During his mid-November visit to Ca Mau, the southernmost region in the country, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasised the critical importance of infrastructure, especially transportation, as a prerequisite for economic growth.

“Ca Mau faces numerous challenges, yet also possesses immense potential. The province needs to mobilise all possible resources for development investments instead of solely relying on state budgets,” the Party chief stressed. “Resolving the pressing issue of transport infrastructure will open doors for enticing investment and propelling socioeconomic development in this area of the country.”

Ca Mau is earger to host trade and investment promotion campaigns to attract high-quality investors, Photo: Ca Mau newspaper

At the working session, Nguyen Tien Hai, Secretary of Ca Mau Party Committee, identified bottlenecks that significantly hinder the province’s growth. Besides workforce challenges, he highlighted the urgent need for investment in infrastructure, particularly local transport networks and seaports.

“There should be a focus on allocating resources for developing transport infrastructure in a unique region like Ca Mau. Proper investments in this area will drive growth, attract investment and personnel, exploit advantages and potentials, supplement budget revenue, and pave the way for rapid and sustainable development,” Hai noted.

The province’s economy is showing strong recovery. Accordingly, Ca Mau managed an annual growth rate of 4.93 per cent during 2021-2024, scoring a 6.45 per cent growth rate in the first nine months of 2024. The province’s regional GDP is projected to grow by 6.53 per cent by the end of this year.

Ca Mau’s economy is estimated to reach a scale approximating $3.67 billion, 1.4 times higher than in 2020, with per capita regional GDP expected to hit just over $3,000 annually, marking a 36.2 per cent jump compared to 2020.

With the province’s well-established revolutionary traditions and recent socioeconomic achievements, General Secretary Lam commended the efforts and accomplishments of the province’s management and the people. However, he also pointed out current shortcomings and demanded greater effort and determination from the province.

He also instructed provincial authorities to review tasks and targets with precision, expedite effective solutions, and address bottlenecks promptly to achieve the highest possible outcomes for annually set targets.

“The province needs to effectively avail of its distinctive potential, prominent opportunities, and maritime advantages to create breakthroughs for rapid and sustainable development,” Lam said.

Additionally, Lam emphasised improving the quality of personnel to meet the demands of the new era. Priority should also be given to supporting disadvantaged households, eradicating temporary housing, and stabilising livelihoods amidst surging climate change implications.

With strong determination, Ca Mau is concentrating efforts to fulfill its socioeconomic targets for 2024, laying the groundwork for completing the objectives of the 2020-2025 term. The province’s People’s Committee has directed provincial departments, agencies, and district-level authorities to intensify efforts in implementing assigned tasks and strive to meet the set goals and targets with the best possible outcomes.

Efforts are being directed towards implementing the provincial planning towards 2030, as approved a year ago. Ca Mau is working on developing an action plan for the planning, creating urban and rural development schemes, and preparing technical and specialised initiatives. Specific plans are being launched to actualise the provincial planning with a long-term vision to 2050.

Meanwhile, Ca Mau continues to promote public investment disbursement in conjunction with modernising and synchronised infrastructure system. Efforts are being made to address obstacles, ensure smooth project implementation, and accelerate the disbursement of public investment, particularly for urgent projects with wide-reaching impacts.

Ca Mau remains committed to improving the local investment environment to facilitate business development. Efforts are being intensified to implement the scheme to improve the business environment and enhance provincial competitiveness for 2021-2025, with an outlook towards 2030.

The province is also focused on effectively executing solutions to improve its Provincial Competitiveness Index and Provincial Green Index rankings.

In addition, Ca Mau is strengthening activities that support small- and medium-sized enterprises, helping them adapt proactively, recover quickly, and achieve sustainable growth in 2025 and beyond. These measures aim to foster a robust business ecosystem, contributing to Ca Mau’s stable socioeconomic development and long-term resilience.