PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaking at the meeting. (Photo: VGP)
A report showed that in the first quarter of 2019, the city’s GRDP grew 7.64 percent, with the service sector making up 63.1 percent of the economic structure and the agriculture sector only accounting for 0.6 percent.
HCM City’s budget collection was estimated at over VND98.36 trillion, up 7.18 percent year-on-year and reaching 24.65 percent of the yearly estimate.
Leaders of the municipal People’s Committee proposed a number of special mechanisms and procedures to save time in ground clearance for local projects.
The city’s chairman, Nguyen Thanh Phong, told the Government leader that the special process was aimed at shortening the time needed for compensation, resettlement and the handover of land to pave the way for local infrastructure projects.
He noted that it is essential to fix the stages of the process and the specific agencies responsible for these stages; allocate time for the completion of the work at each stage; and define the maximum time permissible for the conclusion of compensation, support, resettlement and the handover of sites.
The local leader pledged that these stages would be completed in compliance with prevailing regulations. Issues beyond the local government’s mandate will be reported to ministries and central agencies or to the prime minister for guidance.
A massive antiflood project worth nearly VND10 trillion (US$430 million) in HCMC is being hampered by site clearance delays. (Photo: Le Anh/Saigontimes)
Addressing the working session, PM Phuc lauded the city’s performance so far this year, noting that the city has taken the lead in applying technology and improving labour productivity.
However, he pointed out that FDI poured into the city has yet to match its potential, while foreign investment in processing-manufacturing has remains modest. The PM requested the city work harder in administrative reform to optimise its role as the region’s connection point.
In addition, the PM asked the city to pay greater attention to raiding drug trafficking rings to ensure social security.
The city should seek ways to remove obstacles to its development, take on a pioneering role in developing a smart and innovative city and enhance its competitiveness, according to the Cabinet leader.
The city should also maintain its position as one of the driving forces of the country’s economic development as a hub of finance, trade, science and technology both nationally and within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
He requested that HCM City complete the new-style rural area building programme in 2019.
He asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to canvass opinions from other ministries and central agencies before debating the site clearance matter at the upcoming Cabinet meeting. The move is meant to serve as a basis for the Government to adopt a resolution to help the city pilot the special process.
He directed ministries and sectors to support the city in dealing with issues related to some projects, including the Metro Line No.1.
Regarding the city’s proposal on special mechanisms and procedures to shorten times for the compensation, resettlement, and handover of land for local projects, the PM affirmed that the Government supports the city in the field.
On the occasion, the PM visited the smart city operation centre in HCM City.
