The northern province of Hai Duong attracted US$185 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first two months of 2018, a year-on-year increase of 39.8 per cent.

This was revealed by the provincial Department of Planning and Investment.

In the reviewed period, eight FDI projects worth over $32.1 million were granted new licences, and nine existing projects were allowed to add a combined capital of $153.45 million.

To become an attractive destination for foreign investment in future, the province will focus on improving the business climate, accelerating administrative reforms, publicising and bringing about transparency in all administrative procedures, such as investment, enterprises, natural resources, environment, construction, transport, electricity, tax and customs.

Nguyen Manh Hien, secretary of the provincial Party Committee, said in 2018 the province would continue to improve infrastructure to attract investment in industrial zones and clusters, prioritise the development of industries producing hi-tech, clean and industrial products that have competitive advantages, as well as support industries.

In addition to this, Hai Duong has also invested in building new infrastructure for some industrial parks to speed up the implementation of many projects, such as the North-South road and other essential transportation routes and the Hai Duong Thermal Power Plant, Hien said.

Hai Duong currently has 370 projects with total FDI investment of nearly $7.43 billion. — VNS