The northern midland province of Phu Tho, a powerhouse of heavyindustry, is set to continue improving its competitiveness and businessclimate.

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

According to Tuan, garment, leather andfootwear – which need a substantial workforce – is likely to thrive onceVietnam joins major trade agreements.

Sangho-Yoon,Director of the Hanoi-based investment advisory firm SMBL,optimistically stated that there would be a positive response fromforeign-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 clustersstretching 4,000 hectares and attracting 150 investors in and outsidethe country, generating 15 trillion VND (714 million USD) worth ofannual industrial production value and more than 35,000 jobs.

The province has rallied resources to build synchronous infrastructureat industrial parks and clusters as well as offered tax and land leaseincentives.-VNA