Tra Vinh strives for a new investment space

Mr. Le Van Han noted that Tra Vinh has implemented, and will continue to implement measures to improve the investment and business climate, raise competitiveness, and attract local and overseas investors. This initiative helps to advance the province's socioeconomic growth, putting Tra Vinh among the top provinces in the Mekong Delta.

- Could you share some insights about the potential and distinct advantages of Tra Vinh in attracting investment and developing the economy?

Tra Vinh is one of the Mekong Delta provinces with a lot of potential and advantages in terms of marine economic development.

Tra Vinh holds a strategic position in terms of economics, military, and security. It is a vital maritime route for the Mekong Delta and a significant province in the marine economy. The Government has prioritized investment in key national projects such as the Duyen Hai Power Center, with a total capacity of 4,900 MW; deep-water navigation channels for large vessels into the Hau River; and the Dinh An Economic Zone, one of 16 key coastal economic zones nationwide.

Tra Vinh has around 95,000 hectares dedicated to aquaculture, including brackish and saltwater shrimp farming, as well as 6,000 hectares of protective forest. The conservation and replanting of coastal mangrove forests, paired with various aquaculture techniques, as well as the care and preservation of these forests, have significantly contributed to the socioeconomic development of coastal localities. Tra Vinh offers several benefits to promote farming and fishing based on its current potential.

- How do you assess Tra Vinh's socioeconomic status throughout time?

Tra Vinh has recently introduced methods to speed up the flow of public investment funding, ease business obstacles, and promote investment and commerce. As a result, the Tra Vinh province's socioeconomic status remains steady, with numerous good developments in a variety of areas.
Tra Vinh's GDP growth rate reached 8.25% in 2023; the economy's size reached VND 83.375 trillion, up approximately VND 10.5 trillion from 2022; budget revenue exceeded the estimates by 134.76%; and total social investment reached VND 32.011 trillion.

Tra Vinh province's GRDP growth rate reached 10.27% in the first half of 2024, ranking first in the Mekong Delta and sixth nationally, the largest rise since the start of the current term.

However, we assess that Tra Vinh economy still faces some difficulties, such as the complex situation of natural disasters, particularly surges in landslides and tidal flooding, which significantly affect production and livelihoods; industrial production has decreased compared to the same period last year; diseases affecting crops and livestock, such as African swine fever and black-headed caterpillars harming coconuts, have not been completely controlled; and the negative impact of prolonged heat waves and saltwater intrusion poses serious risks.

Furthermore, the province now has 5,654 businesses, the majority of which are small or micro in size. For example, several firms have recently been operating inefficiently, forcing them to temporarily cease operations or dissolve, while the number of newly founded enterprises has decreased compared to the same period last year.

- What steps is Tra Vinh taking to achieve its aim of becoming the leading province in the Mekong Delta, sir?

In the coming time, Tra Vinh will decisively and effectively execute the Tra Vinh Provincial Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, which has been approved by the Prime Minister, particularly in sectors with many potentials and advantages. Besides, there are several important tasks to be done, including prioritizing resource allocation to organize the synchronous and effective implementation of growth space, forming regions and gateways, and establishing three key axes, including those along the coastal road, National Highway 60, and the Hong Ngu-Tra Vinh highway.

Tra Vinh will maximize and effectively utilize resources by developing the urban system, investing in the infrastructure of the Dinh An Economic Zone, and the Co Chien and Cau Quan Industrial Parks, as well as investing in transportation infrastructure, with an emphasis on coastal corridor roads and national highways that run through the province; improving seaport efficiency, and developing logistics. In addition, the province has concretized and concentrated on seriously, universally, and continually executing the Government's resolutions on business support and development, improving the business climate, and increasing competitiveness.

In this regard, the province has identified improving the PCI, PGI, PAPI, SIPAS, and PAR INDEX as a key priority in its yearly plan.

Tra Vinh will keep promoting administrative and judicial reform from the province level to the grassroots, as well as accelerate digital transformation, develop E-Government, and provide the best environment for residents and businesses.

Furthermore, the province is establishing a coordination regulation among agencies to carry out inspection and auditing functions related to businesses in accordance with current rules, ensuring there is no overlap or duplication, and that it does not interfere with production and business activities, thereby avoiding psychological burdens on people and businesses. Along with the complete and timely execution of policies and initiatives to help small and medium-sized businesses, the province will provide extra support to firms seeking to expand their market and encourage fair competition.

Thank you very much!