Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh has requested Mekong Delta localities
make strong moves to attract investment to the region’s green tourism.
An investment promotion meeting in Can Tho city on
June 30 drew officials from several ministries and localities, Consul
Generals of some countries, and domestic and foreign business
representatives.
The Deputy PM said Vietnam boasts
great advantages to attract tourism investments such as a stable
political situation and community hospitality.
Although the region recorded rapid growth in the tourism sector, the
results have yet to reach their expected potential, he noted, adding
that number of foreign tourists is still below that of regional
countries.
He said to foster tourism investments,
the Government, central agencies and localities must ensure the
legitimate interests of enterprises and commit to strong administrative
procedure reform to improve the economy’s competitiveness.
He also urged them to hold regular dialogues with domestic and foreign
businesses to address hindrances and provide optimal conditions for
business operations.
Ninh added other necessary
efforts to improve Mekong Delta tourism, including creating typical
tourist products, developing infrastructure with both State and private
funding, boosting inter-provincial coordination, equipping tourism
personnel with first-rate skills and encouraging local residents to
adopt a more civilised lifestyle.
At the meeting,
the State Bank of Vietnam inked credit contracts for two tourism
projects in the Phu Quoc Island of Kien Giang province and another
project in Phong Dien district of Can Tho.
The event
was part of the 2015 Mekong Delta Green Tourism Week, which is underway
in Can Tho from June 27 to July 3. The week also includes a fair with
1,030 booths, a food festival and a street festival.
The Mekong Delta region encompasses Can Tho city and the 12 provinces
of An Giang, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Ca Mau, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien
Giang, Long An, Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh and Vinh Long.-VNA