Automakers urged to develop plan

State agencies and Viet Nam’s automakers should collaborate on a long-term plan to develop the auto industry, the chairman of Viet Nam Automobile Manufacturers Association, Akito Tachibana, told a seminar on Thursday.

The seminar, titled "Developing a sustainable and viable Viet Nam automobile industry and experiences in some Southeast Asia countries", was part of the five-day Viet Nam Motor Show 2009 that opened on the same day.

In the opening speech of the seminar, the VAMA chairman and General Director of Toyota Vietnam, said the automobile industry played an important role in national economic development by meeting transport demands and fostering trade.

Tachibana said, however, Viet Nam’s automobile industry had problems with unstable policies, high production costs and a lack of strategic products and supporting industries

President of the Thai Automotive Industry Association, Suparat Sirisuwanangkura said it was necessary to have more collaboration between the Government and private sectors.

He said that the auto industry in Thailand was developing eco-friendly vehicles and setting up a suitable energy plan that matches energy demand and supply.

The Government had been very supportive of the local auto making industry, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Le Duong Quang said but added there had been strong competition from imported cars, especially from developed countries such as Japan and America.

He suggested there should be more development of supporting industries and strategic products, and pledged to work closer with relevant agencies to develop more supportive policies for the industry.

Deputy head of Tax Policy Department under the Ministry of Finance Pham Dinh Thi pointed to general guidelines of tax policy for the industry, saying tax policies must fit both international commitments and domestic automakers.