Prime Minister receives Sembcorp leader in Singapore
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received Neil McGregor – Group President and CEO of Sembcorp Industries, one of the leading foreign investors in Vietnam – in Singapore on November 13.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Group President and CEO of Sembcorp Industries Neil McGregor on November 13 (Photo: VNA)
Singapore (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen XuanPhuc received Neil McGregor – Group President and CEO ofSembcorp Industries, one of the leading foreign investors in Vietnam – inSingapore on November 13.
Sembcorp has invested in nineVietnam-Singapore industrial parks (VSIP), generating jobs for some 200,000people.
PM Phuc, who is in Singapore to attend the 33rdASEAN Summit, congratulated the firm on its success in Vietnam, especially interms of the VSIPs, and its great contributions to the two countries’ economic,trade, and investment ties over the past years.
He asked the group to accelerate upcoming VSIPprojects in the southwestern region, which has a population of 20 million peopleand is bursting with development potential, to make use of the abundant localworkforce.
The PM also suggested it open a VSIP in theCentral Highlands as this region holds strengths in industrial crops likecoffee, rubber, and cashew, and is in need of investment in its processingsector.
At the meeting, McGregor appreciated thesubstantial support from the Vietnamese Government, ministries, sectors, andlocalities for his firm’s operations.
He noted that the group has surveyed some locationsfor future VSIPs, including the Central Highlands and the central province ofQuang Tri. It has also worked on some solutions towards improving the value ofits VSIPs.
Sembcorp is also promoting investment in energyin the country, he said, adding that is has discussed projects in this sectorwith the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
PM Phuc said Vietnam is likely to record agrowth rate of over 6.7 percent in 2018, attributing this to contributions byforeign investors.
To meet development demand, Vietnam has anincreasing need for energy for production and business activities, and this isa chance for foreign investors to increase investment in the field, he noted.
He asked Sembcorp to speed up clean energyprojects, including those in wind and solar power, as this is where the country holdsgreat strength and potential for growth. It should also consider investing in otherVietnamese fields in high demand, such construction, ports, and storageinfrastructure development. –VNA
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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Group President and CEO of Sembcorp Industries Neil McGregor on November 13 (Photo: VNA) 
