On February 22nd, the People’s Committee of Thanh Hoa province held its regular meeting for February 2024. During the meeting, the head of the Provincial People’s Committee’s Office, Nguyen Trong Trang, informed that several economic indicators in the province showed strong growth compared to the same period last year. The industrial production index (IIP) increased by 9.3%; retail sales of goods and some service sectors increased by 21%; export value increased by 52.8%; total tourist arrivals increased by 34.4%, with total tourism revenue increasing by 46%; goods transportation increased by 10.2%, passenger transportation increased by 26.3%, and transportation revenue increased by 15.3%; state budget collection in February was estimated at 3,375 billion VND, a 7% increase compared to the same period last year; the total budget collection for the first two months of the year reached 8,708 billion VND, a 23.8% increase compared to the same period last year.
In February, Thanh Hoa province approved the investment policy for 6 domestic direct investment (DDI) projects and granted investment certificates to 3 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, with a total registered capital of about 2,929.9 billion VND and 32.6 million USD. Up until now, the province has attracted 21 direct investment projects (including 3 FDI projects) with a total registered capital of about 3,299.2 billion VND and 32.6 million USD, triple the number of projects and 6.7 times the registered capital compared to the same period last year.
Local businesses and production facilities in Thanh Hoa province have maintained good production and business activities. Most businesses allowed their workers to take Tet holidays from February 7th to 8th, 2024 and resumed production from February 15th to 19th, 2024. Businesses with specific production characteristics such as Nghi Son oil refinery, hydroelectric power plants, thermal power plants, cement factories, ceramic tile factories, sugar factories, milk factories, etc. arranged labor and maintained production during Tet.
In terms of implementing the program of building new rural areas and developing OCOP products, the province continued to focus on these tasks. In the reporting period, there were 3 new model rural communes, 7 upgraded model rural communes, and 7 new exemplary rural communes. Additionally, 53 exemplary hamlets/villages were recognized, and 15 products were certified with 3-star OCOP status, bringing the total number of OCOP-certified products in Thanh Hoa province to 479.
However, alongside the achievements, the socio-economic situation in Thanh Hoa in February 2024 still faced difficulties and challenges. Some businesses encountered difficulties, with 11 out of 25 major industrial products showing a decrease compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the output of aquatic products decreased by 31.2%. There was also a work accident resulting in one fatality. The number of traffic accidents in Thanh Hoa province increased significantly in all three criteria compared to the same period last year…
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Do Minh Tuan, Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, requested that the 5 working groups on public investment urgently inspect the assigned areas, assess the situation, resolve any remaining issues, and report any issues beyond their jurisdiction before March 15th. He also mentioned that a conference on public investment will be held at the end of March 2024. Additionally, preparations should be made to start major projects this year.
Chairman Do Minh Tuan instructed the Department of Transport to hold a meeting between investors and mine owners to assess the situation of raw materials and their prices, and to find solutions to address the shortage of construction materials in the province.
Regarding administrative reform, Chairman Tuan requested that the departments and agencies review and simplify procedures, shorten the time for administrative procedures, reduce costs for businesses and people, and create a more open and attractive investment environment.
The Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee assigned the Department of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the General Department of Taxation, the Management Board of Nghi Son Economic Zone, and the Customs Department, to propose solutions to stimulate consumption, increase revenue, and support businesses facing difficulties in selling goods. The report should be submitted to the Provincial People’s Committee before March 30th, 2024.
