This will be a marathon race with the second-largest number of runners participating in the country.
Many questions are currently being raised as to how Hau Giang province is having an international marathon racing event that is drawing and attracting thousands of participants even though there is no brand name attached to Hau Giang province. The race is even attracting more runners than in big cities. However, Hau Giang province has a flourishing economy, and it is estimated that in the first six months of 2023, the GRDP economic growth rate of Hau Giang had reached 14.21 percent, a leading rate in the country.
To understand more about the strong economy of Hau Giang province and the relationship between the marathon race and the economy of the region, Saigon Investment held a talk with Mr. NGUYỄN VĂN HÒA, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hau Giang Province and also Head of the Organizing Committee of the marathon tournament.
With regards to the economy, Hau Giang province focuses on directing many synchronous and effective solutions with the high consensus of the whole political system toward socio-economic development. In the first six months of 2023, the economic growth rate was at an impressive rate of 14.21 percent and the highest in the country. Hau Giang province planned target for the period 2021 until 2030, with orientation up to 2050, has been approved by the Appraisal Council. As of now, the province is completing the dossier according to the Appraisal Council to submit to the Prime Minister for approval in July 2023. The province has also cooperated with the Ministry of Transport to organize the Groundbreaking Ceremony of two projects, namely, the North-South Highway in the East for the 2021 to 2025 period, and the Can Tho-Hau Giang section and the Chau Doc-Can Tho-Soc Trang Highway phase 1.
Hau Giang province has many potential advantages to attract strategic investors for sustainable financial projects, offering methodical production and business activities, and stable environmental protection. Businesses have supported Hau Giang province in the development of infrastructure and tourism, as well as given priority to investors to develop eco-tourism and protect the local natural environment.
Hau Giang province has not only shown interest in socio-economic development but has also focused on mass sports, specifically running so that everyone can participate in health training in response to the campaign that is focused on all people following the example of Uncle Ho. This is also the reason why the Mekong Delta Hau Giang marathon was launched in 2019 with the aspiration of guiding idea that if Hau Giang province wants to develop, it must run, run, and persistently run like a marathon runner!
JOURNALIST: - Sir, Hau Giang province is not a location with a tourism brand, so how can you attract so many international runners?
Mr. NGUYỄN VĂN HÒA: - Hau Giang province is determined that the Mekong Delta Marathon International Race should maintain the Hau Giang brand name since the first season and now it is in its fourth season. Whenever a press conference is held to announce the award, leaders and relevant departments and branches of Hau Giang province are present to meet journalists and runners to share information and answer questions. Even the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Hau Giang province also participate.
We listen to all comments from runners and those who are interested in the Mekong Delta Hau Giang province region and support the best and immediate solutions for runners. This shows the commitment of the government to an important sporting event which is the foundation for runners to feel secure and ready to run and explore the land of Hau Giang. Also, from here the runners who ran in Hau Giang province for the first time have a special connection with this land, where they want to come back for the second, third, and fourth time.
- Sir, it is known that Hau Giang province has set a target that from now until 2030, the annual budget revenue will increase by VND 1,000 bln. So, with the Mekong Delta Hau Giang, what orientation will the province have to continue to develop in the near future?
- A comprehensive development of the sports movement and achieving high success in it has been the policy of Hau Giang province for many years. Hau Giang athletes are participating in the SEA Games and have received many gold and silver medals in the Olympics and the province also spends on many valuable prizes to reward and encourage athletes. Development of physical training and sports is an important requirement for economic development because in order to develop the economy there must be healthy people to work with high efficiency, that is an important criterion.
The running track of four lengths of 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 21 kilometers, and 42 kilometers of the Vietcombank Mekong Delta Hau Giang 2023 marathon race has been officially measured and recognized by the International Marathon Association (AIMS) according to international standards. This means that runners participating in the Mekong Delta Hau Giang marathon can use the results to register to compete for the most prestigious marathon in the world. Hau Giang's international orientation is very clear. We are not only aiming for an international running competition, but we also want to help Vietnamese runners reach international standards.
In the prize structure of the Mekong Delta Hau Giang 2023 marathon, the highlight will be a special prize for the Vietnamese athlete with the best performance and breaking the tournament's record will be a chance to participate in one of the six most prestigious marathons in the world, namely the World Major Marathon. The winner will be given the most favorable conditions by the Organizing Committee of Mekong Delta Hau Giang province to register for the World Major Marathon and receive advice and guidance from runners who have had previous experience in competing.
The economy of Hau Giang province, like sports, needs an iron will and perseverance, but also big dreams and visions. Therefore, through the Mekong Delta Hau Giang Marathon race, we also want to play a part in helping runners' dreams to reach glory in the world and maintain the brand name of the Mekong Delta Hau Giang International Marathon Race across the globe.
- Thank you very much.
