The conference was held in Thai Nguyen Province to seek solutions to difficulties faced by businesses in Thai Nguyen, Bac Kan, Cao Bang and Lang Son provinces, as well as Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang provinces. — Photo tintuc

THAI NGUYEN (Biz Hub) — Expediting institutional reform, improving the business climate and enhancing competitiveness are vital for businesses in six northern midland and mountainous provinces to cope with rising competition, a conference heard on Wednesday.

The conference was held in Thai Nguyen Province to seek solutions to difficulties faced by businesses in Thai Nguyen, Bac Kan, Cao Bang and Lang Son provinces, as well as Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang provinces.

According to Duong Ngoc Long, Deputy Secretary of Thai Nguyen Province's Party Committee, administrative reform was a prioritised task for socio-economic development, with three major breakthroughs in infrastructure, planning and improvement in the provincial competitiveness index (PCI). Most of the listed provinces did not score very high on the PCI.

Nguyen Van Thoi, Chairman of Thai Nguyen Province Business Association, said it was important for provinces to tackle existing problems that hindered capital attraction into businesses and production efforts.

He said local firms must make preparations to grasp opportunities amidst growing competition as Viet Nam was integrating deeply into the global economy with the impending signing of many free trade agreements.

Consistent quality and quarantine standards should be issued early, he added.

According to Vu Tien Loc, chairman of Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, businesses should join local authorities in expediting institutional reforms and improving competitiveness.

In addition, firms should not ignore the domestic market while seeking to expand their foreign markets and must participate in social responsibility and environmental protection efforts. — VNS