Can Tho pulls US$1.8 bln in investment
Export processing zones (EPZs) and industrial zones (IZs) in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho have attracted 204 investment projects, capitalised at more than US$1.84 billion, according to the Can Tho EPZs and IZs Authority.
Of the total, up to US$810 million has been disbursed, accounting for 44 percent of the total.
Among these projects, 23 are from foreign investors, valued at US$181.4 million. The remainder, worth more than US$1.66 billion, have been funded domestically.
The encouraging results were attributed to great efforts by local authorities in speeding up administrative reforms, improving infrastructure facilities and providing investors with incentives.
These include reductions in land-rental fees and corporate income tax as well as assistance in training unqualified workers.
Apart from five existing zones, Can Tho plans to build another three with a total area of 1,400ha. They are O Mon (600ha), O Mon Bac (400ha), and Thot Not (400ha).
Land clearance is also underway to expand Hung Phu I and II industrial zones, and two other zones in O Mon district.
The work also involves investment in communication infrastructure, drainage, electricity supplies and accommodation for residents forced to resettle.
During the past four months, businesses in the city's industrial zones have posted US$528 million in turnover, an increase of 1 percent year-on-year.