[E-Magazine] Springtime Conversation: Thanh Hoa - New Vision, New Aspirations

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - [E-Magazine] Springtime Conversation: Thanh Hoa - New Vision, New Aspirations

Reporter : Mr. Mai Xuan Liem, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, many opinions suggest that 2025 is a pivotal year in terms of development thinking for Thanh Hoa province. So, in your opinion, what is the most important turning point in 2025, and why can it be considered the foundation for the next development phase?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem : Along with other localities nationwide, Thanh Hoa in 2025 will have many milestones that were unprecedented before, namely the implementation of a two-tiered local government system. When the new replaces the traditional, there will certainly be some initial unfamiliarity, because this is a new organizational model, a very fundamental change. But the most important thing is the change in institutions and organizations to create development and enter a new phase with a new mindset. Of course, this requires new management thinking, efforts, and methods.

Reporter: Mr. Mai Xuan Liem, if you had to point out one of the biggest changes in the province's governance mindset in 2025 compared to previous years, what would it be? And how has that change impacted the operation of the government apparatus?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem : The key here is a change in people's mindset to create a new flow, but based on the old foundation, and the ultimate goal must be growth, stability, and improvement of people's lives.

Reporter: It's clear that the shift in thinking isn't limited to the provincial level, but is spreading down to the grassroots. As a young intellectual working directly in the border commune of Pù Nhi – more than 200 km from the provincial center – I'd like to ask Associate Professor, Dr. Đoàn Văn Trường: how has this shift in thinking from the provincial level impacted reality? What are some things that the grassroots level previously didn't dare to do, but are now boldly implementing?

Associate Professor - Dr. Doan Van Truong : Previously, there were things that grassroots officials and local authorities at the commune level didn't dare to do or propose for fear of making mistakes, or even for fear of exceeding their authority. But now, with the innovative thinking from the provincial level, we feel empowered and trusted to connect with local realities. This has created great motivation for the grassroots level, giving officials more confidence and motivation to formulate policies that are appropriate for each locality.

Reporter : From a grassroots perspective, there are certainly still some obstacles that prevent the policy of reforming thinking from achieving the results we expect and desire. What are those obstacles?

Associate Professor - Dr. Doan Van Truong: When new officials are faced with a large workload, they must gradually adapt to new ways of thinking, new methods, and new approaches. Another difficulty is that the area has rugged and fragmented terrain, along with many outdated procedures and customs that still have limitations. Therefore, implementing guidelines, policies, and strategies into practice requires a long and persistent process. Thus, in the coming time, training and hands-on guidance for grassroots levels are essential.

Reporter: From a business perspective, Mr. Tran Tien Dung, you have over 10 years of research and involvement in the logistics sector of Thanh Hoa province. You've not only encouraged container shipping companies but also opened a domestic container route between Thanh Hoa and Hai Phong . This sector is directly impacted by institutional and infrastructure changes. So, what do you perceive as the most significant aspect of the Thanh Hoa provincial government's shift in thinking in recent years?

Businessman Tran Tien Dung: I am very pleased to see the daily changes in Thanh Hoa province, the business community, and the people. In 2014, when the oil refinery began construction, the Nghi Son Economic Zone has now become a successful, model economic zone. I think with this development momentum, coupled with the restructuring according to the general policies of the Party and the State, the services provided to the business community and the people have made remarkable progress. Businesses can now access policies and have their problems and difficulties resolved more quickly. I think these are positive signs, contributing to giving the business community confidence when expanding or making new investments.

Reporter: Some businesses believe that while the shift in mindset has begun, there are still delays in its implementation. From a business perspective, what do you consider to be the biggest bottleneck we are currently facing?

Businessman Tran Tien Dung: After many years of development with the old model, we have probably reached a certain point. To achieve stronger and more breakthrough growth, we need more drastic changes. Each change has many advantages, but alongside them, difficulties and obstacles still exist, especially in the initial stages. On the business community's side, we are now gradually getting used to the operation of the two-tiered government system.

Reporter : Mr. Mai Xuan Liem, as businessman Tran Tien Dung has shared, there are still initial difficulties. How do you assess this issue? And in the coming time, what directions will Thanh Hoa province take to shorten the gap between policy and implementation?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: From a management perspective, I am very pleased with Mr. Tran Tien Dung's opinion. Because we must recognize that when implementing a two-tiered government model, we must first abandon the habits and mindset of the previous three-tiered model. This implementation is not only the responsibility of state management but also of the business community and the people, as Mr. Dung mentioned. This is a business perspective and accurately reflects reality.

We know that there may be changes in quantity, but it is necessary to ensure that quality improves. Here, the interaction between citizens, businesses, and the government must be greater, because the workload and the number of tasks currently under the responsibility of the commune and ward-level governments are enormous.

In terms of policy, we have gradually improved regulations and institutions. It is crucial that digital transformation has become an integral part of the lives of every family, business, and government agency. However, we need to apply it at a higher level to increase interaction online, reduce direct interaction, and shorten the time required to process tasks. Most importantly, we need to build a system of procedures that allows everyone equal, open, and transparent access; this will enable the development of large-scale business strategies, household production plans, and government management plans. When digital transformation is applied effectively, we can also conduct indirect but highly effective monitoring, thereby promoting the operation of the system and the management of society. And surely, with wise guidance and decisive direction from the local government, our reform efforts will become even more complete in the future, wouldn't you agree?

Reporter: If innovative thinking is a necessary condition, then infrastructure and logistics are sufficient conditions for sustainable economic development. And for Thanh Hoa, this story is closely linked to the Nghi Son Economic Zone and the role of the seaport system. So, Mr. Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, how does Thanh Hoa province define the role of infrastructure, especially logistics infrastructure, in its development strategy for the coming period?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: To complete the logistics infrastructure, connectivity between sea, road, rail, and inland waterways, and between Nghi Son Port and other ports in the region, is crucial. For many years, there has been a container route from Thanh Hoa to Hai Phong. So, given Thanh Hoa's conditions, how should we develop it so that transport businesses see its potential, participate in investment, and promote the development of goods circulation?

Reporter: It's clear that the Nghi Son Economic Zone is a driving force for the province's economic development. Mr. Tran Tien Dung, who has spent over 10 years researching and working with Nghi Son Port and its logistics system, what do you consider to be the biggest advantage of Nghi Son Port on the country's logistics map?

Businessman Tran Tien Dung : Thanh Hoa has many competitive advantages compared to the national average. Nghi Son, in particular, is a deep-water port. In fact , to date, it has received ships of 60-70 thousand tons. Looking back 10 years, this was once a dream. In the early days, when we came here to organize production and business, transportation was mainly by road, and the only method available at that time had very limited capacity. Over the past 10 years, the Nghi Son port system has been built and developed quite systematically. It has the capacity to receive large ships, a good channel, and modern equipment, ensuring high loading and unloading productivity and reducing the time ships spend at the berth. This is one of the conditions that has attracted shipping companies to increasingly bring their ships to Nghi Son. In addition, in recent years, the connection of roads with the province's vertical and horizontal axes has been systematically invested in, helping to shorten transportation time. However, with the current strong growth rate of cargo, in the near future, if Nghi Son's port infrastructure is not invested in and developed in a timely manner, it will not be able to meet the growing demand.

Reporter: Based on Mr. Tran Tien Dung's statements, it seems there are still bottlenecks preventing Nghi Son Port from achieving the breakthrough expected. So, from container port infrastructure and transportation connectivity to procedures, how will the province address these issues in the future, Mr. Mai Xuan Liem?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: The first two port terminals were invested using state budget funds. After completion, they were handed over to businesses and the investment costs were recovered. To date, all investment at Nghi Son Port has been carried out by businesses. A very important factor is the shipping channel. Currently, this issue has received attention from the Government. In particular, the Prime Minister has concluded and assigned the Ministry of Construction to finalize the feasibility study report for dredging the Nghi Son shipping channel, with a total estimated investment of approximately 5,200 billion VND, to ensure conditions for ships to dock and load/unload goods. As Mr. Dung mentioned, in addition to the shipping channel, businesses also need to reorganize their loading and unloading capacity. On the part of state management agencies, all administrative procedures must be streamlined, public, and transparent.

Reporter: With the observations, assessments, and insights shared by Comrade Mai Xuan Liem, it is certain that the logistics of Nghi Son Port will continue to develop further in the future. To Associate Professor, Dr. Doan Van Truong: From a mountainous perspective, how do you perceive the impact of infrastructure and logistics development on the lives and development opportunities of people in border areas?

Associate Professor Dr. Doan Van Truong: I think the development of logistics in the coming time is a very positive sign for mountainous communes like ours.

Reporter: So, in your opinion, what should we prioritize most in order for infrastructure to truly become a driving force for development?

Associate Professor Dr. Doan Van Truong : Infrastructure can be developed ahead of time. Regarding institutions and policies, documents can be issued. However, innovative thinking, daring to think and act are crucial factors. I believe this is a breakthrough, a leverage to stimulate development in localities, especially mountainous communes.

Reporter: Comrade Mai Xuan Liem, what will be the province's future direction to ensure harmonious development between mountainous, lowland, and coastal areas?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: After the two-tiered local government system comes into operation, reviewing, adjusting, and developing plans is the first step in optimizing local resources and conditions. Each region has different development conditions, but with convenient port and road infrastructure in the delta region, this is also a factor in attracting goods produced in the mountainous areas – where there have long been few businesses and investors organizing large-scale production. Therefore, developing logistics is the driving force for all regions to develop together, shorten the distance, and most importantly, progress and develop together.

Reporter : 2026 marks the beginning of a new development term. The vision is clear, the aspirations are great, but the most important thing is how to realize those goals. Comrade Mai Xuan Liem , in the period 2026-2030, what are the priority development pillars for Thanh Hoa? And how will the province's strategy for attracting new-generation investment differ from before?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem : The Provincial Party Congress Resolution still identifies infrastructure development as a very important and continuous driving force. However, we must view infrastructure development in a new phase. The basic framework infrastructure has been formed, but from that foundation, we must improve its quality.

The Eastern Expressway through Thanh Hoa has seven interchange points, clearly demonstrating the driving role of infrastructure in attracting industrial development. For example, the Thieu Hoa interchange connects to the Giang Quang Thinh Industrial Park and the WHA Industrial Park in Phu Quy. Just one interchange connects two industrial parks currently undergoing infrastructure investment. Further south is the Dong Thang interchange. Upon completion, it has already attracted investors, including Sumitomo Thang Long Group, to invest in the Sumitomo Thang Long Industrial Park. Along these large-scale road networks, we continue to connect and develop industrial clusters. With sizes ranging from 20 to 70 hectares, these industrial clusters are suitable for the accessibility of local communes. Currently, the province is directing a review to incorporate them into the provincial planning for the 2026-2030 period.

Another point is the energy infrastructure. With the investment in 500kV substations and transmission lines running through the area, electricity transmission is very convenient. Going forward, the province will attract gas-fired power projects for development. All these factors show that infrastructure is linked to promoting industrial development, contributing to urban development. As urbanization progresses, the demand for services, large-scale agricultural production serving a market of 4.2 million people, and investment activities will form a development chain, elevating Thanh Hoa to a new level.

From the 2020-2025 term, the province has identified its investment strategy as shifting from extensive to intensive development. Currently, the province prioritizes attracting investment in high-tech, high-value-added, environmentally friendly manufacturing sectors that reduce labor pressure and are appropriately allocated to local conditions.

Reporter: With the implementation of a two-tiered local government system, how will the government apparatus operate to keep pace with the province's investment attraction strategy?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem : With the operation of a two-tiered local government system, the province will apply administrative procedures in a transparent and open manner, utilizing technology to make all information publicly available. When businesses see that the government is transparent and the people are in agreement, that will be a factor in attracting investment and promoting production and business activities.

Reporter: From the perspective of a logistics business, what are businessman Tran Tien Dung's expectations regarding the investment environment and development vision of Thanh Hoa province in the coming term?

Businessman Tran Tien Dung: First of all, the government and provincial authorities' attention to dredging the Nghi Son channel is extremely welcome news for port operators and shipping companies. Secondly, the expansion of East-West connectivity, connecting quickly to the expressway, creates more favorable conditions for transportation. Besides large industrial zones, we need to develop more industrial clusters suitable for the commune level. These are the fundamental foundations for us to deploy logistics services. Thanh Hoa has many modes of transportation, which is an opportunity for balanced development, not dependent on a single mode.

Besides investing in the Nghi Son area, I also hope that in the pivotal year of 2026, the province will continue to work with ministries, agencies, and the Government to prioritize investment in maintaining the depth of the Ma River channel, creating conditions for coastal and inland waterway transport vessels with a carrying capacity of approximately 5,000 tons to transport goods from the distant western region. At that time, many product groups that previously lacked export opportunities will have potential. If we have effective methods for collecting, transporting, organizing logistics, and exploiting resources, this will become a large source of goods for export to the world market as well as for transport to other provinces and cities. We can form processing industrial clusters combined with collection points to serve logistics for people in the western region of the province. This is something we very much hope for. We are committed to working alongside the province, the business community, and the people to implement these projects, and we hope to carry out a few pilot projects as soon as possible, thereby evaluating and scaling them up.

Reporter: A general question for Comrade Mai Xuan Liem, businessman Tran Tien Dung, and Associate Professor - Doctor Doan Van Truong: What will be the decisive factor for Thanh Hoa to achieve a strong breakthrough in the 2026-2030 period? Is it governance mindset, quality of officials, infrastructure, or the support of businesses and the people?

Associate Professor Dr. Doan Van Truong : This is a very good question. Perhaps no single factor is the sole determining factor. Success must be a combination of many factors.

Businessman Tran Tien Dung : I agree with Comrade Truong. No single factor can guarantee success. Here, we need unity from state management agencies to the business community, and the active participation and support of the people, with high spirits and great faith in the strong future development of the country, the prosperity of businesses and the people. Each of us also needs to promote the spirit of solidarity and strive for the common goal of the country.

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem : I completely agree with those analyses. However, for me, I would like to further emphasize the role of guidance, organization, management, and creating an equal environment for all businesses and citizens to participate in the development process.

The human factor is crucial. People here encompass many different positions and roles, but I believe the role of leadership, especially the head of the organization, is extremely important. First and foremost, this is the responsibility and role of the provincial leadership team. I hope that during this process, the business community, both within and outside the province, including individuals like Mr. Tran Tien Dung, will continue to receive attention, investment, and contributions to the province's development as well as the development of their own businesses.

Reporter : The achievements in 2025 mark the beginning of a new development path. But the bigger question remains: What will Thanh Hoa become in 2030? A dynamic growth pole? A modern industrial, logistics, and service center? Or a locality with a high quality of life, a civilized society, and happy people?

A new vision must be accompanied by new determination, from the government and businesses to every citizen. It is this innovation in thinking, this spirit of commitment, and this decisive action today that will determine the future face of Thanh Hoa.

The year 2026 ushers in a new development period with many opportunities but also numerous challenges. However, with the foundation already built, and with a spirit of unity, creativity, discipline, and action, we have every right to believe that Thanh Hoa will continue to break through and develop even more strongly.

Performed by: Minh Tuyet

Photo: Van Hung

Graphics: Van Hung

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/e-magazine-tro-chuyen-dau-xuan-thanh-hoa-tam-nhin-moi-khat-vong-moi-278711.htm