industry alone reaches 14.42%), continuing to be the main pillar promoting growth.

The agriculture, forestry and fishery sector increased by 4.48%; services increased by 6.72%. Export turnover is estimated at 1.8 billion USD, up 25.1%; retail sales of goods and services are estimated at 87.3 trillion VND, up 14.8%.

State budget revenue reached 13,909 billion VND, equal to 78.5% of the estimate, up 14.7% over the same period, of which domestic revenue accounted for 12,932 billion VND, reaching 80.7% of the estimate.

The province has resolutely directed the acceleration of public investment disbursement since the beginning of the year. As of June 30, the total disbursed public investment capital reached VND3,907 billion, equivalent to 43.09% of the detailed capital plan, higher than the same period in 2024.

Industrial production has shown clear signs of recovery, with the Industrial Production Index (IIP) estimated to increase by 14.67%; in particular, the processing and manufacturing industry increased by 13.55%, with many products growing remarkably, especially electronic components.

A series of new projects put into operation in economic zones and industrial parks such as VSIP and WHA have significantly increased the local production capacity. At the same time, the work of improving the investment environment has been promoted. In the first 6 months of the year, the province has granted 35 new projects and adjusted 98 projects with a total registered investment capital of more than 15,000 billion VND.

Regarding agriculture, the total winter-spring crop output is estimated at nearly 634 thousand tons. Livestock production remains stable, newly planted forest area increases by 11%, timber output increases by 8.9%, and aquaculture increases by 4.4%.

The new rural development program continues to be promoted, with 8 communes recognized as meeting standards at all levels, and Nam Dan district (old) meeting advanced new rural standards. The total number of OCOP products with 3-star or higher ratings in the whole province has now reached 737 products.

Tourism also had a strong recovery, with total arrivals reaching about 6.2 million people; of which more than 3.8 million were overnight guests, up 13% over the same period.

In terms of society, Nghe An continues to maintain its position in leading education with 96 students winning prizes in the national excellent student exam, ranking 5th in the country; well organizing the 10th grade high school entrance exams and high school graduation exams in 2025 to ensure seriousness, safety, and compliance with regulations.

The health sector has been strengthened, and health care services have been improved. Social security work has many bright spots, notably the program to support the construction and repair of houses for the poor, with more than 20,452 houses completed, reaching 98.19% of the plan, aiming to complete 100% in July.

The Provincial People's Committee also identified administrative reform, digital transformation and reorganization as the breakthroughs of the year. With the motto: "Clear work content; clear staff; clear leadership and direction; clear completion time; clear work products", administrative reform work was carried out vigorously. The province selected 6 units as steering points; at the same time, 3 major steering committees were merged into the Provincial Steering Committee on "science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation, administrative reform and Project 06".

Up to now, 25/45 tasks, equivalent to 55.6% of this year's administrative reform tasks, have been completed. Notably, from July 1, the 2-level local government model has been officially deployed. After nearly 9 days of operation under the new model, it has generally been well-received by public opinion, especially in receiving and handling administrative procedures, with no outstanding issues. The Provincial People's Committee is directing departments and branches to closely monitor the organization and operation to continue to support the handling of difficulties and problems arising from practice so that the new apparatus can operate smoothly and effectively.

The work of ensuring national defense, security, and social order and safety continues to be strengthened. Central working delegations and political and cultural events take place safely and thoughtfully. Foreign relations are expanded, contributing to raising the province's position in the context of integration.

However, the Provincial People's Committee also frankly pointed out many shortcomings and challenges: GRDP growth has not reached the set scenario (8.24% compared to 9.25%), creating great pressure for the remaining two quarters. Enterprises still face difficulties, the number of dissolved and temporarily suspended enterprises is increasing.

Progress on some key projects is slow due to land acquisition and procedural issues. Recruitment of skilled workers for FDI projects has not met requirements.

State management in some areas is still inadequate; in the province, there is a situation of taking advantage of the time of administrative unit arrangement to encroach on land and build illegal works.

Administrative reform has had positive changes but still does not meet requirements; the settlement of administrative procedures is sometimes and in some places slow.

To complete the 2025 task (especially the 10.5% growth target) - the final year of the term and the pivotal year for the new development period, the Provincial People's Committee identified 11 key groups of solutions: Focus on effectively operating the 2-level local government model; review and update the growth management scenario; boost production, remove difficulties for businesses; accelerate public investment disbursement; strictly and effectively collect and spend budget; strongly improve the investment environment, enhance competitiveness.

Take care of the fields of education, health, social security; strictly manage resources, environment, and respond to natural disasters; promote digital transformation and administrative reform, avoid interruption of public services; prepare well for Party congresses at all levels and elections of National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels; ensure national defense, security, social stability, and strengthen information, propaganda, and mass mobilization work to create social consensus.