Trade and Tourism: Motivation behind Economic Restructuring

3:26:17 PM | 7/8/2005

Interview with Mr Cao Van Thum, Director of Hau Giang Trade and Tourism Department

Could you give a brief overview on trade and tourism activities in Hau Giang since its separation from Can Tho?

Hau Giang's economic development is speeding up stably since its separation from Can Tho province. Total goods sales and services reached VND3,000 billion in the first year since separation, while the combined turnover from import-export and foreign currency services hit US$132 million. The province has set up its own development strategy, which will focus on expanding the domestic market, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, and the foreign market, and upgrading trade centres, supermarkets, resorts and recreation areas. The typical characteristics of tourism in Hau Giang include the floating market, and eco- and orchard tourism, which aim to meet the trading and recreation demand of the public. The training for human resources in tourism is also a priority that will boost the acceleration of economic restructuring.

The province has been drafting a "Master plan on developing Hau Giang's trade and tourism by 2015," in which all economic sectors are encouraged to invest money in trade and tourism under the most preferential policies.

What are the comparative advantages of Hau Giang's production sector?

Agriculture, aquaculture and industrial plants are the sectors that hold the largest proportions and economic value in the province's production structure, with fruit processing considered a premise in its economic restructuring. The planning and development of specific zones is being carried out by the local agriculture and rural development department, under the model of rice-fish-rice, sugarcane and mandarin specialised areas so as to ensure stable material sources for agro-processing enterprises. The province has also planned to develop cultivation areas of high-value aqua products, such as fresh water shrimp, thac lac fish and other fresh-water fish. With the combined activities of processing enterprises and the local authorities' efforts to boost trade and draw in more investment, I believe that Hau Giang will leap forward in its aims to modernise and integrate into the global economy.

What plans for technical and infrastructural upgrades has the trade and tourism sector made?

The Trade and Tourism Department has set up feasible projects which take advantage of the province's potentials. At the same time, it calls for investment in key projects, including the construction of an exhibition centre for financial matters which will be able to host international seminars and act as a wholesale market facilitating trade between Hau Giang and neighbouring provinces. It will also promote eco-tourist sites, such as Tan Binh (Phung Hiep), Vien Lang Bai Boi (Long My) and a restaurant-hotel complex in Dai Han Lake (Vi Thanh Township). Furthermore, the Trade and Tourism Department has provided investors with detailed information on both the department's and the province's proposed plans.