Resilience for the business community

The merger of Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces is considered to have strategic and historical significance. This merger not only brings benefits in terms of administrative organization but also creates new development space on a larger scale. For the business community, they have clearly identified the selection of key economic sectors to focus on supporting, connecting and developing as a key factor to create new momentum.

My Thuy Port, once completed and put into operation, is expected to create favorable conditions for trade and transportation of goods, promoting the development of coastal economic zones and industrial parks - Photo: QUANG HAI

Identify 5 key areas

Chairman of the Quang Binh Provincial Business Association Le Xuan Te shared that after merging the Quang Binh Provincial Business Association and the Quang Tri Provincial Business Association into a unified organization, the Standing Committee of the Association clearly identified that selecting key economic sectors to focus on supporting, connecting and developing will be the key factor to create new momentum for the business community.

Based on the assessment of the potential, specific advantages of each locality and the shifting trend of the economy, the association plans to focus on 5 key areas. The first is services - tourism and cultural economy - heritage. "With the strength of Quang Binh as a globally famous destination such as Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Son Doong cave, Nhat Le beach... and the system of historical and cultural relics associated with the legendary Ho Chi Minh trail in Quang Tri, the association will promote the formation of inter-provincial tourism product chains, develop green tourism models, community tourism and promote linkages between service, travel and accommodation businesses to expand the market, extend the length of stay and increase service value", Mr. Te cited.

Next is high-tech agriculture and processing industry. According to Mr. Te, based on the advantages of land, climate and local products of the two provinces, the association aims to support businesses in converting to organic and high-tech agricultural production models, increasing investment in deep processing, building regional agricultural product brands and connecting consumption through e-commerce and export channels.

The association identifies renewable energy and clean industry as key areas because Quang Tri is emerging as a locality with great potential for wind and solar power. Meanwhile, Quang Binh has also begun developing LNG (natural gas) and biomass power projects. The association will promote the participation of enterprises in the renewable energy supply chain, aiming to develop green, sustainable and environmentally friendly industries.

The next area is logistics and border gate economy. With the advantage of the East-West Economic Corridor, Lao Bao International Border Gate (Quang Tri) and National Highway 12A connecting Hon La Seaport to Cha Lo Border Gate (Quang Binh), the association aims to invest heavily in logistics, transportation, warehousing, import and export services, creating an open trading platform between the two provinces and Laos and Thailand.

Finally, digital transformation and innovative startups. This is a fundamental field and creates long-term competitive advantages. The Association will support businesses in applying digital technology in management, marketing, sales, and production; at the same time, organize incubation programs and investment connections for startups and small and micro enterprises with innovative ideas.

“By correctly identifying key areas, the association hopes to create a dynamic, effective and sustainably developing inter-provincial business ecosystem, playing a leading role in promoting the strong economic transformation of the North Central region in the new period,” said Mr. Te.

Chairman of the Quang Tri Province Young Entrepreneurs Association Pham Truong Son also assessed that the merger of the two provinces opens up many business opportunities for the local business community. For example, the consumer market will be expanded thanks to the increased population size and purchasing power.

This is an opportunity for businesses to promote their products and services. More synchronous infrastructure, connectivity in transport infrastructure, especially national highways and seaports, create favorable conditions for transporting goods and developing logistics. In particular, the merger helps to synergize regional economies, from which businesses can take advantage of more diverse resources, raw materials and labor from the two provinces, promoting joint venture cooperation.

Mr. Son also proposed key areas for economic development such as: high-tech agriculture; green tourism; processing industry; renewable energy.

Son Doong Cave is an attractive destination, attracting tourists from all over to visit and experience - Source: Jason Speth

Create a multi-industry, complementary and sustainable business ecosystem

In addition to identifying key areas, Mr. Le Xuan Te said that after the merger, one of the important goals is to strengthen intra-regional connectivity, promote cooperation projects between the business communities of the two localities, and create a multi-industry, complementary and sustainable business ecosystem.

Accordingly, the association plans to implement a number of practical programs and activities to connect businesses of the two provinces, typically: Building a platform for information sharing - joint investment promotion, supporting businesses in finding partners, consumer markets and cross-investment opportunities. Organizing inter-provincial business forums according to strengths such as: Tourism - services (Quang Binh), agriculture - renewable energy - logistics (Quang Tri) to create a specific and long-term cooperation space.

Launch inter-regional innovative startup programs, with special priority given to technology application models and local value chain connections. Establish a fund to support small and micro enterprises in accessing capital, digital transformation, training in management skills and market adaptation.

Meanwhile, Mr. Pham Truong Son affirmed that the Quang Tri Young Entrepreneurs Association is committed to supporting members to maximize the advantages from the merger through activities such as: Organizing specialized seminars (providing information on new economic policies, post-merger development orientation); connecting investment (bridging local enterprises with domestic and foreign investors, promoting large-scale projects); training and capacity building (organizing short-term courses on management, marketing, innovation skills to help enterprises adapt to change).

To effectively implement the above objectives, according to Mr. Le Xuan Te, after the merger, the new association needs to quickly consolidate its organizational structure and unify its operating mechanism; re-survey the needs, potentials and practical difficulties of enterprises in the two provinces to design support programs that are close to the characteristics of each locality. At the same time, closely coordinate with the Party Committees and authorities of the two provinces, departments, branches and credit institutions to connect resources and policies to support enterprises, especially in green transformation, digitalization and market integration.

At the same time, enhance the role of policy representation and criticism; proactively receive and synthesize business opinions, and make recommendations to competent authorities on inadequacies to improve the general investment and business environment. Strengthen communication and recognition of the new association's common brand, helping the business community trust, bond, and actively participate in building a strong organization.

The merger of Quang Tri and Quang Binh provinces is a golden opportunity for businesses to make a breakthrough, but it also requires preparation and consensus. The Quang Tri Young Entrepreneurs Association, as a leading force, is always ready to stand side by side, supporting businesses to overcome challenges, turning potential into reality to create a prosperous and sustainable regional economy - Mr. Pham Truong Son.

Ready to take on challenges

Mr. Le Xuan Te assessed that although the merger between two organizations representing the business community of two adjacent localities has many advantages, it also faces many challenges. First is the difference in organizational model and operation method. "Each association and local enterprise has a different way of operating, coordination mechanism, and member activities, requiring time to unify and harmonize," Mr. Te acknowledged.

Next are the differences in geographical conditions, resources and specific business development characteristics. Quang Binh and Quang Tri are two adjacent localities in the North Central region, but each province has its own socio-economic characteristics, natural resources and development orientation. Therefore, the needs for support, investment promotion, market connection and business voice representation of the two provinces have clear differences.

Another challenge is the membership mentality and the spirit of association. According to Mr. Te, some businesses may be concerned about losing their connection and local characteristics, especially in reflecting and protecting the interests of businesses where they operate. The transfer, rearrangement of personnel and management after the merger is also one of the obstacles.

Faced with these challenges, Mr. Le Xuan Te affirmed that the Quang Binh Provincial Business Association and the Quang Tri Provincial Business Association have taken proactive and consensual steps to prepare for the merger process effectively.

Quang Hai

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/suc-bat-cho-cong-dong-doanh-nghiep-194703.htm