Two years ago, local authorities granted approval for a master plan to develop the trade sector by 2025 with a vision towards 2030. The province aimed to increase added value by an average of 12.5 - 13.5 percent during 2016 – 2020, 14.5 - 15.5 percent during 2021 – 2025, and 10 - 11 percent during 2026 – 2030.
As part of efforts to lure trade projects, the province has worked to improve transport infrastructure, including projects upgrading the Uong Bi - Ha Long segment in National Road 18, Quang Ninh airport, and Ha Long - Hai Phong expressway.
Due attention has been paid to transportation in border areas, facilitating and promoting trade with China via Bac Luan border gate.
Besides encouraging local investors to remove bottlenecks and accelerate the land clearance process, the province is exerting efforts to hasten administrative reform in 2018 towards improving the province’s competitive capacity.
Last year, Quang Ninh for the first time rose to the first place in the Public Administrative Reform (PAR) Index with 89.54 points, which was 6.72 points higher than its score in 2016. Meanwhile, it was ranked 5th in the Satisfaction Index of Public Administration Services (SIPAS) index among 63 cities and province nationwide and in top two of Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI), moving up 30 steps compared to the previous year.
Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Nguyen Van Doc has instructed relevant sectors and branches to press ahead with administrative procedure reforms; enhance the efficiency of public administrative centres; cut unnecessary administrative procedures; complete e-government apparatus; and pay due attention to providing training for public servants.
Thanks to their efforts, the province has mobilised huge resources to develop markets, supermarket chains, and shopping malls. It is now home to 27 supermarkets and five shopping centres, with the presence of both domestic and international renowned giants such as Vincom, MM Mega Market, Big C, Lotte, and Lan Chi mart, among others.
Following the success of the Vincom Centre Ha Long, real estate and retail conglomerate Vingroup decided to inaugurate another shopping centre, Vincom+, in the Yen Thanh urban area, Uong Bi city in 2017. A shopping mall, food court, and entertainment zone are arranged within the complex, meeting the demands of both local people and tourists.
In May, Vingroup’s Vincom Retail JSC launched its Vincom Shophouse Complex in Mong Cai city, with Vincom Plaza looking likely to become a promising shopper’s paradise in the border city.
The firm is working on a master plan to branch out to a townhouse and service zone in Cam Binh ward, Cam Pha city.
In addition, the province has seen an increasing number of Vinmart+ convenient stores providing high-quality products and services. Most of the current 23 Vinmart+ stores are in Ha Long and Uong Bi cities, with more stores looking to be opened in other surrounding localities – demonstrating Quang Ninh’s success in attracting investment for trade development.
Many local companies have shifted their attention to investment in the trade sector towards sustainable development. Duc Phu Co., Ltd is carrying out a culture, sports, and services project with a total capital of 300 billion VND (12.9 million USD) in Uong Bi city. Upon operation in the end of this year, the project will create a facelift for the surrounding urban area, contributing towards both the city and province’s local trade and service system.
Social resources have been mobilised to repair and upgrade traditional markets like Cam Thuy market in Cam Thuy city, and Thanh Son market in Uong Bi city.
The results will create momentum for trade to thrive in the province for time to come. –VNA/VNP
