Deputy PM champions cars   In July 2014, the Government had approved a new development strategy for the auto industry to enable it to meet domestic demand and join world production. - Photo nhandan HA NOI (VNS) - The auto industry will only develop further in the future if it has specific policies governing it, the Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai said at a meeting on Wednesday. At the meeting, which was held between the Government with the ministries of Industry and Trade, and Finance, the two ministries put forth some proposals for implementing a development strategy for Viet Nam's auto industry, based on current facts and keeping in mind a development direction for the future. These include initial proposals for import tax rates to complete a build-up unit for auto and auto components, from now until 2018. Another proposal suggested the levying of a special consumption tax on all kinds of autos with directions for opening the local market for some lines of automobiles and encouraging their use, reportedchinhphu.vn. Representatives from the ministries also laid down proposals on policies for corporate tax, fee and intensive policies for projects producing auto lines that get priority in development. At present, Viet Nam's auto industry's total capacity for production and assembly has been pegged at 460,000 units per year, including half of them being sedans. However, the local auto industry has not achieved its targets for investment and production because almost all of them are products that need a simply assembly. Therefore, the Deputy PM said it was necessary to formulate specific and complete policies on credit, taxation, fee and other issues related with the auto industry and to develop the industry going forward. The industry should also have a clear action plan so that investors recognise stability in the state's policies and are spurred to invest in production and business, Hai said. He also said the ministries, especially the ministries of Industry and Trade, and Finance, must cooperate closely and reflect unity in accepting proposals and drafts on tax policies to ensure stability for the long term, which is suitable with its integration commitments. The ministries should consider carefully the effects of these policies on other issues, including budget and the ability of transport infrastructure meeting development of the auto industry, the Deputy PM pointed out. In July 2014, the Government had approved a new development strategy for the auto industry to enable it to meet domestic demand and join world production. Vehicles defined in the strategy included trucks, cars with more than 10 seats, cars with up to nine seats, and specialised vans. Small and multifunctional vans for agricultural use and those serving customers in rural and mountainous areas will also be encouraged. The support industry for the sector will use advanced technologies and enter partnerships with leading global manufacturers to become eligible to supply spare parts for global vehicles. By 2020, the auto support industry is expected to be able to meet about 35 per cent of the demand for domestic spare parts and accessories. It should also be able to satisfy more than 65 per cent of local needs between 2026 and 2035. - VNS