In the framework of the Mekong Delta Economic Cooperation Forum 2016 (MDEC-Hau Giang 2016), Southwest Steering Committee, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and Hau Giang People’s Committee have jointly sponsored a conference of constructive consultation between people’s committees of the Mekong Delta, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and business communities to create a favourable business environment, promoting trade and trademarks, attracting investment, and upgrading economic growth in the Mekong Delta.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Le Hung Dung, Vice Chairman of Southwest Steering Committee, said that the government has decided 2016 is the year of National Business Startup in harmony with the development of business communities in Mekong Delta and nation-wide. According to the statistics of Foreign Investment Agency, the region has attracted 79 FDI projects with total registered capital of US$987.42 million, up 38.6 per cent in projects and 35.27 per cent in registered capital, increasing the total of projects to 1,248 by June 20, 2016 with over US$18.9 billion.
From the beginning of the year to June 15, 2016, the Mekong Delta have 3,880 newly registered businesses with total registered capital of VND39,879 billion, up by 9.2 per cent in businesses and 128 per cent in registered capital, together with 1,894 businesses reactivated, up by 120 per cent, thus ensuring it the leading role among 6 economic regions in Vietnam. In total, the region has some 74,500 businesses operating with registered capital of some VND605 trillion. Nonetheless, most of them are SMEs with weak competitiveness, requiring assistance from the government, administrative reform of the provinces for one-stop shop as well as cooperation among businesses. “Therefore, the conference this time is expected to develop the cooperation and linkage between businesses in the Mekong Delta and others in the Eastern South Vietnam and especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City”, Mr Le Hung Dung emphasised.
Sharing the same view, Mr Vo Tan Thanh, VCCI Vice President, said that in 2015 Vietnam economy has overcome a difficult time and revitalised. The turning point is underscored by the extensive integration to the global economy, being member of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and new generation of free trade agreements. As far as the Mekong Delta is regarded, free trade will offer both opportunities and challenges and therefore local businesses should increase their cooperation and linkage, prepare good investments to ensure success in the new era. “Besides, there must be active support from the State with appropriate policy to ensure transparent and equal business environment so that businesses can develop the advantages and potential of the Mekong Delta”, MrThanh recommended.
Regarding business activities in the Mekong Delta, VCCI Can Tho representative said that 2016 has marked the development of Vietnam economy after a recession and businesses have resumed their normal activities. However, the impact in the first 6 months of 2016 is from AEC and TPP as well as the climate change affecting the region. According to a VCCI survey, businesses in the Mekong Delta have also difficulties in production of rice, aqua-products, in workforce, access to credits, taxes and administrative formalities.
To overcome those challenges, VCCI Can Tho recommended the government provide more information on international integration, assisting businesses, especially SMEs, in the integration. Furthermore, the role and activities of business associations must be intensified. To this end, the Council of Businesses Association in the Mekong Delta should be established to heighten the role of businesses.
T.Thanh – N.Hung
Vietnamese
