From commitment to implementation capacity

Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Mai Xuan Liem affirmed: "This is a crucial shift in development thinking, from attracting investment broadly to making focused choices, from 'rolling out the red carpet' to 'accompanying you to the end'." Photo: Le Hoi

In an exchange with reporters from Thanh Hoa Newspaper and Radio and Television, Comrade Mai Xuan Liem, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, frankly acknowledged the new requirements raised after the conference, while clarifying systemic solutions to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the province's investment environment in the coming time.

Reporter: Mr. Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, the recent Thanh Hoa Province Investment Promotion Conference 2026 was considered very successful. Looking at it realistically, what has the province achieved?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: The Thanh Hoa Province Investment Promotion Conference 2026 achieved many positive results, clearly demonstrating the shift in the province's thinking and approach to attracting investment. First of all, the conference attracted the participation of a large number of strategic investors and major domestic and international economic groups, thereby affirming Thanh Hoa's increasingly prominent position on the investment map.

At the conference, the province awarded investment approval decisions, investment registration certificates, and signed investment memoranda of understanding with a total registered capital of over 100 trillion VND, focusing on key sectors such as processing and manufacturing industries, energy, industrial park and cluster infrastructure, and tourism . Notably, many projects have high technological content, are environmentally friendly, and align with the province's sustainable development orientation.

Another important outcome is that the conference created a forum for open and frank dialogue between the government and businesses. Investors' opinions and suggestions were listened to and directly addressed by provincial leaders, thereby strengthening businesses' confidence in Thanh Hoa's investment environment.

Reporter: In your opinion, what were the key factors that helped Thanh Hoa achieve such impressive results at this conference?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: It can be said that the success of the conference stemmed from many factors, but the core was the thorough, systematic preparation and clear orientation. Thanh Hoa proactively reviewed and developed a selective list of investment attraction projects, linked to the socio-economic development plan and the potential and advantages of the locality.

In addition, the province has focused on improving the investment and business environment in recent years, especially by reforming administrative procedures, improving the quality of public services, and strengthening the application of information technology. This has created a solid foundation to attract the attention of investors.

Another important factor is the strong support and commitment of the provincial leadership. We always believe that the success of businesses is the success of the province, and therefore we have been striving to build a service-oriented, transparent, and efficient government.

Reporter: The conference's success is clear, but from a long-term perspective, how does Thanh Hoa province view these results, Comrade?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: We view this conference not as the destination, but as the starting point of a new cycle in attracting and implementing investment. The important thing is not the scale of registered capital, but the quality of the projects and the ability to realize commitments. A noteworthy aspect of this conference is the presence of many capable investors with long-term vision, especially in the processing and manufacturing industries, energy, and infrastructure. These are sectors with the potential to create high added value and make a sustainable contribution to the province's economic growth.

However, we also frankly acknowledge that, without an effective implementation mechanism, these results will be difficult to translate into real development momentum. Therefore, from the very beginning, the province has focused on the implementation phase.

Reporter: So, after the conference, how will Thanh Hoa province concretize the implementation to avoid mere formality?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: We clearly understand that the effectiveness of attracting investment must be measured by the progress of project implementation, not the number of signed agreements. Immediately after the conference, the province assigned specific responsibilities to each department, sector, and locality for each project. This approach aims to ensure that each project has a point of contact for continuous monitoring, avoiding overlapping or shirking of responsibility. A new point is that Thanh Hoa province is strengthening the mechanism of "proactive partnership," not waiting for businesses to report difficulties, but requiring functional agencies to proactively review, identify, and resolve obstacles during the implementation process.

Reporter: In the context of increasingly fierce competition to attract investment, how is Thanh Hoa province re-evaluating its advantages to suit the current situation?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: Previously, competitive advantages were primarily based on resources, geographical location, or preferential policies. However, these factors are no longer decisive. Thanh Hoa province has identified three core competitive advantages: synchronized infrastructure, suitable human resources, and quality of governance. Regarding infrastructure, the province is focusing on completing the inter-regional transportation system, developing economic zones, industrial parks, and industrial clusters in a modern direction, while simultaneously improving logistics and energy supply capabilities. Regarding human resources, the province has strongly shifted towards training based on market needs, strengthening linkages between training institutions and businesses to ensure the supply of skilled labor.

In particular, regarding the quality of governance, in addition to ensuring the rule of law, the province aims to build a service-oriented government, using business satisfaction as a benchmark. This is a decisive factor in building trust and attracting long-term investment.

Reporter: Improving the quality of governance places very high demands on administrative reform. How will Thanh Hoa approach this issue?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: Administrative reform in the current period is not just about simplifying procedures, but about restructuring the entire management process towards transparency and efficiency. Thanh Hoa is promoting the application of digital transformation in resolving administrative procedures, thereby minimizing direct intervention, limiting negative occurrences, and increasing transparency. However, the key factor remains the human element. We have set very clear requirements for our staff: they must shift from a management mindset to a service mindset.

Reporter: Infrastructure, especially strategic infrastructure, is considered a "lever" for attracting investment. In what areas is Thanh Hoa prioritizing infrastructure investment, Comrade?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: We recognize that infrastructure is not only a necessary condition, but a decisive factor in attracting large-scale investment. Thanh Hoa is focusing resources on key infrastructure projects, especially those connecting different regions, economic zones, industrial parks, and industrial clusters. Among these, the Nghi Son Economic Zone continues to be identified as a growth pole, playing a leading role. Alongside this are energy infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and urban infrastructure. Today's investors need not only land, but a complete ecosystem to operate effectively. We prioritize focused investment, avoiding scattered investments, ensuring that each step is completed thoroughly.

Reporter: Another equally important issue is retaining and developing existing investors. So, what solutions does the province have for this?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: We consider the existing business community to be the most important asset of the investment environment. Thanh Hoa maintains a mechanism for regular dialogue with businesses, while establishing channels for receiving and processing feedback quickly and effectively. Besides addressing difficulties, the province also encourages businesses to expand production, invest in depth, and participate in value chains. This not only helps businesses develop but also contributes to enhancing the overall competitiveness of the local economy. A good investment environment must be one where businesses feel secure and committed to long-term operations.

Reporter: Based on the above guidelines, what message does Thanh Hoa want to send to the investment community, Comrade?

Comrade Mai Xuan Liem: Our message is consistent and clear: Thanh Hoa is committed to genuine, not superficial, partnership. The province does not aim to attract investment at all costs, but rather focuses on long-term cooperation and sustainable development. This requires both sides – the government and businesses – to enhance their responsibility and professionalism. Thanh Hoa is ready to compete in attracting investment, but we will compete based on our implementation capacity, a transparent environment, and credibility in fulfilling our commitments.

Reporter: Yes, thank you very much for the very important information on improving the effectiveness of attracting investment to the area.

Minh Tuyet (compiled)

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/tu-cam-ket-sang-nang-luc-thuc-thi-284934.htm