Creating momentum for economic zones

Thanks to an effective investment attraction strategy, synchronous infrastructure development, drastic administrative reform and making the most of geographical advantages, economic zones (EZs) in Quang Ninh have become attractive destinations for domestic and foreign investors, contributing to promoting growth and shifting economic structure towards sustainability.

"Magnets" attracting investment

With strategic vision and strong investment, Quang Ninh has been forming key economic centers, becoming an attractive destination for domestic and foreign investors. Prominent among them are coastal economic zones (EZs) and border gates - the new "magnets" of the Northern region.

Tourists go through Ao Tien high-class port to the island routes.

One of the main highlights is the Quang Yen Coastal Economic Zone, which was established by the Prime Minister in September 2020 with a scale of more than 13,300 hectares. Thanks to its favorable geographical location, synchronous infrastructure, transparent investment environment and strong support from the local government, Quang Yen has quickly risen to become one of the most dynamic economic zones in the country. Up to now, in addition to 5 industrial parks (IPs) including: Dong Mai, Song Khoai, Nam Tien Phong, Bac Tien Phong and Bach Dang; Quang Yen Coastal Economic Zone has attracted 24 new projects, with a registered area of ​​more than 137 hectares. Of which, there are 23 FDI projects with a total capital of nearly 1.34 billion USD and 1 domestic project with a total capital of about 741 billion VND.

Standing out among the above industrial zones is Song Khoai Industrial Zone, a clear demonstration of the attractiveness of this area. After only 4 years since the handover of the site, this place has attracted 19 secondary investment projects, with a total investment capital of up to nearly 3 billion USD. A series of large international corporations such as Foxconn, IKO Thompson, Tenma, Yaskawa... have chosen to set foot in this industrial zone. The attraction for investors is the modern infrastructure, competitive incentive policies and especially the strategic geographical location - located in the core area of ​​the coastal economic zone, easily connected to seaports, international airports, highway systems as well as large urban - industrial centers such as Hai Phong, Ha Long or Hai Duong .

Along with Quang Yen coastal economic zone, Van Don economic zone is also affirming its role as a new growth pole, oriented to become an industrial, entertainment center with casino and high-class tourism of Quang Ninh. After many years of efforts to invest, promote and attract strategic investors, Van Don economic zone has clearly transformed. Technical infrastructure - services have been basically completed, creating a solid foundation for long-term development. Currently, this place has attracted more than 60 non-budget projects with a total registered capital of about 63,000 billion VND. Many key projects have been put into operation, creating a clear impression such as Ao Tien high-class port, Ha Long - Van Don - Mong Cai expressway, Angsana Quan Lan Ha Long Bay Resort or Wyndham Garden Sonasea hotel... contributing to shaping a new face for this land.

Song Khoai Industrial Park (Quang Yen coastal economic zone) has been investing in synchronous and modern technical infrastructure, becoming increasingly attractive to secondary investors who are looking for investment opportunities in Quang Ninh province. Photo: Song Ha

In the context of Van Don being identified by the Central Government as one of 13 areas expected to become special economic zones, the high-end complex tourism service project in Van Don (Van Don casino) is considered an important piece; contributing to completing the international-scale tourism, resort and entertainment ecosystem in Quang Ninh. With a total investment of more than 2 billion USD on an area of ​​244 hectares in Van Yen commune (old), the project aims to build a high-end resort complex, a prize-winning entertainment area, a conference center, and an international-scale event organization. This is expected to become a new growth driver, promoting investment attraction, high-quality tourism and gradually making Van Don a leading destination in Asia.

Not only focusing on developing coastal economic zones, Quang Ninh province also promotes exploiting the potential of border economic zones. Currently, the whole province has 3 border economic zones with a total area of ​​over 144 hectares including: Mong Cai, Hoanh Mo - Dong Van and Bac Phong Sinh. In which, Mong Cai Border Economic Zone is one of the large-scale areas identified as a dynamic and key national area. Up to now, this place has attracted more than 120 projects with a total investment capital of nearly 2 billion USD and nearly 24,000 billion VND; contributing to promoting trade, developing the border economy and strengthening economic connectivity with the Chinese market.

Creating driving force from planning - infrastructure - institutions

One of the bright spots is the Quang Yen coastal economic zone. The attention and priority from the central government and the province, and infrastructure investment resources, especially transport infrastructure, have been significantly increased. In the period of 2020 - 2023, the total public investment capital from the provincial budget for tasks in Quang Yen reached VND 8,258 billion, nearly 3 times higher than in the period of 2016 - 2020. The locality has focused on renovating and upgrading many key traffic routes such as: Provincial Road 331B, extended Provincial Road 338, the road connecting Provincial Road 331 with Provincial Road 33, the route from Cho Roc intersection to Phong Hai intersection... These routes not only improve intra-regional connectivity, but also expand regional connectivity, creating favorable conditions to attract investment.

Goods cleared at the pontoon bridge opening of Mong Cai Border Gate Economic Zone.

Following those efforts, Van Don Economic Zone is also actively promoting the work of establishing and adjusting the zoning plan (QHPK). Up to now, the area has completed 13 QHPK projects and 3 local adjustment projects, of which 11 projects have been approved, concentrated in strategic areas such as Cai Rong area, Airport, North Cai Bau, Northeast Cai Bau... Closely following the development orientation until 2040, these plans create a solid foundation for the implementation of investment projects. In addition, 40 detailed planning projects (QHCT) have been completed, providing a clear legal basis to attract and lead investors to Van Don. Mr. Tran Hoang Vu, General Director of Van Don Tourism Investment and Development Joint Stock Company, said: Thanks to the approved planning and construction projects, the enterprise has proactively mobilized investment resources for the infrastructure system of the Sonasea Van Don Tourism and Resort Complex.

Not only focusing on planning, investment promotion activities in Van Don are also carried out methodically and flexibly. Quang Ninh Economic Zone Management Board regularly updates and publicizes the list of projects calling for investment; at the same time, organizes direct and online working sessions with potential investors. Along with that is a timely coordination mechanism to remove obstacles, speed up the implementation of projects effectively and substantially.

In addition to coastal economic zones, the system of border economic zones of Quang Ninh is also oriented to develop in depth, with 3 main pillars: Border trade economy, trade - tourism services and seaport - logistics. The province advocates "public investment leading private investment", taking advantage of the budget to build strategic infrastructure projects such as highways, border urban areas... From there, it creates a solid foundation to attract investment in areas such as industrial parks, warehouses, bonded warehouses and border services.

Exporting goods at Hoanh Mo - Dong Van Border Gate Economic Zone.

To create a clean land fund for investment, from 2020 to now, Quang Ninh has cleared about 820 hectares of land; at the same time, assigned and leased more than 792 hectares of land to investors. At the same time, the province has promoted administrative procedure reform, of which 87% of the records were resolved ahead of schedule and there were no negative feedbacks. The procedure settlement process is increasingly streamlined, transparent, and business-centric. Project monitoring and implementation support are also carried out regularly through specialized working groups to ensure progress, quality, safety and environmental protection.

Currently, the province continues to direct long-term strategic planning work. A series of planning tasks are being implemented such as: General planning of Quang Yen coastal economic zone to 2050; planning of Bac Phong Sinh border gate economic zone to 2045; reviewing and adjusting the general planning of Hoanh Mo - Dong Van economic zone and implementing 22 planning projects in Mong Cai border gate economic zone (of which 19 projects have been completed and the remaining project is being implemented).

With strategic vision and determination in leadership, Quang Ninh continues to focus on building economic zones into strong, modern and sustainable growth poles. The technical infrastructure system is increasingly improved, the investment environment is transparent, and administrative procedures are constantly reformed; thereby creating a solid foundation for the province to continue attracting high-quality investment capital. This is an important driving force to help Quang Ninh make a breakthrough in the new period, contributing positively to the socio-economic growth of not only the locality, but also the entire Northern key economic region.

Hieu Tran

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/tao-da-but-phat-cho-cac-khu-kinh-te-3369249.html