Challenges that need to be overcome

One of Dak Lak province's major expectations is to create an East-West development axis, connecting the highland region with the South Central Coast.

However, in reality, the technical infrastructure and transportation between the two axes are still not synchronized. Currently, National Highway 29 has limitations in terms of load capacity and traffic safety; the expressway and seaports have also not been fully developed.

Despite investment opportunities, building effective connectivity infrastructure between mountainous and coastal regions, and between new key economic zones, will be a major challenge in terms of capital and time. The incompleteness of this connectivity infrastructure is also a concern for many businesses.

Vung Ro seaport, one of the province's important cargo transportation hubs. Photo: Ho Nhu

Mr. Dang Van Huy, Director of Huy Hung One-Member Limited Company, shared that Dak Lak province has great opportunities to attract investment. However, to boost import and export of goods, warehouses at seaports are needed, especially refrigerated warehouses and transport vehicles, as the province's goods are mostly agricultural and aquatic products. In addition, most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province lack knowledge of international trade. Therefore, there is a great need for investors to undertake projects related to legal services to support businesses in understanding the standards of each country, as well as exploring foreign markets.

"To ensure an 8% growth rate, administrative reform and investment attraction are key issues and play a crucial role. However, this work currently faces many bottlenecks. Besides bottlenecks in mechanisms and policies, there are also bottlenecks in mindset. Therefore, in the new situation and with new requirements, the issue is that officials and civil servants themselves must overcome these psychological bottlenecks."

Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee

Furthermore, according to many businesses, integrating the two administrative systems, developing a new, synchronized master plan, and establishing unified investment management and incentive policies will require significant time and effort. Without this synchronization, investors may face difficulties in understanding and implementing regulations.

Previously, each locality had its own planning, so the requirement after mergers and consolidations is to quickly adjust and integrate the planning into the new spatial context.

Meanwhile, changes to strategies, plans, and development plans must follow specific principles and procedures, creating conditions for development that are consistent with reality, avoiding conflicts and inconsistencies that could affect growth and investment attraction.

Therefore, the new provincial government is gradually rebuilding its business support plan and ensuring a rational allocation of resources, minimizing inequality between the central core and the outskirts.

Simultaneously, identify key economic sectors and industries based on comparative advantages, build new brands to attract investment, and develop tourism , services, industry, and logistics systems. This will create regional linkages, optimize supply chains, and reduce transportation costs.

According to the Department of Finance, previously, each locality (formerly Phu Yen and Dak Lak) had developed its provincial investment promotion program for 2025.

The programs are implemented according to the socio-economic development plan for 2025 of each locality. Emphasis is placed on attracting industries and sectors with advantages that align with the province's economic development orientation and strategy.

Therefore, the Department of Finance is coordinating with relevant sectors to develop a new program and plan based on the two investment promotion programs that have already been issued.

The goal is to further strengthen investment promotion and attraction, develop startups and innovative businesses; significantly improve the investment environment, and effectively mobilize and utilize resources to serve socio-economic development and ensure national security and defense.

Tuy Hoa Airport will be expanded to serve the increasing demand of passengers, creating momentum to attract investment in the province. Photo: Ho Nhu

Mr. Tran Van Tan, Director of the Department of Finance, believes that the provincial merger is an opportunity to enhance competitiveness by leveraging regional advantages and a larger scale. Improving the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI), simplifying administrative procedures, and creating a transparent and friendly business environment are key factors. Currently, the Department is restructuring the Dak Lak Provincial Investment Promotion Center. This will be a subordinate unit providing key advice on investment promotion in the province.

Hopefully, in the coming period, changes in strategy, planning, and development plans based on specific principles and procedures will open up more opportunities in attracting investment. At the same time, this will create conditions for the province to develop sustainably, in line with the actual situation and the "dual" potential after the merger.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/kinh-te/202507/nhung-thach-thuc-can-hoa-giai-cb31230/