The northern midland province of Phu Tho, a powerhouse of heavy industry, is set to continue improving its competitiveness and business climate.

Speaking at a local seminar on July 20, Head of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)’s Legal Department Dau Anh Tuan suggested developing industries in specific zones.

According to Tuan, garment, leather and footwear – which need a substantial workforce – is likely to thrive once Vietnam joins major trade agreements.

Sangho-Yoon, Director of the Hanoi-based investment advisory firm SMBL, optimistically stated that there would be a positive response from foreign-invested sectors thanks to improved administrative formalities, utility and transport infrastructure.

When the locality delivers on their commitment to streamlining bureaucracy, business confidence will increase, he said.

Phu Tho is home to seven industrial parks and 30 industrial clusters stretching 4,000 hectares and attracting 150 investors in and outside the country, generating 15 trillion VND (714 million USD) worth of annual industrial production value and more than 35,000 jobs.

The province has rallied resources to build synchronous infrastructure at industrial parks and clusters as well as offered tax and land lease incentives.-VNA