The forum was organized to provide timely information on socio-economic development, exchange and listen to feedback, and resolve difficulties and obstacles faced by businesses operating in Can Tho City. It aims to contribute to improving the investment environment, promoting economic development, and building trust between the business community and the city's authorities.

According to the report, Can Tho City currently has over 10,000 active businesses, which contribute to the city's budget annually and play a role in generating employment opportunities for the local workforce and neighboring areas. They also collaborate with the city's authorities in effectively implementing social welfare programs in the region.

Recognizing businesses as a crucial driving force for socio-economic development, the city's People's Committee has consistently demonstrated its support and cooperation with the business community over the years. During the first six months of 2023, various government support policies, such as tax incentives, favorable interest rates from banks, and the continued implementation of the Economic and Social Recovery and Development Program, various policies aimed at alleviating obstacles and providing support for businesses have been implemented, along with other stimulating policies, have contributed to the gradual recovery of production and business activities. The city is transitioning from an adaptive state to a more stable and promising phase, with positive results in socio-economic development.

Can Tho city leaders discuss with businesses on the sidelines of the forum

During the Dialogue Forum, representatives from the Department of Planning and Investment presented a report on the socio-economic development in the city during the first six months of 2023, along with the direction and tasks for the remaining six months. Additionally, the representatives from the Can Tho Promotion Agency compiled and reported the feedback and challenges faced by businesses, which were collected through previous interactions and meetings with the business community.

Business representatives highlighted several difficulties in their production and business operations. These challenges included the need for reduced bank interest rates to secure more capital for sustaining production activities, requests for extensions on social insurance debts, support in reducing the frequency of inspections to allow businesses to focus on economic development, assistance with land allocation, and changing land use purposes, request for the time frame of relocation to industrial zones, proposals for support in obtaining intellectual property rights and necessary certifications to facilitate product market access, and suggestions for addressing environmental pollution issues. Some of these issues were addressed by relevant Departments, offices, and local authorities during the forum, within their scope and jurisdiction.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Secretary of the Can Tho City Party Committee, also delivered his directives during the forum.

In his directing speech at the Dialogue Forum, Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Secretary of the Can Tho City Party Committee, assessed that all the opinions expressed by businesses during the forum were very valid. He acknowledged and highly valued the efforts made to overcome challenges and the contributions of the business community. He emphasized that even though the Party Committee cannot replace the government's responsibilities, it is responsible for proposing, monitoring, supervising, and guiding the city's authorities to address the difficulties and obstacles faced by businesses. Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu requested the Department of Internal Affairs to promptly advise the People's Committee of the city on administrative procedure reforms, aiming to create a more favorable environment for businesses. He also suggested simplifying unnecessary paperwork that businesses had previously mentioned.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, barriers still exist in various areas such as land-related issues, land use purpose conversions, bidding processes, auctions, and investment project establishment, which were previously raised by the business community. While the central authorities are actively resolving these difficulties, he emphasized that Can Tho City needs to take action to promptly address administrative procedures related to land, as unresolved land-related barriers could hinder business expansion, development, and subsequently affect economic growth.

Additionally, Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu proposed that the city's leadership, People's Committee, Departments, offices, and functional agencies establish direct and immediate channels of communication, engage in direct exchanges, and actively listen to the business community to collaboratively address challenges and maintain regular contact with businesses in the future.

Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City, Mr. Tran Viet Truong, emphasized that every leader, manager, civil servant, and official should always have a spirit of listening and supporting businesses.

Taking into account the directions provided by the Secretary of the City Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City, Mr. Tran Viet Truong, requested the heads of relevant agencies, concerning the issues raised by businesses during today's Dialogue Forum, to issue official responses to the businesses within a three-working-day deadline. The Department of Planning and Investment will act as the focal point, continuing to compile the difficulties, obstacles, and suggestions from the business community to report to the People's Committee for rapid resolution.

Mr. Tran Viet Truong assigned the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs to conduct research and propose solutions to support businesses in providing information on labor, recruitment, and labor training tailored to their needs. The Department of Industry and Trade will research and propose solutions related to market information, and trade agreement details for the business community.

Furthermore, the Department of Internal Affairs will intensify inspections of the implementation of guidelines, receiving and processing administrative procedures to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and eliminate additional document requirements not stipulated, or deemed unnecessary. The State Bank of Vietnam - Can Tho Branch will study and propose credit support measures, improving access to financing for businesses.

In conclusion, the Chairman of the People's Committee emphasized that every leader, manager, civil servant, and official should uphold a strong sense of responsibility and set an example by executing their duties and responsibilities diligently, always with a spirit of listening and supporting businesses.