Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee Chairman Tran Duy Dong (M) discusses solutions to remove difficulties for businesses at the “Business Coffee” program

On May 8, the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee organized the second “Business Coffee” program chaired by Provincial People’s Committee Chairman Tran Duy Dong, with participation from leaders of provincial departments and agencies, along with representatives of businesses and investors operating in the province.

In an open and direct discussion, businesses shared difficulties and obstacles arising during production, business operations, and project investment activities. They also proposed solutions to address bottlenecks related to planning, land, investment procedures, and production resources.

One notable aspect was that many issues were assigned for immediate handling during the meeting itself instead of simply being formally recorded. This reflects efforts to shift from an “administrative management” mindset to a more business-oriented approach in local economic governance.

Supporting businesses to maintain long-term investment confidence

One issue that attracted attention during the program was a proposal from ASTEMO Phu Tho Co., Ltd. regarding its operational plans after 2031.According to the company, the project is currently located outside an industrial park and falls into the category that would not qualify for an extension upon expiration under Official Letter 3332/UBND-KT11 issued by the provincial government. Given this situation, the company proposed either maintaining production activities at its current location after the project expires or being allowed to join an industrial park to ensure long term operational stability.

This issue reflects a broader trend as many localities restructure industrial space and gradually move manufacturing facilities into concentrated industrial parks to meet requirements related to environmental standards, fire prevention and fighting, and urban planning.

In direct discussions with the company, Provincial People’s Committee Chairman Tran Duy Dong welcomed the company’s desire to continue long-term investment in Phu Tho. He also said relocating businesses into industrial parks is part of a broader policy aimed at ensuring environmental standards, fire safety, public security, and alignment with the province’s orientation toward modern urban development in the coming years. He requested ASTEMO Phu Tho Co., Ltd. to complete application documents and procedures soon so the province could review and consider extending its operating license after 2031 in accordance with regulations. Over the longer term, the company is expected to proactively develop a relocation plan into industrial parks or industrial clusters to meet new infrastructure and environmental standards.

The provincial leader also assigned relevant departments and agencies to guide the company through procedures and processes to support the completion of its application documents, while also studying plans to facilitate the company’s entry into industrial parks once all conditions are met.

This approach shows that Phu Tho is seeking to balance government management requirements with businesses’ need for stable production operations. This is also an important factor in improving predictability and stability in the investment environment, something businesses, especially foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises, closely consider when making long-term investment decisions.

Binh Xuyen Industrial Park in Phu Tho Province

Supporting businesses in resolving investment resource challenges

Beyond manufacturing, difficulties faced by real estate companies were also discussed directly during the program.

A representative of Tran Anh Vinh Phuc Real Estate Joint Stock Company raised concerns about shortages of fill material for project construction and proposed that the province apply special mechanisms under Government Resolution 66.4/2025/NQ-CP to help address obstacles in implementing the Law on Geology and Minerals.

This issue is directly affecting the progress of many investment projects. Shortages of fill material not only increase costs but also extend construction timelines, affecting the efficiency of businesses’ capital use.

In response, Provincial People’s Committee Chairman Tran Duy Dong said the application of special mechanisms must be based on specific criteria under government regulations. However, to help businesses address immediate difficulties, the province also introduced flexible solutions.

Accordingly, businesses may access fill material from licensed mines or from projects with surplus soil to meet construction demand. In cases where businesses have purchased land or acquired land use rights, they must complete all procedures for mineral extraction permits in accordance with legal regulations.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment was assigned to coordinate with and guide businesses in implementing special mechanisms and policies under Resolution 66.4/2025/NQ-CP to help resolve difficulties related to the Law on Geology and Minerals.

The fact that provincial leaders directly assigned responsibilities to departments and agencies during the dialogue reflects a working approach based on “clear focal points and clear responsibilities,” helping reduce repeated travel and long waiting times for businesses.

Speaking at the program, Provincial People’s Committee Chairman Tran Duy Dong praised the contributions of the business community to the province’s socio-economic development in recent years. According to provincial leaders, despite ongoing difficulties, businesses have maintained production and business operations, contributed significantly to the local budget, created jobs for workers, and actively participated in social welfare activities.

Affirming that Phu Tho will continue supporting businesses, the provincial leader requested departments and agencies to strengthen their sense of responsibility and proactively support and guide businesses in complying with legal regulations, contributing to a transparent, open, and sustainable investment environment.

As competition among localities to attract investment continues to intensify, businesses are no longer focused solely on incentives, but are also paying close attention to governance capacity, problem-solving ability, and the level of support provided by local authorities.

The second “Business Coffee” program shows that Phu Tho is working to build the image of a facilitative government that places businesses at the center of public service and views resolving business difficulties as an important driver of local economic growth in the new development phase.