CAN THO – The Mekong Delta Province of Hau Giang has made significant progress in urban development but it still holds great potential for further expansion, in both quality and quantity, said experts at a seminar on May 20.
Addressing a conference titled “Hau Giang – Urban Expansion” jointly held by The Saigon Times Group, the Hau Giang government and Hau Giang Television, Nguyen Van Tuan, vice chairman of the province, said after 15 years of development, the province’s urban system has expanded strongly, from nine cities and towns in 2004 to 16 currently. Urbanization rate increased from 24.21% in 2014 to 25.9% in late 2019, with an average growth rate of 0.34% per year.
Many key projects have been developed to enhance and expand the province’s urban space, including Chien Thang Park, the administrative center project, and the Cat Tuong Western Pearl urban area.
According to Nguyen Huynh Duc, director of the Hau Giang Department of Construction, the province has issued three resolutions on urban development since 2015. To attract investors, the province has always created a favorable investment environment by simplifying administrative procedures and ensuring fairness among investors.
Duc said many investors are seeking opportunities to invest in the province. Since early 2019, the province has attracted 19 new urban area and housing projects.
Ngo Quang Phuc, general director of Phu Dong Group and head of the Saigon Times Real Estate Club, said Hau Giang has attracted many investors from HCMC such as FLC, Dat Xanh and Cat Tuong.
FLC Group alone is investing in four projects in the province, including the 39.4-hectare Vi Thanh new urban area, the 190-hectare park and urban area complex, the 120-hectare Nam Vi Thanh new urban area, and the 619-hectare Chau Thanh urban area, resort and sports complex.
Phuc said due to high competitiveness in HCMC, many investors are seeking opportunities in other localities, including Hau Giang.
He suggested the provincial authorities provide investors with sufficient and adequate information and support them in site clearance.
Ho La Thanh, director of the Hau Giang branch of the State Bank of Vietnam, said the province is striving to develop an environmentally friendly urban space with high living standard. To meet the target, the province needs great resources to develop its infrastructure. With public investment unable to meet the province’s demand for development, Thanh said the public-private partnership format is a solution and stressed the role of commercial banks in providing capital for businesses to invest in urban development.
“By reducing interest rates and implementing credit programs, commercial banks have helped businesses in the province reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, and improve efficiency,” he said.
Nguyen Vu, director for investment at Dat Xanh Group, said Hau Giang has convenient connection with other provinces in the Mekong Delta such as Soc Trang, Bac Lieu and Kien Giang. The province is also situated next to Can Tho City, the economic hub of the region.
The urban expansion, together with the green tourism program, has helped Hau Giang become appealing to investors and contributed to the development of the whole region.
Concluding the conference, Le Tien Chau, chairman of Hau Giang Province, said urban expansion plays a key role in the province’s socioeconomic development.
In the coming time, the province will focus on three priorities in urban expansion, including putting people at the center of development, promoting sustainable development, and preserving local culture.
