Developing high technology agriculture – creating position for Vietnam rice

In 2009, Hau Giang celebrates the anniversary of five year separation with great changes, however, there are challenges and difficulties. In such situation, Hau Giang province’s leaders have daringly made a “hit” – to be a host for the first Vietnam National Rice Festival. On this occasion, we had a discussion with Mr. Nguyen Phong Quang, Commissioner of the Central Party, Secretary of Hau Giang provincial Committee of the party.

* Sir, as well as other provinces, cities, what does Hau Giang “get” from this Festival?

I think that not only Hau Giang but also many other provinces in the country hurriedly carry out the development of an perfect agriculture towards: high technology agriculture; and the increase of motorization rate helping farmers less loss after harvest. For Hau Giang, A construction project of high technology agriculture for more than 5,000 ha in Long My district is proposed to the government. This is the base for the province’s “pilot” in developing rice varieties of high productivity and quality, abreast the motorization application, helping farmers lower the production cost, raise the competitiveness of Vietnam rice in the market. Specially setting up the trademark, making position for Vietnam rice spreading through out the world.

* The year of 2009 is a milestone of the province’s five year separation, the achievements of “foundation” which Hau Giang got is very important, isn’t it?

Right after the separation, from the Central guidance, Hau Giang province’s Party Committee made an effort to build up the political system, train the staff source. The staffs who are well qualified are chosen to shoulder the assignments. Thence, the province decides to build a good infrastructure for a “lever” of the perfect economic development. The outstanding point is that the completion of province’s key roads: upgrading and widenning national highway No.61, Tran Hung Dao street, building the connecting route from Vi Thanh town to Can Tho city, the western road of Hau river, Bon Tong – Mot Ngan, the south of Hau river and Hung Hiep road section. Vi Thanh town now is at “the navel” of the western sub-region of Hau river. The said roads spread and connect Hau Giang to other provinces and Can Tho city more conveniently.

Our most satisfaction is 18,000 love and gratitude houses for the families are creditted with the revolution, families of lack of man power, families are in difficulties besides the economic development of Hau Giang province. This is a good deep that Hau Giang province’s Party Committee expresses its gratitude to the policy families; the moral standards of mutual effection and mutual love – “ the good leaves cover up the bad” is well done.

* Though being the province has just been separated, Hau Giang has obtained breakthrough steps in investment attraction, hasn’t it?

Focus on infrastructure construction has created good conditions for forming industrial zones rapidly in Hau Giang. Since then, more than USD 1.2 billion and VND 20,000 billion attracted for investment. It’s a great pleasure that on the occasion of the Rice Festival, there are further 20 projects with the investment capital of more than VND 38,000 billion attracted in Hau Giang. With the results obtained in the past time, Hau Giang Party Committee and people really thank the Central authorities, the Government, departments, industries, provinces and cities in the whole country because of their care, as well as local and abroad trading companies because of their investment and attention and favour in Hau Giang.

In a few coming months, when Can Tho bridge completed and associated with the diversity of traffic system, there will be further convenient opportunities to attract investors for Hau Giang. We undertake that we will give comfortable policy mechanism with simple consideration procedures, preferential tax policy, solving difficulty timely; focus on clearance to companies rapidly.

* What are you still worrying now?

We find that there are still many challenges in Hau Giang. The difficulty is still existing in the inhabitants’ life, and the infrastructure here hasn’t been perfected yet; production and consumption of agricultural products are unstable - insecure; with shortage of qualified staff. These are the problems that the province shall try and focus for solving. The current development rate has been maintained by Hau Giang. In the case of satisfaction and lack of determination, the rate will be slowed down. Training and selecting the qualified inheritance staff for focusing on the local social – economic development, …. are the key matters.

* Thank you very much !

by CAO PHONG