After 9 months of Ho Chi Minh City's simultaneous and drastic implementation of groups of solutions to handle and remove obstacles on each specific project - group of projects, the progress of implementation and disbursement of public investment capital is still slow, not much improved. As of September 27, the total capital of the city's public investment plan for 2024 has only been disbursed at VND 15,802 billion, reaching 19.9% ​​of the assigned capital (over VND 79,000 billion).

In fact, there are quick take-up of the opening points in Resolution 98/2023/QH15 on piloting a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City as well as seizing opportunities from a number of new laws that have come into effect such as the Land Law, the Bidding Law, etc. However, from there, the synchronization with the implementation guidance progress of competent authorities (central ministries and branches) has encountered... obstacles. Adjustments related to changes in the above laws, planning adjustment procedures, site clearance compensation, etc. are all obstacles that make local measures to remove barriers... impossible!

It is heartbreaking to see that the rare bright spot in this third quarter is the Government's quick agreement to extend the Mercedes-Benz Vietnam project on the land in Go Vap district for another 5 years. How to handle public assets after the land lease contract has ended has become confusing for the authorities, and this issue was directed by General Secretary and President To Lam when working with the city to be resolved soon. Is this a positive precedent for us to get involved more decisively, to remove obstacles - because of which, not only in each specific project and partner, but also the entire economic flow is blocked, including public investment disbursement?

Meanwhile, both domestic consumption and import-export sectors recorded an increase of over 10% (imports alone increased by only 6.4% over the same period). The market situation of goods in the area remained stable and smooth. In the bright picture of exports, the good news is that many textile and garment enterprises received enough orders until the third quarter and the end of 2024, which led to positive job and labor maintenance.

To turn the pressure of the last quarter of the year into a driving force for the completion of the annual growth target, it is necessary to focus highly on the following groups of solutions: Strongly reform the licensing process in key areas, for example, the regulation on granting construction permits lasting up to 3 years is currently causing many difficulties for businesses and people. Once again, the city needs to accelerate and complete administrative reforms in all areas; it is necessary to organize regular meetings for each project and key topics to work with relevant departments and investors to remove obstacles in regulations, processes and procedures.

The city also needs to consider the role of businesses through specific programs to promote investment in infrastructure of Ho Chi Minh City's Ring Road 2 and Ring Road 3; build bridges and roads connecting the city with neighboring provinces and cities as a solution to save the economy. At the same time, the city should soon propose a traffic plan connecting Long Thanh - Dong Nai airport to create momentum for the tourism industry as well as create a premise for the shift in customs, tariffs, goods import, logistics, etc. when this project comes into operation.

Quickly solve the traffic problem at the airport, metro station, and city gateways so that the last quarter of the year - which is also the "golden season" of the year - can stimulate the circulation of goods, festivals, consumption, and trade promotion activities, aiming at reinvestment and building a number of large enterprises that play a leading role in driving the economy next year.

NGUYEN QUAN CAT