HCM City urged to become national special economic zone

HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City should become a national special economic zone, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Dinh La Thang said.

Addressing the fourth conference of the HCM City Party Committee on March 27, the official said apart from specific mechanisms for regional connectivity, it is a must for the southern metropolis to build its own management mechanisms on the basis of lessons drawn from other localities nationwide and modern cities across the world.

Regarding administrative reform, Thang urged relevant units to set up a service administration system, hotlines to deal with public concerns and aspirations, and e-governance to ensure transparency in their work.

He also stressed the need for HCM City to take the initiative in coordinating with centrally run ministries and agencies to devise mechanisms to make the best use of its potential and strengths, and strengthen regional links.

The conference outlined major tasks and solutions for the city in the second quarter of the year, which will focus on implementing the resolution adopted at the 10 th Congress of the HCM City Party Organisation, improving the investment climate and removing difficulties facing businesses, especially during the effectualisation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, and engagement in the ASEAN Community and free trade agreements.

At the same time, the city will pay more attention to such issues as inundation, traffic jams, environmental pollution, crime, social order and safety, particularly during the upcoming election of deputies to the 14 th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils for 2016-2021.

A report presented at the conference showed that in the first three months of this year, the municipal economy made noted strides, with total GDP growing by 7.1 percent year-on-year, State budget collection reaching 24.12 percent of the yearly estimate and up 0.92 percent against the same period last year, and a lower consumer price index.

Achievements were also recorded in investment attraction, social welfare, crime management, and maintaining security and social order, the report said.-VNA