Dak Nong Focusing on Processing Industry and Hi-tech Agriculture

In 2011, the Vietnamese and world economies were confronted with unexpected and serious difficulties and challenges, especially inflation, credit policy, high interest rates affecting production activities of businesses and people and the implementation of economic objectives of the province set forth in late 2010. Consequently, GDP in 1994 constant price increased 12.13 percent, below the plan of 15.22 percent. Nevertheless, with concerted efforts of local authorities, businesses and people and the guidance of the central government, the province eventually overcame difficulties.

 

 In fact, the main targets of socio-economic development have been attained. Economic structure continues to transform in favour of industry-construction and service. Industry increased 22.09 percent and agriculture-forestry, 5.96 percent. Export value was US$370 million, 132.14 percent of the plan. Household poverty under the new standard fell to 22.52 percent (6.73 percent less or 168 percent of the plan). 66 domestic investment projects and one FDI project have been registered with capital of VND1,687.2 billion and US$3.04 million. In general, the province has maintained growth rates equivalent to national development.

 

 What is the strategy of the province to increase economic sustainability and competitiveness, as well as building new rural areas?

 The constant strategy of the province is to develop socio-economic sustainability and competitiveness, getting rid of poverty by 2015 and overtaking other provinces by 2020.

 

 In pursuance of those objectives, Dak Nong authorities and people will implement Resolution of the X Dak Nong Party Convention with 12 tasks, including three breakthroughs in mining and energy, the key economic issues in the coming years:

 

 The province will facilitate the building of hydro power stations, Nhan Co Alumin processing factory and supporting industries for the exploitation of bauxite and alumin, and production of aluminum.

 

Regarding the processing industry and hi-tech agriculture, the province will combine the agriculture and processing industry and consumption markets, developing hi-tech agricultural regions and policies encouraging local and foreign businesses investing in this area.

 

Dak Nong will promote service and tourism, with priority for high-quality services, developing key tourist centres in Nam Nung, Ta Dung, Dray Sap – Trinh Nu and Lieng Nung waterfalls, connecting Dak Nong tourism with that in the Highlands and neighbouring provinces, and combining tourism with cultural development.

 

In addition to those breakthroughs, Dak Nong will focus on human resources development, training young managers of high quality and capacity for administration and production, as well as skilled workers to meet the provinces needs for socio-economic development.

 

Gia Nghia urban area and infrastructure will be built to attract investment, together with the upgrading of routes 14, 14C, 28 and Ho Chi Minh Highway, as well as province and district roads leading to Bu Prang border gate. The province and the central government will build Gia Nghia – Lam Dong – Binh Thuan railways for bauxite exploitation and socio-economic development of the Highlands.

 

 Gia Nghia urban infrastructure is within the national programme of upgrading urban areas in 2009-2020. Meanwhile water conservancy projects will be completed by 2013 to ensure water irrigation for 80 percent of the province’s cultivated land.

 

 Investments will also be attracted to industry, tourism, service, hi-tech agriculture, infrastructure and PPP projects.

 

 How do you encourage the development of businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises?

 Dak Nong lies in a disadvantaged region; most businesses are newly developed, limited in number and size, mainly small and medium-sized enterprises. However, in recent years, businesses of the province have made considerable contribution to economic growth, export turnover, budget revenue and social welfare, creating jobs and reducing poverty. Dak Nong considers the business community as the main force of socio-economic development for the province. Therefore, Dak Nong has always worked side by side with businesses, facilitating their development in number and size.

 

Businesses in the province enjoy high preferential treatment in land, taxes and interest rates in accordance with government regulations. They can also benefit from special policies of the province, for instance, support in land clearance and compensation for land use or land rental, capital or support for infrastructure development and training of workforce, access to capital from investment and development funds of the province.

 

 How do you assist businesses in overcoming difficulties?

Vietnamese businesses, including those in Dak Nong, are confronted with difficulties such as inflation, high production cost, shrinking markets, and especially high interest rates causing capital shortage.

 

In the face of these difficulties, together with the support of the central government, Dak Nong has developed several assistance programmes alleviating constraints on businesses. For instance, the province helps businesses create outlets and expand markets, organizing and assisting businesses to participate in promotion activities in the province, throughout Vietnam and foreign countries. The province also helps businesses increase their competitiveness with training courses in management and capacity building free of charge. Meanwhile, seminars on trademarks and science applications are also sponsored to promote production.

 

In addition, businesses can also benefit from free promotion of products and brands in business and investment bulletins, as well as assistance to develop their websites.

 

 As a poor province, the assistance to businesses remains modest. However, it has contributed to the efforts of businesses to overcome the time of difficulties, continue production and attain sustainable development.