Tien Giang Province: Radical Actions for Robust Growth

10:25:19 AM | 14/1/2024

The vision for Tien Giang involves its transformation into an industrial province with a balanced industrial-service-agricultural structure. This vision, which includes resource optimization, the establishment of dynamic regions, international centers, strategic urban areas, and the development of synchronous and modern infrastructure, is outlined in the Tien Giang Planning for the 2021-2030 period, approved by the Prime Minister. Mr. Nguyen Van Vinh, Chairman of the Tien Giang Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized that the entire political system will act with determination and resolve to effectively implement the plan, thereby overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities to propel Tien Giang toward further progress.

In 2023, Tien Giang made significant strides in overcoming challenges and promoting economic growth, setting the stage for a new era of breakthroughs. Could you elaborate on these achievements and share the province’s objectives and tasks for 2024?

In 2023, under the focused leadership of the Provincial Party Committee and close supervision from the Provincial People's Council and the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee, Tien Giang province successfully navigated challenges, achieving notable socio-economic advancements. Guided by the Provincial People's Committee and supported by collaboration at all levels of government, sectors, businesses, and the public, the province witnessed consistent quarterly improvements. The majority of the targets and plans were not only achieved but also surpassed. The key highlights include economic growth in 2023 reaching an impressive 82% of the planned target; export turnover soaring to US$5.1 billion, marking a 25% increase over the same period; budget revenue amounting to VND10,226 billion, achieving 99.4% of the estimated target; attracting 17 projects with a total registered capital of VND7,821 billion, representing a 76% rise compared to 2022. The disbursement rate of public investment capital ranked at the top nationwide. The province bolstered social security measures, effectively integrating and promptly implementing policies related to health, education, housing, preferential credit, and rural vocational training for the benefit of the underprivileged. National defense, political security, and public order were steadfastly ensured.

As Tien Giang enters 2024, goals have been set, including a targeted economic growth of 7-7.5%, a total export value of US$5 billion, social development investment capital ranging from VND50,400 billion to VND50,650 billion, State budget revenue of VND8,801 billion, the creation of 18,000 new jobs, and a per capita GRDP of VND75.8-76.2 million. Furthermore, the province aims to have 90% of communes meeting new rural development standards, with 10 communes certified for advanced standards and seven communes accredited as exemplary. Additionally, two districts are targeted to fulfill new rural district standards, while two others aim for advanced new rural district accreditation.

To realize these aspirations, Tien Giang province is committed to implementing a comprehensive strategy. This includes maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, instigating positive changes in breakthrough stages, fostering economic restructuring, enhancing productivity, quality, efficiency, competitiveness, and internal capacity. Of utmost importance is the expeditious implementation of the Tien Giang Provincial Planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision extending to 2050.

Confident in the unwavering commitment and collective efforts of the entire political system, enterprises, and the populace, Tien Giang is poised to achieve its 2024 goals, paving the way for a period of breakthrough growth.


Tien Giang province honors outstanding entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the local economy

The Provincial Planning of Tien Giang for the 2021-2030 period, envisioning up to 2050, has sparked new aspirations and drivers for growth. Could you share your insights on the province’s journey toward thinking big and acting strong to propel Tien Giang to greater heights?

The Tien Giang Provincial Planning endeavors to position itself as an industrial province characterized by a balanced industrial-service-agricultural structure. Positioned as a growth pole within the Mekong Delta, it aspires to serve as a linkage between the Mekong Delta and the Southeast region. This comprehensive strategy delineates 22 targets spanning economic, social, environmental, infrastructure, defense, and security domains. Noteworthy benchmarks include a targeted GRDP growth of 8-9% annually from 2026 to 2030, achieving a per capita GRDP of VND140-145 million by 2030, attaining an urbanization rate of 45-47% by 2030, fostering a digital economy representing 15% of GRDP by 2025 and 25% by 2030, and reducing the poverty rate to 0.87% by 2025 and 0.7% by 2030.

Emphasizing the resolution of bottlenecks, particularly in key infrastructure development, the plan aligns with national, regional, and inter-regional economic development spaces such as Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. It adopts an integrated approach to develop industry, agriculture, green smart urban areas, tourism services, trade, logistics, and real estate, moving away from siloed industry-specific focuses. Administrative reform is prioritized, gearing toward the preparation of economic infrastructure to attract investment capital, capitalize on potential and strengths, and catalyze overall economic growth.

Implementation strategies include the expedited resolution of immediate difficulties, adherence to goals set by the 11th Provincial Party Congress (2020-2025 term), consistent and innovative implementation of approved socioeconomic development goals, and administration and supervision of planning execution. The province pledges to enhance the business and investment environment, instigate breakthroughs in administrative procedure reform and e-government construction, and establish an open, transparent, and equitable business investment environment.


Local enterprises are thriving, thanks to the province’s favorable business environment 

Additionally, Tien Giang is committed to efficiently addressing challenges faced by businesses, providing robust support from investment research and project inception to operational processes, executing site clearance for available land, and enforcing stringent environmental impact assessments for investment projects.

Furthermore, the province aims to mobilize and utilize investment resources for a modern and synchronized infrastructure system, prioritizing strategic transport connections with other provinces and cities, notably within the Mekong Delta and the Southeast region.

The plan also underscores the development of high-quality human resources, technical labor, and skilled workers, emphasizing staff training, especially for those involved in investment promotion. Leveraging the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Tien Giang aspires to establish and cultivate a digital government, digital economy, and digital society.

Beyond economic aspects, the province will preserve traditional cultural, historical, and revolutionary values, allocate resources to social security and healthcare, with a special focus on preventive health and grassroots healthcare. Additionally, it commits to supporting policy beneficiaries, meritorious families, and marginalized individuals, adhering to the principle of leaving no one behind.


Tien Giang’s urban area is becoming a vibrant and livable place

Over the past few years, how has Tien Giang prioritized the development of businesses and entrepreneurs? In 2023, what specific solutions and activities were implemented by the province to alleviate difficulties and boost production and business operations?

At the commencement of the 2020-2025 term, the Provincial Party Standing Committee initiated decisive action through the issuance of Resolution 07-NQ/TU on July 26, 2021, delineating a strategic framework for the continual leadership in the effective enhancement of local business support and development until 2025. The resolution outlined a multifaceted approach encompassing the unification of leadership and direction from the Party to the government, fostering an enabling investment and business climate, promoting innovative startups, and facilitating the conversion of household business entities into corporate entities. The province set an ambitious target of establishing 4,100 new companies during 2021-2025. As of October 31, 2023, a commendable milestone was achieved with the establishment of 2,249 new enterprises, culminating in a total of 6,026 companies and generating employment opportunities for nearly 200,000 workers.

In response to the imperatives of alleviating obstacles encountered in production and business activities, the Provincial People's Committee proactively formulated and executed a series of policies. Decision 2230/QD-UBND, dated September 28, 2023, operationalized the directives outlined in Resolution 58/NQ-CP of the Government, dated April 21, 2023, pertaining to key support policies and solutions for the active adaptation, rapid recovery, and sustained development of companies until 2025. Concurrently, Plan 216/KH-UBND, dated June 19, 2023, was devised to enhance the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) of Tien Giang province in 2023.


Tien Giang is one of the leaders in agricultural production, with a large fruit growing area in the Mekong Delta

Tien Giang province has undertaken several initiatives to foster a supportive business environment. These include organizing visits to companies to acknowledge their contributions, hosting two conferences with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) firms, and textile, garment, and seafood companies. The province also held a bank-business connection conference and collaborated with VCCI Mekong to organize a workshop on start-ups and innovation. Furthermore, the Department of Planning and Investment has been tasked with maintaining regular contact with business organizations and entrepreneurs. This proactive approach enables the department to swiftly understand their challenges and provide timely advice to address their concerns effectively.

Thank you very much!

By Ngo Khuyen, Vietnam Business Forum