The O Mon Thermal Power Plant in Can Tho City. Export processing zones and industrial zones in the Mekong Delta city have attracted 204 investment projects with more than $810 million in project underway or completed. — VNA/VNS Photo Duy Khuong

CAN THO (VNS)— Export processing zones (EPZs) and industrial zones (IZs) in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho have attracted 204 investment projects with capital totalling more than US$1.84 billion, according to the latest report from the Can Tho EPZs and IZs Authority.

Of this, up to $810 million has been implemented, accounting for 44 per cent of the total capital registered in the city to date.

Among these projects, 23 are from foreign investors and are capitalised at $181.4 million. The remainder, worth more than $1.66 billion, have been funded domestically.

The encouraging results were attributed to great efforts by local authorities in speeding up administrative reforms, improving infrastructure facilities and providing investors with incentives. These include reductions in land-rental fees and corporate income tax as well as assistance in training unqualified workers.

Apart from five existing zones, Can Tho plans to build another three with a total area of 1,400ha. They are O Mon (600ha), O Mon Bac (400ha), and Thot Not (400ha).

Land clearance is also going ahead to expand Hung Phu I and II industrial zones, and two other zones in O Mon district. The work also involves investment in communication infrastructure, drainage, electricity supplies and accommodation for residents forced to resettle.

During the past four months, businesses in the city's industrial zones have posted $528 million in turnover, an increase of 1 per cent year-on-year. — VNS