Delegates officially open the event on Oct 4. — Courtesy of Cao Bang People's Committee
HANOI (Vietnam News/Asia News Network): Cao Bang, a mountainous border province in northern Vietnam, is home to many natural wonders and heritages.
Province officials, however, believe that the land's potential is far greater than just tourism, it also includes agriculture and trade.
On Tuesday, the Cao Bang People's Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), organised an event titled "Cao Bang: Destination – Connection and Development" in Hanoi.
The event's intention, is to showcase the province's landscape, people, and its potential to a wide range of foreign businesses and officials.
Booths showcasing Cao Bang's products, as well as a gallery full of the province's natural wonders were also included in the event.
"With geographical advantages, Cao Bang can certainly win international partners' attention and priority in the future," said Ha Kim Ngoc, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the opening address.
"MOFA will increase its support to international organisations, investors, businesses, and INGOs who wants to invest in Cao Bang, and create spaces for effective conversation and collaborations," Ngọc added.
Investors, businesses, and partners both domestic and international are encouraged to come to Cao Bang for surveys and investment activities, he said.
The province commits to maintaining and effectively implementing a comprehensive foreign policy, contributing to portraying an increasingly friendly image of Cao Bang to international friends.
Cao Bang also pledges to diligently implement signed agreements and memoranda of understanding, enhance coordination capabilities, actively collaborate, promptly address emerging issues, and work towards sustainable development.
"With the advantage of being a border province, with a vast array of natural resources, wonders and historical heritages, as well as a diverse culture, Cao Bang has potential to realise its key goals and make breakthroughs," said Hoang Xuan Anh, chairman of the Cao Bang People's Committee.
According to Anh, with the determination to turn challenges into advantages for growth, in recent years, Cao Bang has united, worked together, and made fundamental and substantial changes in economic and social development.
In the 2020-25 period, the province aims to efficiently utilise all potentials and strengths for economic and social development, with a focus on developing high-tech agriculture, tourism, and border economy.
Beside the advantages, Anh also acknowledge the shortcomings and challenges of Cao Bang, such as limited infrastructure, the untapped potential in tourism, and low labour quality.
Many delegates, both domestic and international, have contributed suggestions for Cao Bang to maximise its advantages.
Specifically, discussions revolved around guiding the development of tourism while preserving the environmental landscape and conserving heritage, with a focus on the Unesco-recognised Global Geopark Non Nuoc Cao Bang.
There was also an emphasis on developing high-tech agriculture with strategic planning and favourable policies in the agricultural sector.
Additionally, open policy mechanisms and measures to improve the investment and business environment were discussed, including attracting ODA funds for urban infrastructure and transportation development.
According to the Deputy Ambassador of Laos to Vietnam Latana Shihara, with the similarities in nature and geography, Cao Bang can explore collaboration with Laos provinces such as Luang Prabang and Xiangkhouang in tourism and investment.
Hong Sun, director of KOCHAM Vietnam, said that Cao Bang has many natural attractions for businesses.
He suggested that the province promote high-tech agriculture and connect with Korean businesses for export to South Korea.
In the event, KOCHAM also signed a memorandum of cooperation with the province of Cao Bang.
"Korea is Vietnam's biggest foreign market, but Koreans know very little about Cao Bang. The province should increase promotion to attract Korean investors and tourists," said Hong.
According to Marko Moric, chairman of the Central and Eastern European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (CEEC), Cao Bang is a hidden gem that can boost Vietnam's economy.
Moric promised support from the CEEC to connect the province and Central-Eastern European businesses.
