Tips from the Top-ranked “Star”
With significant efforts, in 2023, Bac Giang was considered a “shining star” as it rose to
the top
nationwide with a
local economic growth
rate (GRDP) of 13.45%. Specifically, the industry – construction sector increased by 17.25%; agriculture, forestry, and fisheries increased by 2.63%; services increased by 6.56%; and product taxes increased by 7.14%. Particularly, in the industrial sector, Bac Giang province has implemented many synchronized solutions, promptly removing difficulties for businesses and investors regarding capital, market, goods circulation, administrative procedures, etc. The industrial production index (IIP) increased by 20.2% for the whole year.
The representative of the Department of Planning and Investment of Bac Giang province
stated that 2023 also marked a great success of Bac Giang in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). As of the end of November 2023, the entire province has attracted over USD 3.2 billion FDI, 3.2 times higher than the same period, achieving a record high.
“To achieve impressive results in economic growth and investment attraction, and gain trust from businesses, Bac Giang has always focused on improving the investment environment and enhancing solutions to address difficulties for businesses and investors,” said the representative of the Department of Planning and Investment of Bac Giang.
Bac Giang is leading the country in economic growth in 2023.
The improvement of the business investment environment is also recognized when Bac Giang rose to the second place in the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) rankings. Assessing the business environment improvement of Bac Giang, Mr. Dao Anh Tuan – Deputy Secretary General and Director of the Legal Department (VCCI) – said that the operation of the government at all levels in Bac Giang is quite good. Specifically, the roles of departments and agencies in improving the business investment environment are significant. Especially, Bac Giang has a positive attitude towards private enterprises; accompanying and supporting businesses is an administrative culture that has helped Bac Giang improve its ranking.
“In the coming time, Bac Giang needs to promote communication to help every citizen, officials, civil servants fully understand the role of improving the investment and business environment; accelerate the resolution of obstacles without pushing blame. Strengthen dialogue, sharing, and support for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises,” Mr. Tuan said.
Hau Giang province rose to the second place nationwide with a growth rate of 12.27% and led the Mekong River Delta region. Particularly, the industry and construction sector made the largest contribution. According to the representative of the Hau Giang Provincial People’s Committee, achieving this result is thanks to the determination of leaders and the entire province to innovate, break through and promote high local economic growth.
Hau Giang province ranked second in economic growth in 2023.
“Hau Giang province has concentrated on vigorously implementing tasks and solutions for socioeconomic development in 2023 from the beginning of the year; together with the strong involvement of party committees, authorities at all levels, and patriotic political and social organizations, the agreement of the people across the province has contributed to the high economic growth rate,” shared the representative of the Hau Giang Provincial People’s Committee.
In 2023, the GRDP growth rate of Quang Ninh is estimated to reach 11.03%, more than double the national average, ranking first among the provinces in the Red River Delta region and third nationwide.
Quang Ninh province ranked top 3 in economic growth in 2023. In the photo, Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In 2024, Quang Ninh set a target for double-digit growth, with the average GRDP per capita reaching over USD 10,000. The target is based on the outstanding achievements in socioeconomic development that Quang Ninh has accomplished in 2023.
Localities with a Significant Decline in Rankings
Although regularly ranked among the top provinces with the highest growth rate nationwide, Bac Ninh experienced a negative growth rate of -9.28% in 2023, the lowest in the country. The total import-export turnover only reached 78.9% of the plan. The number of unemployed labor, reduced working hours, and the labor utilization index decreased by 7.45%.
Assessing the causes of this situation, the Bac Ninh Provincial People’s Committee attributed it to the volatile and complex global and domestic situations that exceeded forecasting capabilities. Besides, Bac Ninh’s economy has a large open nature, while its internal capacity is still low, heavily affected by external factors. The real estate market and electronic industry production faced many difficulties.
Bac Ninh province significantly decreased in the growth rankings.
Assessing subjective reasons, the Bac Ninh Provincial People’s Committee explained that the grasp of the situation and forecasting still lacked accuracy at times. The coordination among departments, agencies, and localities was not close, effective, and of low quality. Some agencies, units, and officials displayed signs of evasion, fear of responsibility, fear of making mistakes, resulting in prolonged problem-solving time.
Quang Nam province continued to be the “bottom” in terms of growth rate with a negative growth rate of -8.2%. Specifically, the industrial – construction growth rate decreased by 21.7%, with industrial growth decreasing by 24.3%. The trade – service growth rate increased by 4.6%. The total retail sales of goods and consumer services reached over VND 71,000 billion, an increase of 11%.
According to the representative of Quang Nam province, in 2023, the locality faced many difficulties and challenges. Although there were many results in achieving and exceeding 12 out of 15 key targets of the annual plan, the implementation of national target programs still encountered many difficulties. Some administrative reform indicators decreased compared to the previous year. The shortage of medicine, chemicals, medical supplies at most public healthcare facilities still occurred. Disputes, complaints, and lawsuits related to
land
have not been thoroughly resolved, posing a complex risk to social order and safety. A part of workers and people still face many difficulties in their lives.
Assessing the changes in the growth ranking of localities nationwide, Dr. Le Dang Doanh – Former Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management – said that besides objective factors, subjective factors also play a significant role. Mr. Doanh believes that localities with high growth rates have made significant efforts in the reform of the business environment. The business environment contributes to helping businesses and people overcome difficulties.
“Localities with strong growth need to continue to leverage their achievements. Localities with poor rankings need to honestly identify weaknesses to improve the reform of the business environment and strive for improvement,” Mr. Doanh recommended.
