In the afternoon of December 5th, 2013, Danang Investment Promotion Center coordinated with Danang FDI Club to host the Seminar on Improving Investment Environment and Attracting FDI to Danang. Mr. Van Huu Chien, Chairman of Danang People's Committee, Honorary Chairman of Danang FDI Club, and Mr. Lam Quang Minh, Director of Danang Investment Promotion Center, Chairman of Danang FDI Club, chaired the meeting. More than 100 representatives of different departments, associations, and FDI Club members participated in the Seminar.
In the opening speech, Chairman Van Huu Chien emphasized the contribution of FDI enterprises to Danang's economic development, changing the appearance and the investment environment of the city. As of November 2013, there were 291 registered FDI projects in force in Danang with a total registered capital of more than USD 3.31 billion. Most projects have been operated efficiently. FDI enterprises contributed more than USD 654 million to the city budget, accounted for more than 51.6% of the total export turnover in the first 9 months of 2013, and created more than 38,000 jobs. Moreover, FDI enterprises have brought in new advanced management models, business methods, and had positive spillover effects to domestic enterprises in terms of technology advancement and product quality. The Chairman also announced that 2014 was chosen as the "Year of Enterprises". According to that, the city leaders and departments would focus on establishing and implementing solutions to support and create favorable conditions for domestic and foreign companies in the city to develop.
Although the contributions of FDI enterprises to the development of the city are substantial, the attraction of FDI to Danang is still very limited. How to make Danang a more appealing destination for foreign investors remains a constant concern for not only the city government but also the entrepreneurs who do business in Danang and love the city. At the Seminar, there were many dedicated and useful suggestions and recommendations from representatives of FDI businesses regarding such issues as stabilizing the macro environment; establishing and improving the infrastructure, especially the waste water treatment system in the city and along the beaches; establishing agenda to develop the supporting industry; facilitating dialogues between the city administration and businesses, and connecting different associations in organizing investment promotion activities; conducting administrative reform measures, and establishing appropriate incentive policies for the city's encouraged investment sectors.
Translated by Hong Hanh – IPC Danang