Vu Hoang Ha, chairman of the central Binh Dinh Provincial People’s Committee, criticised negative phenomena in capital construction investment, from bidding, consultancy, inspection to appraisal processes, which have caused plenty of waste and losses. He pointed to the fact that there have been no effective remedies to these phenomena.

From his own experience, Mr Ha said Binh Dinh never allows implementation of illegible projects, except for transport projects damaged due to natural calamities. He said to prevent scattered investment, localities should further engage in the planning work.

Pham Thanh Tuoi, vice chairman of the southernmost Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee spoke of difficulties facing his province. He said half of the province’s communes have not yet been able to build motorways to commune centres and develop irrigation projects for aquaculture development. He suggested that localities in the region co-ordinate closer to overcome these difficulties.  

According to Ho Chi Minh City mayor Le Thanh Hai, the country’s growth rate of eight percent set for 2006 is achievable, and that HCM City has set a target of securing a GDP growth rate of 12 percent. He said one of the city’s key tasks in 2006 is to shift its economic structure towards competitiveness, develop high-quality services and encourage brainpower.       

However, he said the city has difficulties finalising tax and stock market policies, as well as improving market forecasting ability.
Mr Hai suggested that the Government organise a seminar with the participation of localities in the southern key economic region to discuss co-operation in economic restructuring.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Quoc Trieu said to fulfil plans set for 2006, Hanoi will renew its governance, further improve the business and investment environment, and develop high-quality services. He said the capital city will implement a land zoning project on the two banks of the Red River.

At the conference, localities also raised problems to be solved by the Government and relevant ministries, including issues which have been left unsolved for several years.

Prime Minister Phan Van Khai made some suggestions to help localities overcome difficulties.