Nghe An strives for PCI index to be in the top 15 of the country

PV:In the past half term, 2015 - 2018, Nghe An has made many innovations in the field of investment attraction. Could you please tell us more about this field?
Comrade Le Ngoc Hoa:Investment attraction is a very important field, a driving force for development, so it has received special attention from Nghe An over the years. Leaders at all levels and sectors have closely directed agencies and units to implement programs and action plans with specific solutions to improve the investment environment and improve the component indicators of the PCI index (provincial competitiveness). The most important thing is the service mindset, proactive in seeking and inviting investors. Therefore, not only at the provincial level but also the awareness of all levels, sectors and localities on improving the investment and business environment and attracting investment has many positive changes, the implementation has the participation of the entire political system. Localities are also very proactive in inviting and accompanying investors and receiving high consensus from people in the project area.

Electronic products production at BSE Vietnam Electronics Company in Nam Cam Industrial Park. Photo: Chau Lan

At the same time, the province has promoted administrative reform, reducing the time to handle administrative procedures related to the investment sector by 20% -50%. Many administrative procedures are carried out through public services at levels 3 and 4. In 2017, Nghe An's administrative reform index reached 78.27 points, ranking 31/63 provinces and cities nationwide, up 7 places compared to 2016. The one-stop shop and inter-connected one-stop shop mechanism has been adjusted and the quality of implementation has been improved. Currently, the whole province has 23/25 departments and branches; 21/21 districts, cities and towns and 457/480 commune-level units that have implemented the one-stop shop and inter-connected one-stop shop mechanism. The unit receiving and returning results according to the one-stop shop mechanism in the investment sector located at the Provincial Investment Promotion and Support Center has been in operation since June 19, 2017.

During the process of directing and operating, the provincial leaders have increased direct dialogue with businesses to resolve difficulties and obstacles for businesses in production, business and investment activities. The Provincial People's Committee periodically organizes monthly and quarterly conferences with business associations and entrepreneurs to grasp the situation of operations, receive recommendations and direct the resolution of difficulties.

Every quarter, the Provincial Party Secretary, Chairman and Vice Chairmen of the Provincial People's Committee hold meetings with departments, branches, localities and investors to grasp the situation and progress of implementing key projects and investment attraction projects; receive recommendations from investors and conclude and direct the resolution of problems and difficulties in the implementation process as well as resolve investment procedures of the projects.

Fish sauce production line at Masan MB Nam Cam. Photo: PV

On that basis, Nghe An province continues to improve institutions, mechanisms, policies, planning and plans for important areas for investment attraction and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state management of investment to soon promote the effectiveness of projects in the area, while resolutely revoking projects that are behind schedule and not implemented.

PV:After more than half of the term, what important results has Nghe An achieved in attracting investment, comrade?
Comrade Le Ngoc Hoa:Investment attraction results from 2016 to June 30, 2018 reached a registered capital of over VND 54,000 billion), achieving over 50% of the target for investment attraction by 2020 (VND 100,000 billion). In particular, it has attracted investors in industrial park infrastructure business and large-scale investment projects of prestigious domestic and foreign investors; implemented cooperation with infrastructure business investors in investment promotion to ensure that investment attraction is more focused, effective and feasible.
Nghe An's business investment environment has improved significantly. The provincial competitiveness index has increased year by year. In 2017, it ranked 21st out of 63 provinces nationwide, leading the 6 provinces in the North Central region. The PCI results of Nghe An in 2017 showed some positive indicators such as easier access to land (the province's land access index increased by 11 places compared to 2016); the burden of administrative procedure compliance for enterprises tended to decrease, unofficial costs decreased (up 13 places compared to 2016); business support services improved significantly (ranked 4th out of 63 provinces and cities, up 19 places compared to 2016), and the quality of labor training was positively assessed.

Yarn production line at Hoang Thi Loan Textile Joint Stock Company. Photo: An Vinh

However, there are still some shortcomings such as: Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) is very low, only 5.6% in quantity and 13.3% in registered capital; there are not many large projects that are dynamic and strongly promote the economic development of the province. Attracting investment in economic zones and industrial parks accounts for a low proportion, only 17.3% in quantity and 24.27% in registered capital. That requires us to actively improve the investment and business environment further.

PV:What solutions will Nghe An implement to achieve the best results in the coming years in this field, comrade?
Comrade Le Ngoc Hoa:From the above issues, Nghe An province needs to focus on directing and implementing effectively and feasibly the following contents: Creating conditions for businesses to enter the market more easily; increasing transparency, helping businesses access information easily; a more equal investment and business environment; the government needs to be more dynamic and flexible; a reliable legal system; creating a skilled supply source and management training for businesses.
In the 2015-2020 period, Nghe An strives to attract about 100,000 billion VND, of which FDI capital is about 50,000 billion VND. Nghe An also sets a goal of improving the investment and business environment, by 2020, the PCI index will be in the top 15 of the country.

Steel production in Hoa Sen Steel factory. Photo: PV

The province will strengthen the leadership and direction of Party committees and authorities at all levels in attracting investment; Proactively integrate and expand international cooperation in various fields; Strengthen propaganda and promotion to promote investment attraction; Proactively approach and mobilize foreign investors, especially large and prestigious corporations, to learn about the potential and investment opportunities in the province; Review, supplement and consistently implement mechanisms and policies to attract foreign investment.