Foreign enterprises place trust, raise investment in Dong Nai

Workers put the finishing touches on rubber components at a factory in Dong Nai province (Photo: VNA)

The trust of investors in the local business climate and support from authorities for enterprises count among the factors that have helped southern Dong Nai province almost reach its foreign direct investment (FDI) target for the year.

The Swiss-funded Nestle Vietnam, based at the Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park, has continually increased its charter capital since opening its first factory on-site in 1995.

Most recently, in April, it added 132 million USD to its investment in a coffee production project at the Amata Industrial Park in Dong Nai, bringing the total to over 400 million USD.

Carl Khoury, a manager at the company, said it has set up four factories in Vietnam, including three in Dong Nai, and it considers the province a key destination since it boasts industrial parks with complete infrastructure, borders Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s southern economic hub, and is served by highways and expressways favourable for goods transportation.

He noted that the company has developed continually over the last 25 years thanks in part to a sound investment climate and clear legal procedures that match international practice, both nationally and in Dong Nai.

Authorities have also swiftly dealt with any problems facing businesses, Khoury added.

In late March, the Soheung Vietnam Co. Ltd, with investment from the Republic of Korea, raised its capital by 30 million USD to 80 million USD to expand its factory at the Long Thanh Industrial Park in Dong Nai.

The company said the greatest challenge foreign businesses encounter when investing in a country is a lack of understanding about local practices and legal regulations.

However, it added, local agencies have helped it handle environmental and construction-related procedures, while taxation, business registration, and insurance services have been provided online, facilitating operations.

Dong Nai has attracted 66 FDI projects worth over 680 million USD since the beginning of this year, while its target for the year as a whole was around 700 million USD, according to the province’s Industrial Zones Authority.

It is currently home to nearly 1,400 FDI projects from 41 countries and territories with combined capital of 27 billion USD.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Cao Tien Dung said FDI projects have contributed greatly to local socio-economic development, and Dong Nai views foreign investment as a main development resource.

The province pledges to provide the best possible conditions to investors, he noted, adding that it prioritises large-scale projects using advanced technology and skilled workers in supporting industries.

In the time ahead, it will also boost infrastructure development, build modern residential areas, and invest strongly in education and healthcare, as investors come to the province not only to seek profit but also to enjoy a good life, Dung said./.