During the International Gong Festival, the Gia Lai provincial People’s Committee will hold a forum to promote investments for the 2009-2015 period, at which Gia Lai will reveal its potential for socio-economic development. A VOVNews reporter interviewed Le Quang Dat, a director from the Gia Lai Investment Promotion Centre on the issue.

VOVNews: Could you elaborate on the province’s potential that needs to be exploited in order to boost socio-economic development?

Mr Dat: Gia Lai is a mountainous province with a number of advantages. It has a huge amount of agricultural land, and its soil is excellent for growing industrial crops. Currently, the province has 76,000ha of rubber, over 76,000ha of coffee, more than 20,000ha of cashew nuts, 5,000ha of pepper and 700,000ha of forest, providing plenty of opportunity for the agro-forestry industry.

In addition, the province is abundant in minerals, such as iron ore and granite for use as construction materials. Furthermore, it has many mountains, hills, rivers and streams, and beautiful landscapes to attract tourists.

VOVNews: Which projects and areas does the province like businesses to invest in?

Mr Dat: The province is calling on businesses to invest in 53 projects, including key projects to make products from rubber and coffee develop industrial crops and build a golf course in Dak Doa and houses in industrial zones. The province has also identified 113 places suitable for hydro-electric power projects. Currently, 20 hydro-electricity power plants are in operation and dozens of others are being built.

VOVNews: What measures has the province come up with to attract more investors?

Mr Dat: The Government’s policies have been effectively carried out to create the best possible conditions for investors. In addition, Gia Lai has provided incentives for investors to train their workforce and clear land.

In terms of administrative reform, the time need to register investment has been reduce from 8-10 days to five days. In recent years, the province has attracted a number of investors, especially from Ho Chi Minh City. Nearly 150 projects are now underway with a combined investment capital of nearly VND35,000 billion.

VOVNews: Thank you very much.