For the first time holding a conference promoting investment with a national scale and putting the effectiveness requirement on top, Quang Ninh has confirmed the strong changes in its development thinking. It is committed to changing the model and structure of growth: restructuring the economy towards increasing the proportion of the service sector, thus creating the basis for the development of service and recreational industries in the coming years. On this occasion, Quang Ninh Newspaper interviewed Mr. Vu Khoan, former Deputy Prime Minister on the development of Quang Ninh.
Reporter: How do you evaluate the role of Quang NInh province in the general development of the country?
Former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan: Quang Ninh at any times had considerable contributions to the country. In the past when our country was ruled by the French colonialism, Quang Ninh was one of the cradles of Vietnam's revolution. During our war against the French, Dong Trieu was a well-known resistance bases in the Northeast of the country. Quang Ninh also was the place where the first aircraft of the enemy was shot down when the U.S started the Destruction War towards the North. Quang Ninh was also an important hub to receive international aid. During the later years, it was a leading province in the construction and defense of the country.
Nowadays, in the promotion of industrialization and modernization of the country, based on its traditions and location in the Northeastern of the nation and the abundant natural potentials, Quang Ninh has sufficient conditions to be a pioneer in the development of the Northern dynamic economic region in particular and of the country in general.
Reporter: The late Prime Minister Pham Van Dong called Quang Ninh as “a miniature Vietnam”. This confirms the strengths and potentials of the province. According to your opinion, in order to promote these unique values, on what does Quang NInh have to focus?
Former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan:
Correct! Quang Ninh is said to be Vietnam in miniature, a province that is the most diverse in the country. It has high mountains, oceans, , main land and island; midland and mountains; agricultural, forestry and marine products and minerals. It also gathers people from all over the country and includes a rich ethnic community. This diversity has created a strong and unique potential for the province.
However, potentials will remain potentials if not properly exploited.
Besides the potential is not infinite (ie coal and seafood are an outstanding advantages of Quang Ninh, but they will drain) and market demand will shift constantly, (products can not “in a high demand’ all the time); the over-exploitation of one potential can eliminate other potentials (eg over-exploitation of minerals, marine products, forest products can impact negatively on tourism ...). Thus, in order to tap the potentials in an effective way, I think the province should pay attention to forecasting the market demands both inside and outside the country and recognizing its advantages in an active way, thereby determining the comparative advantages and prioritizing development with a long-term strategy, not letting the utilization of available potentials harm sustainable and effective development.
Reporter: Quang Ninh strives to become a pioneer province in the North, a modern industrial province and a trade gateway of ASEAN with China. What do you think about the prospect as well as its tasks in the present context?
Former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan:
For Quang Ninh, to become an industrial province is not difficult, thanks to the high proportion of industry in its local economy. However, Quang Ninh should priotize “modernization”: rather than just focusing on coal exploitation and other sectors that pollute the environment. It should develop a modern, effective and efficient industry. With its geographical location and Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh should also develop the areas of services, tourism and transport, and even logistics.
As a leading province followed by the Northern key economic zone and a large market including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, Korea, Quang Ninh can only develop in collaboration with other localities of the nationwide, becoming a bridge connecting the country with other countries and territories in the Northeast Asia and actively participating in the policy titled “ two corridors-one economic belt” as well as East Asian market including ASEAN +3 (China, Japan, Korea)
Reporter: What are Quang Ninh strengths to attract investment and what are benefits for the investors, from your viewpoint?
Former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan:
Investing in Quang Ninh province, investors can benefit from the diversity and unique geography of Quang Ninh as mentioned above. Based on these advantages, investors can process resources, develop tourism and enter the NorthEastern Asian markets.
Reporter : Could you tell me your own impression about Quang Ninh?
Former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan:
I first came to Quang Ninh 55 years ago. I still remember the image of blue sky and black coal; and people, streets and houses covered in coal dust. Today, the sky still remains its blue colour but the black colour has faded, replaced by vibrant colours and the people are having a much better life.
Reporter: With your sentiment for the homeland of miners-the home of worker class, what do you want to tell the leaders and people of Quang Ninh province?
Former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan:
In summary, I want to say that Quang Ninh has many most favorable potentials for development in the country. The important thing is that the province needs to knows how to tap its potentials in an effective and sustainable way. This can only be done by carrying out the three major break-throughs addressed in the 11th Party Congress. They include: open mechanisms, high-quality human resources and consistent infrastructure. On all the three areas, Quang Ninh has much left to do. In addition, as a border province on both mainland and sea, Quang Ninh should focus on international relationship, developing friendly relationship with other countries, taking advantage of the conditions of peace to facilitate cooperation and development.
Reporter:
Thank you very much!
Ngoc Han
