Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh has requested Mekong Delta localities make strong moves to attract investment to the region’s green tourism.
An investment promotion meeting in Cantho city on June 30 drew officials from several ministries and localities, Consul Generals of some countries, and domestic and foreign business representatives.
The Deputy PM said Vietnam boasts great advantages to attract tourism investments such as a stable political situation and community hospitality.
Although the region recorded rapid growth in the tourism sector, the results have yet to reach their expected potential, he noted, adding that number of foreign tourists is still below that of regional countries.
He said to foster tourism investments, the Government, central agencies and localities must ensure the legitimate interests of enterprises and commit to strong administrative procedure reform to improve the economy’s competitiveness.
He also urged them to hold regular dialogues with domestic and foreign businesses to address hindrances and provide optimal conditions for business operations.
Ninh added other necessary efforts to improve Mekong Delta tourism, including creating typical tourist products, developing infrastructure with both State and private funding, boosting inter-provincial coordination, equipping tourism personnel with first-rate skills and encouraging local residents to adopt a more civilised lifestyle.
At the meeting, the State Bank of Vietnam inked credit contracts for two tourism projects in the Phu Quoc Island of Kien Giang province and another project in Phong Dien district of Can Tho.
The event was part of the 2015 Mekong Delta Green Tourism Week, which is underway in Can Tho from June 27 to July 3. The week also includes a fair with 1,030 booths, a food festival and a street festival.
The Mekong Delta region encompasses Can Tho city and the 12 provinces of An Giang, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Ca Mau, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Long An, Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh and Vinh Long.
VNA