Old pine trees in the Cu Hill golf course. 

Foreign Investment Factors Being “Overlooked”?

On August 11, based on the “mission statement” criteria and the complaints from foreign investors, particularly Vietnamese expatriates living in the US and other countries, the Vietnam-USA Magazine published an article titled “Penalties for Violations at Doi Cu Golf Course: Demolition or Resolution?”. However, on July 13, the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee had already issued a press statement regarding the cancellation and withdrawal of previous documents concerning the land area, specifically the forest land where the Hoang Gia DL company had built unlawfully. The representative of the Department of Information and Communications of Lam Dong Province affirmed that the cancellation of these documents did not mean that violations and construction irregularities would not be addressed.

Not only the Vietnam-USA Magazine but also many media have focused on the foreign investment aspect, which has often been “overlooked” or unintentionally not mentioned when addressing the “bottleneck” causing difficulties for businesses in the process of investing and constructing projects on protected forest land, leading to penalties and the need for rectification.

The representative of the Department of Information and Communications of Lam Dong Province shared: “When the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee issues a new document to revoke the previous one, and if these bottlenecks are resolved… it may unintentionally lead readers to believe that the issuance and withdrawal of documents by the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee are meant to legalize or prepare to legalize the violations of the company.”

Moreover, in a press release on August 8, the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee pointed out (based on confirmation from relevant authorities) five violations at the Doi Cu Golf Course project, with the viewpoint of addressing these issues openly, cautiously, transparently and in accordance with national regulations.

Sunset view from Cu Hill Golf Course 

The representative of the Department of Information and Communications of Lam Dong Province reiterated the province's stance (previously outlined in many documents) that violations will be addressed where they occurred but with fairness and objectivity. Additionally, Lam Dong Province always protects the rights of businesses and investors.

Suggestions for Resolution

In a meeting with the Vietnam-USA Magazine, after the reporter presented evidence confirming the adherence to the mission statement and the protection of the legitimate rights of foreign investors, the representative of the Department of Information and Communications of Lam Dong Province acknowledged that, from a broader perspective, this issue is very sensitive. Public opinion is extremely concerned, not only the media but also Da Lat residents who are closely watching as the issue has greatly impacted foreign investment in the province. Furthermore, since the beginning of 2024, foreign investment in Lam Dong Province, and Da Lat City in particular, has been relatively low.

Ms. D.T.D.H, a Vietnamese-American, in a plea on behalf of many investors, expressed that while investing in homeland development, the Doi Cu Golf Course project, worth millions of USD, has yet to yield profits due to unnecessary complications. Ultimately, the flow of investment could stagnate or deter future investment if legal rights are not safeguarded. It would be very unfortunate if the influx of funds for homeland development is not valued, especially when land lease contracts are only a few decades long, and nearly a third of that time has been stalled due to construction issues.

 Doi Cu golf course planning map from 1993

“It is illogical to face such difficulties when bringing wealth and material to beautify the homeland. This is contrary to the open-door policy of our Party and Nation and is disheartening to foreign investors,” Ms. D.T.D.H expressed.

Quote from a meeting with small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam on August 22, General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed that the Party and Nation always care about the development of the business community. The General Secretary and President reiterated the Politburo's Resolution No. 41, which calls for creating conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises to expand their scale, enhance competitiveness, production capacity, and business development based on innovation and the application of science and technology. Additionally, the Resolution emphasizes creating a favorable, safe, and equitable investment and business environment for enterprises to develop and contribute.

These views of General Secretary and President To Lam reflect the consistent stance of our Party and Nation in supporting and valuing both domestic and foreign investment aimed at building the homeland. This is also clarified by the Lam Dong Province’s representatives, who suggest that after addressing the violations, investment should continue. The Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee is working with the investor's legal team to resolve the existing issues, aiming to provide a more objective and open view of the foreign investment situation in Lam Dong Province.