Promoting cooperation and trust in the Ba Ria - Vung Tau region

These achievements would not have been possible without the active companionship and support of the local government, which has fostered a transparent, business-friendly, and trustworthy environment for the business community.

Enhancing Dialogue and Easing Difficulties

Feedback from the business community in the Ba Ria - Vung Tau area (Phu My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) shows that in recent years, the local government has actively improved the investment and business climate through a range of integrated solutions. A standout initiative is the strengthening of dialogue channels between authorities and businesses. Regular dialogue conferences, thematic meetings, and hotline services have been consistently maintained, allowing businesses to voice their concerns and receive timely support and clarification from leadership at various levels.

Notably, business coffee talks and online dialogue sessions have served as effective bridges, enabling the government to better understand the difficulties faced by enterprises. These platforms help promptly address issues related to administrative procedures, land, credit, and planning policies. This proactive listening and swift action have significantly reduced business costs and processing times, while increasing trust in transparent and fair governance. Moreover, there has been a visible shift in civil servant attitudes—from “managing” to “serving”—creating a more open and cooperative working environment.

Administrative reform (PAR) remains a top priority in the Ba Ria - Vung Tau region, aiming to maximize convenience for businesses. Administrative procedures related to investment, business establishment, construction permits, and legal documentation have been reviewed, streamlined, and made transparent.

Additionally, the region has established a special task force to review and consolidate challenges during project implementation and provide consistent legal guidance. Processing times have been shortened, and all procedures are being transitioned to digital platforms. Businesses are now supported with faster access to investment, bidding, and disbursement mechanisms. Applying IT in administrative management and accelerating digital transformation in public services has expedited document processing and minimized corruption or bureaucratic hurdles.

Importantly, the implementation of Level 3 and Level 4 online public services allows businesses to complete many procedures anytime, anywhere—saving time and travel costs. This marks a significant step forward in building a modern, user-friendly, and efficient administration for business development.

Businesses have noted increased transparency in procedures and policies, with reduced “give-and-take” practices and greater fairness. This instills greater confidence among investors and entrepreneurs operating in the region.

Supporting Businesses to Take Off

Beyond removing barriers, the Ba Ria - Vung Tau government is also actively helping businesses access the resources needed for growth. Frequent investment and trade promotion programs are held, offering opportunities for businesses to meet partners and explore new markets. The province also emphasizes connecting businesses with credit institutions and small and medium enterprise (SME) development funds to help them access preferential loans.

Human resource development policies are also a focus—particularly in high-priority sectors like industry, tourism, and seaports. These include vocational training and high-quality workforce programs. A close collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and enterprises is gradually building a skilled labor pool that meets international integration demands.

Agreeing with this approach, Mr. Pham Van Triem, Chairman of the Ba Ria - Vung Tau SME Association, emphasized that the province has long taken the lead in crafting policies to support businesses—from startups to large corporations—fostering a favorable business climate and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Specifically, startup enterprises are supported with funding to implement innovative solutions in production and business. Assistance is provided in accessing investment funds and preferential capital through connection programs. They are also supported in registering intellectual property rights for inventions, industrial designs, and trademarks.

Entrepreneurs receive training in corporate governance, marketing, and finance. Startups are connected with experts and advisors to develop business ideas and models. Innovation startup competitions are organized to identify and incubate promising projects. Startups are encouraged to participate in tech and innovation networking events and trade promotion. They are also connected with large corporations and potential domestic and international investors. Further support includes building websites and developing e-commerce platforms to expand distribution channels.

Additionally, recognizing SMEs as the backbone of the economy, Ba Ria - Vung Tau has directed local credit institutions to reduce operational costs, boost IT adoption, simplify administrative procedures, and lower lending rates.

Efforts are also being made to promote loans secured by future-formed assets. The local SME association plays a key role in facilitating SME access to credit. Annual legal support plans are issued for SMEs, and legal education is strengthened in areas such as industry, energy, and commerce. Administrative processing times have been shortened beyond national ministry regulations. SMEs are encouraged and supported to adopt advanced technologies and digital transformation in management and production. Training programs help enhance production capacity and management skills. Investment and trade connection programs are organized to expand markets and develop e-commerce. Support is also provided for efficient and sustainable energy use.

Simultaneously, the Ba Ria – Vung Tau region is heavily investing in transport infrastructure, seaports, and industrial zones—critical factors that businesses highly value for facilitating goods movement, supply chain integration, and market access.

The steadfast support of local authorities continues to strengthen the business community’s confidence in the investment climate of Ba Ria - Vung Tau. Businesses feel more secure when investing and expanding operations, knowing that there is a government that listens, understands, and is ready to assist. This trust is a crucial driver for long-term commitment and sustainable co-development with the province.

In the context of deepening international economic integration, Phu My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province), remains committed to building a truly attractive, competitive, and transparent business environment. The local government will continue to innovate and improve its management capabilities, creating the most favorable conditions for businesses to realize their potential and contribute to the province’s overarching goal of becoming a high-quality marine economic, industrial, and tourism center for the nation.