Lang Son Proactive in International Economic Integration

Gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 10.45 percent a year on average in the 2006 - 2010 period, higher than that of the 2001 - 2005 period (10.04 percent). The local economy is being restructured on the right track, with agriculture and forestry accounting for 39.74 percent; industry and construction 21.08 percent; and services 39.18 percent. GDP per capita reached US$820 in 2010, doubling that in 2005. All sectors saw higher growth than a year earlier and beat initial targets. Material and spiritual life of the people has, thus, constantly improved. Infrastructure systems have been intensively invested to connect Lang Son with other provinces and cities, particularly major urban zones and border gates to boost up economic activities and international integration.

With the support of central, provincial and local authorities, businesses of all economic sectors and people are making tremendous progress in export activities. Export volume and value are being expanded. In 2010, import and export turnover totalled US$2,073 million, 42.9 percent higher than the target and 36 percent higher than 2009.

 

Industrial production valued at VND1,621.2 billion in 2010, up 11.6 percent over 2009. Besides, local trade kept high growth momentum. Goods and services were diversified; the quality improved; and the supply and demand for goods and services were balanced. In 2010, the total turnover of goods valued at VND8,975 billion, equal to 101.7 percent of the full-year plan and up 14.5 percent from 2009.

 

Thoroughly understanding and effectively implementing the Resolution of the 10^th Central Party Standing Committee Meeting on fundamental guidelines and policies for rapid and sustainable economic development when Vietnam was a full member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the People’s Committee of Lang Son province issued the International Economic Integration Plan for 2011 with specific tasks and programmes focusing on popularising international economic integration, reforming administrative procedures, enhancing corporate competitiveness, and improving investment environment, etc.

The province has effectively restructured its management apparatus in accordance with the Decree 13/2008/ND-CP and the Decree 14/2008/ND-CP of the Government. It continues to step up public administration reform and applying ‘one-stop shop” administrative mechanism to some agencies. It gradually modernises administrative apparatus in accordance with the ISO 9001-2000 international quality standards. It continues reviewing administration to eliminate unnecessary procedures; intensifying the publicity and transparency of policies and administrative mechanism; mobilising and using investment resources, enhancing the competitiveness of products and businesses, stepping up trade promotion, and attracting foreign investors; speeding up economic and commercial cooperation programme with Guangxi (China); working with Guangxi authorities to settle down import - export problems; joining with Vietnamese provinces of Cao Bang, Quang Ninh and Ha Giang to carry out the development programme with Guangxi.

In addition, Lang Son continues attracting investment capital into Dong Dang - Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone established according to the Decision No. 55/2008/QD-TTg dated April 28, 2008 and the Decision No. 138/2008/QD-TTg dated October 14, 2008 of the Prime Minister. The province will boost investment for infrastructure systems and border market systems.

Powered by its achievements, Lang Son will continue to accelerate economic growth and ensure the steady development of industry and trade to fulfil objectives and tasks laid out in the Resolution of the 15^th Provincial Party Congress. In the short term, the province will focus on implementing the contents of the Action Plan of the Provincial People’s Committee in response to the Resolution 11/NQ-CP of the Government on major measures to curb inflation, stabilise macro economy, and ensure social security.