Call for a “Special Mechanism”
Table of Contents
Investors emphasize the need for preferential policies to fully tap the Central Highlands’ valuable potential. This “special mechanism” must go beyond defining priority sectors or incentive timelines. More importantly, it requires consistent policy implementation and firm commitments from local authorities across the region’s five provinces—Lâm Đồng, Đắk Lắk, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and Đắk Nông.
Clear Inter-Provincial Investment Framework
Because the provinces share similar characteristics and overlapping strengths, clear identification of each province’s investment needs is essential. Investors believe an inter-provincial framework will help maximize local advantages, avoid duplication, and support informed decision-making.
Investor Concerns Over Administrative Barriers
At a business meeting co-organized by the Central Highlands Steering Committee and the Ministry of Planning and Investment in Ho Chi Minh City, investors and provincial leaders agreed on the urgency of streamlined policies.
-
Nguyễn Hữu Thọ, General Director of Saigontourist, highlighted administrative procedures as a major obstacle: while provincial leaders are open-minded, lower-level authorities often create hurdles, raising borrowing costs and deterring projects.
-
The Vietnam National Coffee Corporation (VinaCafe) has delayed plans for new investments—such as bio-fertilizer production in Gia Lai, Đắk Nông, and Đắk Lắk—because investment data is not fully updated. General Director Đỗ Văn Nam stressed that investors need clear information on new and existing projects to avoid overlapping investments and wasted capital.
Challenges Slowing Capital Flow
Alongside weak transport infrastructure, limited human resources, and delays in land clearance, the Central Highlands still struggles to attract investment capital.
Local Government Actions and Commitments
-
Trần Quốc Thái, Vice Chairman of the Lâm Đồng Provincial People’s Committee, admitted difficulties in assessing the financial capacity of enterprises and resolving land clearance issues. Lâm Đồng is focusing on high-tech agricultural processing, forestry development, and building commercial centers, markets, and residential areas. The province will work with investors and banks to support project funding.
-
Đỗ Thế Nhữ, Vice Chairman of the Đắk Nông Provincial People’s Committee, announced the province has introduced a “one-stop” investment promotion mechanism to handle all procedures on behalf of businesses. He also acknowledged a shortage of skilled labor and confirmed plans to establish vocational training centers to meet future workforce demands.
Outlook
Despite its fertile land and strong potential in coffee, pepper, and forestry, the Central Highlands still faces hurdles that discourage investment. Consistent policy execution, streamlined administrative processes, and improved workforce training are critical to unlocking sustainable economic growth and realizing the region’s vast opportunities.