HCM CITY – The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Tiền Giang plans to attract investment of nearly VNĐ16.4 trillion (US$713 million) for 19 projects at a conference in its capital, Mỹ Tho, on August 9.

The projects range from industrial park infrastructure and industrial zones, to high-tech agriculture, processing industries and tourism.

Speaking at a news briefing last week, Lê Văn Hưởng, chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said the key focus of the promotion would be feasibility.

“The number of projects … might be quite modest, but we only want to select those that are feasible. We want to make sure that at least 90 per cent of the projects on the list are successful, and start some immediately after the conference.”

Trần Thanh Đức, deputy chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said one of the biggest strengths of the province was manpower.

“Enterprises that have invested in the province have given very positive feedback about our workforce. The people here are very hardworking, disciplined and quick to acquire new knowledge and skills.”

He said some companies in neighbouring provinces, especially in the textile and garment and leather footwear sectors, hired people from Tiền Giang to work as team leaders.

Another advantage for the province was its location just 60km from HCM City, he said.

Thanks to this geographical advantage and 32km coastline, the province exported even more than Cần Thơ City, he said. The city was the delta’s economic powerhouse.

The province’s exports were worth $1.27 billion in the first half of this year.

Đức said the province had released details of the proposed investment projects with details of tax breaks and land lease incentives for investors.

At the conference the province will also issue in-principle approvals for 22 projects and grant approval for feasibility studies for nine others involving total investments of VNĐ15.65 trillion ($680 million).

An exhibition on the province’s socio-economic achievements and key local products will also be held from August 7 to 10 on the sidelines of the conference.

According to its Department of Planning and Investment, Tiền Giang is one of the fastest growing provinces in the delta with annual growth of 8 per cent.

Last year, 640 new businesses were established in the province.—VNS