Ben Tre (VNA) – Calling for investment in agriculture to optimise the potential andstrengths of the locality is a priority of the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre,said Cao Van Trong, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee at aconference promoting investment to the sector on September 18.

At the event, which drewsome 350 enterprises, Trong noted that Ben Tre holds great advantages in agriculturewith over 80,000ha of coconut trees and more than 28,000ha of specialty fruitfarms.

Furthermore, the provincealso has nearly 47,000 hectares of aquatic farms, the provincial leader added.

He said that over thepast few years, Ben Tre has applied various supporting policies to encourageinvestment in agriculture and rural areas. It has assisted six firms in thefield with 32.64 billion VND, noted Trong.

He clarified that BenTre has 451 enterprises in agriculture, accounting for 17 percent of totalbusinesses operating in the locality, with total capital equivalent to 30percent of total registered investment in the province.

In the first eightmonths of 2018, export revenue of agricultural firms reached 215 million USD.

So far, the provincehas sold its farm produce to 70 countries and territories. It has lured 24foreign invested projects in agriculture with a combined investment of 225.7million USD, making up 26 percent of total FDI in the locality.

At the conference,local firms voiced their pros and cons regarding investment in Ben Tre, mostlyin accessing bank loans, land rent, and connectivity with local farmers tobuild value chains and develop material regions.

Bui Duong Thuat, headof the Mekong fruit import-export company, held that it is necessary to reduce theintermediary stages to increase profits for both farmers and enterprises.

Chairman Trong saidthat Ben Tre aims to become a centre for technological research and transfer toserve farmers and enterprises, while also focusing on processing projects withhigh added-value from coconut and aquatic products and fruits for export. Itwants to become a hub for producing, buying, and distributing farm produce inthe region.

Director of theprovincial Department of Planning and Investment Nguyen Minh Canh affirmed thatin the future, Ben Tre will continue improving its business environment anddeveloping support services, as well as assisting investors.

The province will alsoencourage projects that are environmentally-friendly and offer preferentialcredit for startup firms in agriculture and rural areas, he added. –VNA