An overview of the meeting. — VNA/VNS Photo

NINH THUẬN — A delegation of 30 Korean firms from the Việt Nam - Korea Businessmen and Investment Association (VKBIA) on Monday worked with leaders of the south-central province of Ninh Thuận to explore the local investment environment and seek business partnership opportunities in the locality.

At the working session, Trịnh Minh Hoàng, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, briefed the guests on the potential, advantages and unique values of the province.

Ninh Thuận is the driest province in Việt Nam with high radiation energy, which allows the province to develop renewable energy, he said, adding that the province hopes to become the country’s largest energy centre.

He introduced typical agricultural products of Ninh Thuận, including grapes, apples, garlic, green asparagus, aloe vera, goat and sheep.

Currently, Ninh Thuận has had 182 recognised OCOP (One Commune One Product Programme) products, he said, noting that many Korean enterprises have invested in the province in producing agricultural products for export.

Hoàng also highlighted the strategic location and strong infrastructure system of the locality with three large-scale industrial parks and more than 105km of coastline as well as numerous untouched landscapes.

The provincial leader said that Ninh Thuận aims to boost the development of major economic pillars including renewable energy, clean energy, high-quality tourism, processing industry, renewable energy equipment production, high-tech agriculture, marine economy and real estate industry.

The province has issued many policies and mechanisms to attract investors, he said, pledging that the locality always encourages foreign investors, including those from the Republic of Korea, to invest in the province. He asked for the VKBIA’s support in connecting Ninh Thuận and Korean investors.

VKBIA Chairman Trần Hải Linh recognised Ninh Thuận’s potential and advantages and affirmed that Korean businesses are interested in the locality’s high-tech agriculture and tourism.

Several Korean firms and organisations have made their presence in Ninh Thuận, including CJ Group, and travel firms from Gwangju, Jeju and Seoul have also showed their interest in the locality.

At the meeting, many Korean enterprises also expressed their impressions of Ninh Thuận's potential and development advantages. Some said they are willing to bring advanced machinery and technological equipment to Việt Nam, particularly Ninh Thuận, with plans to invest in the production of organic biological fertilisers or smart phones and tablets.

On the occasion, Korean businesses toured a number of companies in Ninh Thuận.

To date, Ninh Thuận has received 31 non-refundable aid projects from the Republic of Korea with a total committed value of US$2.4 million, along with other support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). — VNS