18-7-2023 (HANOI) The Prime Minister has requested localities and ministries to study and establish innovative mechanisms with priority policies to promote the development of the Southeastern region.
The request was made by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chairman of the Southeastern Region Coordinating Council, at a meeting on July 18, attended by leaders of ministries, departments, and the six provinces and cities in the region, including Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, and Tay Ninh.
The Southeastern region covers an area of over 23,560 square kilometers, with a population of more than 18.7 million people (in 2021). The region contributes 32% of the country’s GDP. However, the region faces numerous challenges such as inadequate intra-regional and inter-regional infrastructure, traffic congestion, water pollution, developmental disparities between localities, and dispersed resources.
According to the Prime Minister, to promote the development of the Southeastern region, in addition to the special policy mechanisms for Ho Chi Minh City under Resolution 98, it is necessary to study and establish breakthrough mechanisms for the entire region, focusing on specific sectors proposed by ministries and localities.
“If we want breakthroughs, we need prioritized mechanisms,” stated the Prime Minister, emphasizing the need for suitable policies to mobilize resources even when facing financial difficulties.
The Prime Minister also requested the Southeastern Region Coordinating Council to support provinces and cities in the region in resolving inter-provincial issues that are beyond the jurisdiction of individual localities. He cited an example from Dong Nai, where difficulties arose when each province wanted to address the issue differently.
“The council is not an administrative level and cannot replace party committees and authorities, but it assists the Prime Minister in coordination and connectivity,” said the Prime Minister, emphasizing that any issues arising in the region that are related to multiple localities should be proposed to the council for prompt resolution.
The six provinces and cities in the Southeastern region were also advised to establish dedicated units to closely follow the tasks and authority of the coordinating council, which should be completed by the end of July. By the end of the year, the permanent agency will review and improve the organization and authority of the council. “What we do must be tangible and effective, with concrete and material outcomes,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
During the meeting, representatives from ministries and delegates also agreed and proposed several special policy mechanisms to develop the Southeastern region. According to Dr. Tran Du Lich, a member of the Advisory Council for Financial and Monetary Policies, the region needs to apply specific mechanisms and policies to leverage its strengths.
Dr. Lich stated that Resolution 98 allows Ho Chi Minh City to pilot Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), a model that integrates urban development with public transportation. If this model is applied to the entire Southeastern region, it will facilitate regional transportation connectivity. For example, the Ho Chi Minh City Belt Road 3 project passes through Binh Duong. If the land along this route is developed for urbanization and logistics, it can effectively harness resources for regional development and connectivity.
“If TOD is implemented well, urban land conversion will be the ‘golden goose’ for the budget, and resource allocation for road construction will be highly efficient,” said Dr. Lich, suggesting that the content of decentralization and delegation in Resolution 98 of Ho Chi Minh City can be applied to other localities without the need for further study to ensure institutional consistency.
Similarly, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang also proposed focusing on research and implementing comprehensive decentralization and delegation mechanisms for provinces and cities with the capacity and experience to invest in inter-regional infrastructure. This aims to proactively mobilize and utilize local resources while enhancing inspection, supervision, and appropriate resource allocation.
