ĐỒNG NAI — Investors' trust in the local businesses climate and support from authorities for enterprises have helped the southern province of Đồng Nai almost reach its foreign direct investment (FDI) target for the year.

The Swiss-funded Nestle Vietnam, based at the Biên Hòa 2 Industrial Park, has repeatedly increased its charter capital since opening its first factory on-site in 1995.

Most recently, in April, it added US$132 million to its investment in a coffee production project at the Amata Industrial Park in Đồng Nai, bringing the total to more than $400 million.

Carl Khoury, a manager at the company, said it has set up four factories in Việt Nam, including three in Đồng Nai, and it considers the province a key destination since it boasts industrial parks with complete infrastructure, borders HCM City, the country’s southern economic hub, and is served by highways and expressways favourable for goods transportation.

He said the company has developed over the last 25 years thanks in part to a sound investment climate and clear legal procedures that match international practices, both nationally and in Đồng Nai.

Authorities have also swiftly dealt with any problems facing businesses, Khoury added.

In late March, Sheung Vietnam Co Ltd, with investment from South Korea, raised its capital by $30 million to $80 million to expand its factory at the Long Thành Industrial Park in Đồng Nai.

The company said the greatest challenge businesses encounter when investing abroad is a lack of understanding about local practices and legal regulations.

However, it added, local agencies have helped it handle environmental and construction-related procedures, while taxation, business registration, and insurance services have been provided online, facilitating operations.

Đồng Nai has attracted 66 FDI projects worth more than $680 million since the beginning of this year, while its target for the year as a whole was about $700 million, according to the province’s Industrial Zones Authority.

It is currently home to nearly 1,400 FDI projects from 41 countries and territories with a combined capital of $27 billion.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Cao Tiến Dũng said FDI projects have contributed greatly to local socio-economic development, and Đồng Nai views foreign investment as a main development resource.

The province pledges to provide the best possible conditions to investors, he noted, adding that it prioritises large-scale projects using advanced technology and skilled workers in supporting industries.

It plans to boost infrastructure development, build modern residential areas, and invest strongly in education and healthcare, as investors come to the province not only to seek profit but also to enjoy a good life, Dũng said. — VNS