Unleash your inner strength and charisma.

(Baonghean.vn)The central region of Vietnam, despite facing many hardships and poverty, holds a strategic position "bearing the weight of both ends of the country." The first North Central Vietnam Investment Promotion Conference, held in Nghe An on the morning of October 17, 2011, aimed to awaken its potential and strengths to become a driving force for the region's development and contribute to the country's sustainable growth.

For the first time, a regional-scale investment promotion conference was held in Nghe An. After many days of preparation, anticipation, and expectation, the conference concluded successfully. The conference was attended by 1,000 delegates, including government leaders, ministries, international organizations, embassies, and numerous investors. It was an important gathering for Nghe An and other provinces in the North Central region to demonstrate their determination in mobilizing all resources for regional development.

The North Central region, comprising six provinces – Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue – is a strategically important socio-economic region for the sustainable development of the country. It possesses abundant human resources and strengths in transportation, mineral resources, and marine economy. The distance from the North Central economic region to major national economic centers is only about a one-hour flight (by air) or a 12-hour road or rail journey, making travel and goods transportation very convenient.

Many industrial zones are being developed, such as the Nghi Son Economic Zone (Thanh Hoa), the Southeast Economic Zone (Nghe An), the Vung Ang Economic Zone (Ha Tinh), Hon La (Quang Binh), and Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), with the Nghi Son and Vung Ang Economic Zones being the largest. Another highlight of the region's economic development is the establishment of East-West border economic zones such as the Cau Treo International Border Gate Economic Zone (Ha Tinh), the Lao Bao Economic Zone (Quang Tri), and the Cha Lo Economic Zone (Quang Binh). These economic zones will promote economic relations between Vietnam and Laos and ensure border security.

Nghe An and other provinces in the Northwest region are making strong efforts to improve the investment and business environment, implementing comprehensive and effective investment attraction policies, and supporting investors in finding opportunities and implementing investment projects. Emphasis is placed on building a synchronized and modern infrastructure and technology, training high-quality human resources, promoting administrative procedure reform, and working alongside investors and businesses to create the most favorable conditions and best meet the needs of investors, so that the Northwest region truly becomes a safe and attractive destination for investors. In his opening remarks at the conference, Mr. Ho Duc Phoc, Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghe An province, expressed his hope that the Northwest region would truly be a safe, attractive, and effective destination for investors. He hoped that through this conference, investors would recognize a dynamic image of the Northwest region with great potential, a destination offering many investment opportunities.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Le Truong Luu, Vice Chairman of the Thua Thien Hue Provincial People's Committee, said: "Although Hue is currently experiencing flooding, Thua Thien Hue province still dedicated time to attending the conference and meticulously preparing its investment attraction booth, considering this an opportunity to promote investment. Vinh City is very modern and has a spacious layout. Nghe An truly has a very attractive geographical location. Hue currently has five industrial zones: Chan May-Lang Co, A Doi Border Gate Economic Zone, Phu Bai Industrial Zone, Phong Dien Industrial Zone, and Tu Ha Industrial Zone. But Hue's strongest asset that we want to promote at the conference is tourism and services."

Mr. Trinh Van Chien, Chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa province, expressed his delight that at the conference, Thanh Hoa had signed investment agreements for many large projects. He stated that Thanh Hoa is currently attracting projects in mechanical engineering, electronics manufacturing, petrochemicals, and supporting industries. This conference once again affirmed Thanh Hoa's position as a "gateway" to the region.

At the conference, many delegates argued that, in the strategy for sustainable economic development, the development of the Northwest region is an urgent requirement. In fact, during 25 years of reform, these provinces have gained certain experiences, but have also revealed weaknesses, particularly in regional linkages, branding, resource waste, and fragmented infrastructure investment. Presentations by leaders of ministries and agencies, managers, and investors clearly outlined methods and solutions to overcome difficulties and attract investment for the best results, with regional linkages being especially emphasized.

Mr. Tomoyuki Kimura, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Vietnam, believes that this is the time for significant breakthroughs in proactively linking regions both domestically and within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). He emphasized that to maximize economic benefits and ensure sustainable development, the six provinces of the South Central Coast need to leverage Vietnam's participation in the GMS program, with a strategic focus on three key aspects: connectivity, enhanced through the development of transportation infrastructure within the subregion, inter-regional energy linkages, and key communication systems; competitiveness, through improved connectivity, transportation, and trade, including cross-border agricultural trade; and community, through collaborative efforts to address social and environmental issues, such as preventing and controlling infectious diseases and protecting the region's diverse and rich ecosystems.

In line with the above viewpoint, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc stated that regional linkage does not mean uniform progress, but rather competition based on the potential and advantages of each locality. People in Central Vietnam are open, sincere, and honest. Building a regional brand is a challenge not only for the government but also for the people. In the spirit of consensus and responsibility for the development of the region, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized: The government requests that central ministries and agencies provide better support and create more favorable conditions for localities, including tax breaks and land allocation, for Central Vietnam, as it faces more difficulties compared to the two ends of the country. Localities need to create a transparent investment environment, achieve high administrative reform indices, combat corruption in investment, and create favorable conditions for investors, considering the interests of investors as their own.

The "heartland of Central Vietnam" still comprises many poor provinces, and attracting investment, especially foreign direct investment, remains a significant challenge. The current investment demand is enormous, yet the total investment capital remains modest. This presents an opportunity for donors and investors to further exploit the region's immense potential. This investment promotion conference holds particular importance, providing a good opportunity for localities in the region to showcase their image, potential, and investment environment. It also serves as a chance for investors to meet, exchange ideas, and seek cooperation and investment opportunities in the provinces of the Central region.

Thu Huyen - Chau Lan