PM orders special development policies, mechanisms for southeast region

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)

HCM City – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested special development policies and mechanisms be issued for the southeast region, while chairing a conference to debut the Coordinating Council for the Southeast Region held in Ho Chi Minh City on July 18.

In the immediate future, PM Chinh, who is also head of the council, said the focus should be placed on three strategic breakthroughs linked to three growth drivers of consumption, investment, and export. Efforts must be made to address transportation bottlenecks, protect the living and ecological environment, and deal with housing issues for workers and low-income earners, and slums in urban areas.

The southeast region covers an area of 23,551 sq.km, accounting for 7.1 per cent of the country's total. It has a population of around 18.8 million people, or 18.9 per cent of the national. As the biggest economic hub of the country, it holds a significant position and role in the national socio-economic development.

Last year, its gross regional domestic product (GRDP) made up around 31 per cent of the country’s total while exports and budget revenue made up about 35 per cent and 38 per cent of the country's total figures, respectively. Its urbanisation rate reached 66.5 per cent, which was 1.8 times the national average.

According to the Politburo’s resolution and the Government’s action programme, the southeast region is expected to become a dynamic and fast-growing area, a hub of sci-tech and innovation, industry and logistics, and an international financial centre with high competitiveness in the region. It also strives to take the lead in renewing growth model and digital transformation.

The region aims for sustainable development in tandem with protecting the environment and adapting to climate change. It seeks to allocate and utilise natural resources in an effective manner while preserving historical, cultural and natural heritages.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment was assigned to accelerate the planning of the region to ensure strategic connectivity and infrastructure development that creates a unified economic space among the localities within its scope.

The PM suggested considering the establishment of a Regional Infrastructure Development Fund to allocate separate funding for the interconnected sectors and devise policies to pool social resources for collaborative activities.

Regarding regional and provincial planning, he asked the council members to complete relevant procedures to promptly submit relevant plans to competent authorities for approval, thus laying a foundation to coordinate regional connectivity activities.

With determination, unity and dedication of ministries, agencies and localities, as well as support from experts, scientists, research institutes and relevant partners, PM Chinh said he believes that the region will fulfill its assigned tasks for prosperous development.

The conference heard proposals to establish startup centres, promote innovation and artificial intelligence in Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces. Delegates also discussed solutions to addressing environment issues and climate change adaptation, with a focus on protecting the environment in Dong Nai and Saigon river basins; digital transformation and the establishment of a regional data centre.

They also proposed solutions to developing industrial, urban, service, and logistic belts along Belt 3 and Belt 4 of Ho Chi Minh City. Specific mechanisms and policies were also suggested to develop transportation infrastructure, green urban areas and financial centres, among others.

Southeast region prepares for new FDI wave The southeast region is preparing necessary conditions in infrastructure, administrative procedures and human resources to welcome a new wave of foreign direct investment (FDI), as investors have flocked to the region right from the beginning of this year.