The industry sector maintains a high growth rate and plays an important role in promoting the development of other sectors of the economy. Accumulated for 8 months, the Index of industrial production increased by 3.4% over the same period (of which processing and manufacturing industry increased by 3.5%; water supply and wastewater and garbage treatment increased by 3.1%; mining decreased by 1.9%; electricity production and distribution decreased by 2. 9%). It was estimated that by the end of 2023, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) would increase over 6.5% (the plan was to increase over 8.7%/year).

Regarding industrial park and industrial cluster activities: in the first 6 months of 2023, secondary investors invested in building infrastructure and factories with a total capital of 994 billion VND (equal to 46.5% compared to the same period), industrial parks have leased 31 hectares of land, attracting 382 million USD of foreign investment (accounting for 72% of the whole province). Enterprises in the industrial park have disbursed 998 million USD, revenue reached 18.7 billion USD, and exports reached 11.8 billion USD (accounting for 78.1% of the whole province). The province has focused on implementing land procedures, planning, infrastructure construction of VSIP III phase 2, and investment procedures for Cay Truong Industrial Park according to regulations.

The trade and services sector maintains a good growth rate, promoting international economic integration, and performing well in the function of supplying and consuming goods to serve the production, export, and import process. Total retail sales of goods and service revenue in the first 8 months of the year reached 200,415 billion VND, increased by 12.9% over the same period and it is estimated to increase by 14%/year by the end of the year (the plan was to increase by 15%). The eight-month average consumer price index increased by 3.3% over the same period, gold price increased by 2.5%, and the USD index increased by 2.5%.

Export and import: accumulated in 8 months, export turnover reached 20 billion 418 million USD, decreased by 15.3% over the same period, estimated for the whole year 2023 to reach 32 billion 600 million USD. Import turnover reached 14 billion 310 million USD, down 15.5% over the same period, estimated for the whole year 2023 to reach 23 billion 100 million USD.

Binh Duong has focused on developing sustainable and effective agriculture, increasing the scale of agricultural product production, ensuring the ecological environment, and adapting to climate change. Currently, the coverage rate of forestry and perennial trees is always maintained at 57.5%; 100% of communes and 50% of districts in the province are recognized as meeting new-style rural standards. It was expected that by the end of 2023, 100% of communes would meet advanced new-style rural standards; and 100% of rural residents would use clean and hygienic water.

Total social development investment capital was estimated at 109,924 billion VND, an increase of 11.4% over the same period. Of which, State capital was 13,713 billion VND, an increase of 91.6%; non-state capital was 53,041 billion VND, an increase of 4.4%; foreign investment capital was 43,170 billion VND, an increase of 6.1%, estimated to reach 164,300 billion VND for the whole year 2023.

Attracting foreign investment continues to achieve many positive results. In the first 8 months of 2023, it attracted 01 billion 275 million USD (reaching 70.8% of the plan, equal to 49% over the same period), including 80 new projects (453 million USD), 24 projects adjusted to increase capital (82 million USD), 28 capital contribution projects (66 million USD) and 04 capital reduction projects (15 million USD). Accumulated to August 31, 2023, the whole province had 4,162 foreign-invested projects with a total registered capital of 40.2 billion USD.

Budget: The new budget revenue was estimated to reach 4,461 billion VND. Accumulated revenue in 8 months reached 41,340 billion VND, equal to 93% over the same period, reaching 61% of the Provincial People's Council estimate. Of which, domestic revenue was 31,090 billion VND, up 2% over the same period, reaching 65% of the Provincial People's Council's estimate; Revenue from export and import was 10,250 billion VND, equal to 73% over the same period, reaching 51% of the Provincial People's Council estimate. Local budget balancing expenditure was estimated at 1,230 billion VND. Accumulated expenditure in 8 months reached 11,400 billion VND, up 19% over the same period, reaching 38% of the Provincial People's Council's estimate.​

1. Daejeon Metropolitan City (South Korea)

On May 17^th, 2005, Binh Duong Province and Daejeon Metropolitan City signed an agreement on developing friendly relations and investment cooperation between the two localities.

Daejeon Metropolitan City is the 5^th largest city in South Korea with an area of 540 kilometers square and a population of 1.54 million people (2012). Daejeon is one of the Administrative Centers of the South Korean government where many Central Agencies are located. Besides, there are many universities, museums, science parks, and research institutes in South Korea such as Chungnam National University, and South Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Daejeon City is also known as the "Silicon Valley of Asia" and a city of advanced science and technology. Daedok Innopolis (Daedeok Special Zone for Research and Development) located in Daejeon includes the National Research Institute and 79 Private Research Institutes with 20.000 people.

Based on the signed agreement, yearly, leaders of Binh Duong Province and Daejeon Metropolitan City usually exchange high levels of delegations to visit and work to tighten cooperation relations and evaluate the process of implementing agreements signed by the two sides. Exchange programs, exchange cultures, and learning about customs and practices between student groups of the two localities occur annually (from 2004 to the present, there have been 11 student groups of the two localities, and they have had cultural exchanges in Binh Duong and Daejeon). These are cross-cultural activities that create conditions for students from both sides to have opportunities to exchange and learn about Vietnamese and Korean culture, contributing to deepening their friendly and cooperative relations.

Every year, Binh Duong province regularly organizes visits and seminars on investment promotion in Daejeon as well as in Seoul and other localities of South Korea.

Based on the friendly cooperative relationship between Binh Duong Province and Daejeon Metropolitan City, Binh Duong Provincial Public Security and Daejeon Police Agency established a friendly cooperative relationship in 2018 and officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019.

2. Champasak Province (Lao People's Democratic Republic)

On November 13^th, 2006, Binh Duong Province and Champasak Province signed an agreement to develop friendly and cooperative relationships between the two localities.

Champasak Province is located in a key position at the intersection of the East-West corridor and borders Thailand and Cambodia. It has a strategic economic position and is a traffic hub for Thailand, Cambodia, and Viet Nam. The province has an area of 15.410 km2 and a population of about 700.000 people (2015). The province's economy is mainly based on agricultural products, especially the production of industrial crops such as coffee, tea, rubber, etc. This is one of the most important coffee-producing regions of Laos with Salavan and Sekong provinces. Pakse is the main trade and travel route connecting Thailand, Cambodia, and Viet Nam.

Based on the Friendly Cooperation Agreement signed on November 13^th, 2006, between Binh Duong Province and Champasak Province (Laos), to strengthen the special friendly cooperation relationships between the two localities, in September 2016, Binh Duong Province and Champasak Province summarized, evaluated the results of cooperation in the period of 2011-2015 and continued to sign a Memorandum of Agreement on cooperation in the period of 2016-2020. In August 2022, the delegation of Secretaries - Governors of Champasak Province visited, worked, and signed Meeting Minutes with leaders of Binh Duong Province on cooperation in the period of 2022-2026. Thereby, the two localities regularly send delegations to visit and work with each other to tighten relationships in many fields.

To implement the Agreement and improve the effectiveness of cooperation between the two localities, in recent times, the Binh Duong provincial departments and branches have signed MOUs between the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Committee of Binh Duong Province and the Lao Front Committee for National Construction of Champasak Province (2019-2024); between the Department of Binh Duong Provincial Industry and Trade and the Department of Champasak Provincial Industry and Trade (2011); between the Binh Duong Provincial People's Procuracy and the Champasak Provincial People's Procuracy (2019).

Regarding economic cooperation: Binh Duong Province has actively implemented the project of planting 10.000 hectares of rubber trees and projects to develop the ceramic and construction materials industries in Champasak Province.

To implement the agreement between the two sides on cooperation in training and developing human resources, every year, Binh Duong Province offers full scholarships for students from Champasak Province to study at the university in Binh Duong. Up to now, Binh Duong Province has granted 93 scholarships to Lao students (52 students have graduated and returned to their country, and 41 students are studying at Thu Dau Mot University). From 2022 to 2026, Binh Duong Province will support training 20 students of Champasak Province each year to study at universities in the province.

At the same time, Binh Duong Province supported 100 senior retired officers from Champasak Province to have free medical examination, treatment, and short-term rest. In addition, in recent years, Binh Duong Province has also sent many delegations of doctors, medical staff and volunteers to examine, treat, and distribute medicine to people in Paksé District, Bachieng District, and Phonthong District of Champasak Province.

3. Kratie Province (The Kingdom of Cambodia)

The friendly cooperative relationship between Binh Duong Province and Kratie Province is based on the traditional relationship between Song Be Province and Kratie Province in the past.

Kratie Province is located in the East of Cambodia on the Mekong River. Kratie has an area of 11.094 km2 and a population of about 372.000 people (2019).

Based on the traditional friendly relationship between the two localities, in recent years, Binh Duong has actively implemented many foreign economic and cultural activities with Kratie Province and other localities of Cambodia. Besides, local leaders regularly organize delegations to visit, wish Happy New Year, and attend the locality's major events.

Over the past years, the Viet Nam - Cambodia Friendship Association, Binh Duong Province has truly become a bridge to contribute to cultivating a close relationship between Viet Nam and Cambodia in general and Binh Duong and Kratie in particular.

Binh Duong Province and Kratie Province have signed 06 agreements on security and national defense cooperation including 01 agreement signed by the Provincial Military Command with the Military Sub-Region of Kratie Province, and 05 agreements between the Military Command of Thu Dau Mot City, Di An City, Ben Cat Town, Thuan An City and Tan Uyen City and Kratie Provincial Military Sub-Regions.

Leaders of Cambodia's localities always encourage and create favorable conditions for businesses in the province to promote trade and exports and expand investment cooperation with Cambodia. Currently, Phuoc Hoa Rubber Development Company Limited has invested in newly planting rubber in the Kratie Province and Kampong Thom Province.

4. Guangzhou City (China)

On August 21^st, 2013, Binh Duong Province and Guangzhou City (China) signed an Agreement on strengthening the friendly cooperative relationship between the two localities.

Guangzhou City is located in the Southeast of Guangdong Province and borders the Southern coast of China. The city has an area of 7.434.4 km2 and a population of 13.5 million people (2015). Being a famous economic center of China, Guangzhou also owns a developed transportation system and seaport. Along with Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen, Guangzhou is one of the most expensive real estate markets in China. Guangzhou is famous for the annual Hangzhou Fair, the oldest and largest trade fair in China. For three successive years from 2013 to 2015, Forbes magazine ranked Guangzhou as the best commercial city in China.

Based on the signed Friendly Cooperation Agreement, the two sides sent delegations of government and business leaders to visit, work, and learn about each other's socio-economic development situation and opportunities for investment cooperation.

Binh Duong Province will continue to promote the cooperative relationship with Guangzhou City and increase the exchange of delegations between the two sides, especially business delegations to promote investment.

5. Emilia – Romagna Region (Italian Republic)

On October 16^th, 2013, Binh Duong Province signed a "Joint Declaration on strengthening friendly cooperative relationships" with the Emilia-Romagna regional government and a "MOU on strengthening economic and trade cooperation" with the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the Emilia-Romagna region.

Besides, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the Emilia-Romagna region officially opened a representative office in Binh Duong Province on September 11^th, 2015. This is a bridge for investment and trade promotion of Italian businesses in general and Emilia-Romagna regional businesses investing in Binh Duong in particular, and it contributed to strengthening friendly relationships.

On September 11^th, 2015, leaders of Binh Duong Province witnessed the signing ceremony of a MOU between Becamex IDC Corp and Unioncamere Emilia-Romagna; between Unimore University and Bonfiglioli Company; between Eastern International University and Unimore University.

The Emilia-Romagna region is located in Northern Italy with an area of 22.446 km2 and a population of about 4.4 million people (2010). Emilia-Romagna is one of the wealthiest and most developed regions in Italy with the third highest GDP per capita in the country. Emilia-Romagna is also a center of culture and tourism, and it is home to the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world still in existence nowadays, with Roman and Renaissance cities such as Modena, Parma and Ferrara. Besides, Emilia-Romagna is also a food and car production center (where the headquarters of car manufacturers are located including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, De Tomaso, Ducai, etc.). Binh Duong Province has organized many investment promotion seminars, introduced the province's investment environment, and attracted investment capital from businesses in the Emilia-Romagna Region and other Italian localities. In addition, the Emilia-Romagna Commercial Office in Binh Duong Province is also a bridge to organize a Roundtable Conference to introduce opportunities for investment cooperation between businesses of the two localities.

6. Yamaguchi Prefecture (Japan)

On December 25^th, 2014, Binh Duong Province and Yamaguchi Prefecture (Japan) signed an agreement on strengthening the friendly cooperative relationship between the two localities.

Yamaguchi Prefecture is located on Shikoku Island, Chugoku region, Japan, with an area of 6,112.94 km2 and, and a population of 1.4 million people (2015). Yamaguchi thrives in the petrochemical industry, heavy industry, shipbuilding industry, electronics, agriculture, aquaculture, processing, fishing, etc. Its strengths in the petrochemical industry and shipbuilding have contributed to bringing Yamaguchi to 8th position in the Japanese economy. Currently, the province is promoting cooperation between state-owned companies and corporations with private enterprises and universities applying scientific and technological achievements for economic development.

In recent years, the two sides have strengthened their friendly relationships through the exchange of high-level leadership delegations as well as the organization of investment promotion seminars to attract investment into Binh Duong province.

Based on the Friendly Cooperation Agreement signed on December 25^th, 2014, between Binh Duong Province and Yamaguchi Prefecture (Japan), to strengthen the friendly and comprehensive cooperation relationship between the two localities, on September 8^th, 2023, Binh Duong Province and Yamaguchi Prefecture signed a MOU in the field of nursing.

In addition, Eastern International University (EIU) signed 08 MOUs and International Agreements with Yamaguchi University and YIC Rehabilitation College. Besides, the exchange and agreement of signing an MOU with Yamaguchi Prefecture and Yamaguchi Prefectural University are being implemented to promote cooperative activities in the fields of English training, nursing, and other exchange and visit activities.

Through establishing cooperative relationships, the province has regularly exchanged high-level delegations and business delegations to visit, work, and exchange experiences. The province also organized many promotion programs to invite investment in Yamaguchi Prefecture and other localities in Japan and attracted many Japanese projects of great value in the fields of infrastructure construction, transportation, and services contributing to the process of modernization, urbanization, and building a modern and civilized Binh Duong urban area.

Some major projects: Panasonic Corporation, Toshiba Corporation, Foster Electronics Corporation, Tokyu Corporation, Fujikura Company, Aeon Mall Viet Nam Co., Ltd, etc.

7. Eindhoven City (The Kingdom of the Netherlands)

On January 16^th, 2015, Binh Duong Province and Eindhoven City signed a MOU on strengthening friendly relations and expanding cooperative activities in the fields of planning and infrastructure development, urban construction, economic development, science and technology, health, and education. The two localities prioritize promoting scientific and technical cooperation activities, trade promotion and investment cooperation in the fields of industry and high-tech services, education - training, research centers and business incubators, and improving human resources and supply value chains. The authorities of the two sides jointly create favorable conditions for business delegations of the two localities to learn about and promote trade and investment promotion activities following the potential and strengths of each side. At the same time, the two sides make joint efforts to build sustainable relationships that contribute to promoting socio-economic development.

Eindhoven City is the center of North Brabant Province, Netherlands, known as a smart city and a major technology center of Europe. With an area of 88.84 km2 and a population of about 750.000 people (2010), this place is also a major innovation center, economic, research, and higher education center of the Netherlands. Eindhoven is the birthplace of large corporations in the world such as Philips, Daf Trucks, Brabantia, etc. In addition, there are more than 1.300 multinational companies and 19.200 researchers, in which the products that the city of Eindhoven has strengths are automobile accessories, electronic chip manufacturing, electronics, urban development planning, and smart technology.

Eindhoven is the locality that has the highest economic growth rate among the five largest cities in the Netherlands, not the capital of Amsterdam or the port city of Rotterdam. The high-tech industry makes an important contribution to Eindhoven's economic development and helps this locality always have a higher growth rate than the other four cities of the Netherlands.

The Binh Duong Smart City project was approved by the Binh Duong Provincial People's Committee in Decision No. 3206/QD-UBND dated November 21^st, 2016 (including members from the Binh Duong provincial government, Becamex IDC Corp, Eindhoven city government and Brainport Group) was established to study the feasibility of the triple helix model (state, business, and university).

Based on the friendly cooperative relationship between the two localities, Eindhoven has sent experts to support Binh Duong in building and implementing the Binh Duong Smart City Project with the breakthrough strategy of Binh Duong 2021. Binh Duong has gradually implemented the Binh Duong Smart City Project and achieved some initial results such as establishing an incubator, Fablab, Techlab, and LED project of urban lighting in cooperation with Philips Group of Eindhoven city, etc. With the support of Eindhoven City, in October 2018, Binh Duong was the first locality in Viet Nam to officially become a member of the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) and was honored as one of 21 cities and regions with a typical smart city development strategy in the world (Smart21) for 5 successive years from 2019 to 2023. Especially, Binh Duong Province has been honored by the ICF to be in the TOP 7 and has been one of 07 communities with world-class smart development strategies for 3 successive years from 2021 to 2023.

Every year, high-level delegations and representatives of businesses in Binh Duong Province regularly visit, work, and organize seminars to attract investment in Eindhoven City and other localities of the Netherlands as well as in other European provinces and cities.

8. East Flanders Province (The Kingdom of Belgium)

On October 14^th, 2015, Binh Duong Province and East Flanders Province (Belgium) signed a MOU to establish a friendly cooperative relationship. This is a good opportunity for Binh Duong Province to conduct trade promotion activities, call for investment expansion, modern technology transfer, and cooperation in the fields of logistics, high-tech agriculture, and research, etc. from East Flanders Province and other localities of the Kingdom of Belgium.

East Flanders Province has an area of 2.982 km2 and a population of 1.5 million people. East Flanders is one of 5 provinces and cities in the Flamand Region - the key economic region of the Kingdom of Belgium and the whole of Europe with a concentration of many logistics centers and large seaports of the Kingdom of Belgium. Ghent City is the capital of East Flanders Province, known as "Europe's Silicon Valley", which has many famous information technology and multimedia companies.

The East Flanders Province is considered "where knowledge comes into play" with strengths in logistics services and knowledge activities. It is a highly developed logistics and technological area. The combination of knowledge and logistics strengths creates some unique local positions. One of the strengths of East Flanders Province is that it is located in a strategic geographical area connecting the developed economic regions of Europe from Manchester (UK) to Milan (Italy) the region contributing up to 2/3 GDP of the European Union. The transportation network system is widely developed and effectively connected by road, rail, and waterway. The province has two seaports, i.e., Ghent Port and Waasland Port, and part of Antwerp Port (the second largest seaport in Europe connecting trade with the world).

Based on cooperation, the two sides have strengthened their friendship through the exchange of high-level delegations as well as the organization of a seminar to promote investment attraction in Binh Duong Province.

9. Emmen City (The Kingdom of the Netherlands)

On November 17^th, 2015, Binh Duong Province and Emmen City (The Kingdom of the Netherlands) signed a cooperation agreement between the two sides on strengthening the friendly cooperative relationship and expanding cooperative activities in various fields: Economy, trade, services, tourism, import-export, and investment cooperation.

Emmen City is located in the Northeast of the Netherlands and has an area of 346.25 km2 and a population of more than 107.000 people (2018). Emmen is the largest industrial center in the Northern Netherlands and is famous for its chemical industries, high technology, manufacturing and materials, logistics, agriculture, oil and gas exploitation, etc. Stenden University in Emmen City is one of the most famous universities in the Netherlands. Currently, the University has established a group of research and development cooperation with countries around the world including Binh Duong province.

Every year, high-level delegations and representatives of businesses in Binh Duong Province also visit, work, and organize seminars to attract investment in Emmen City, other localities of the Netherlands as well as in other European provinces and cities.

10. Oryol Oblast (Russian Federation)

On July 7^th, 2017, Binh Duong Province signed a MOU for cooperation with Oryol oblast (Russian Federation).

Oryol Province of the Russian Federation has Oryol City as its administrative center and is far away about 360 km southwest of Moscow. With an area of 24.652 km2 and a population of 769.980 people, Oryol oblast is divided into 24 administrative units including 7 cities and 14 districts. The province's main industries include the food processing industry, construction materials industry, light industry, machinery and equipment manufacturing industry for agriculture and other industries (accounting for 30% of the province's production value), etc. In addition, Oryol Province is a locality with many large-scale mechanical and electronic manufacturing companies, applying modern science and technology.

Based on cooperation, Binh Duong Province has also sent high-level delegations and representatives of Binh Duong Province's businesses to visit, work, and promote investment attraction into Binh Duong Province.

11. Gangnam District, Seoul (South Korea)

On January 6^th, 2022, Binh Duong Province and Gangnam District, Seoul (South Korea) signed an online strategic cooperation agreement to promote investment, international trade activities, and the exchange of culture and tourism. Especially, the two sides cooperated in the organization of international conferences, fairs, and exhibitions as well as promoted cultural exchange and introduction activities of the two sides.

Gangnam is one of 25 districts in Seoul, South Korea. Gangnam District belongs to the Gangnam area located in the Southeast of the city with an area of 39.5 km2 and a population of 527.641 people. This is one of Seoul's wealthiest districts.

12. State of Nebraska (USA)

On July 12^th, 2023, Binh Duong Province signed a friendly cooperative relationship with the state of Nebraska (USA).

Nebraska is a state located in the Great Plains and Midwest region of the United States. The state of Nebraska has 93 districts with an area of more than 200.000 km2and a population of about 1.9 million people. Nebraska is a strong state in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, freight, telecommunications, information technology, and insurance. In 2021, Nebraska's GDP reached 123.9 billion dollars and was ranked 35th among the 50 states of the USA.

13. Artemisa Province (Cuba)

On August 25^th, 2023, Binh Duong Province signed a MOU on establishing cooperative relations and twinning with Artemisa Province (Cuba).

Artemisa Province is one of Cuba's two new provinces established on August 1^st, 2010, with the division of La Habana Province. The capital and largest city of the province is Artemisa with an area of 4.004.27 km2 and a population of 502.392 people. The province is located on the line of the main highway and main railway between Havana and Pinar del Río. This is also the area where Thai Binh Viet Nam Company is investing and operating. Although it is newly established, Artemisa Province has made many contributions to Cuba and played an important role in the country's industrial and agricultural activities. This is also the main agricultural product supply for the La Habana capital.

* International organizations

With appropriate development orientation and efforts, Binh Duong Province has achieved some very encouraging results and is the first locality in Viet Nam to officially become a member of the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). For 5 successive years from 2019 to 2023, Binh Duong has been honored by ICF as one of 21 cities with the world's typical smart city development strategy - SMART 21. Especially, Binh Duong Province has been honored by the ICF Forum to be in the TOP 7, and it is one of 07 communities with the world's typical smart development strategies for 3 successive years from 2021 to 2023. In 2023, Binh Duong was in the TOP 1 of ICF.

Binh Duong is now a trusted partner of 03 international organizations including ICF, Horasis, and the World Trade Center Association (WTCA).

* Friendship organizations:

In recent times, as a socio-political organization specializing in people diplomatic work, the Union of Friendship Organizations of Binh Duong Province has always focused on consolidating and expanding people-to-people relations with countries, especially localities with close traditional relationships with the province. The Union has now established 10 Friendship Associations (including Viet Nam - Cambodia Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province, Viet Nam - Laos Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province, Viet Nam - Russia Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province, Viet Nam - South Korea Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province, Viet Nam - China Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province, Viet Nam - Japan Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province, Viet Nam - India Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province, Viet Nam - Federal Republic of Germany Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province, Viet Nam - Singapore Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province, Viet Nam - Netherlands Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province) and 01 Committee to establish Viet Nam - ASEAN Friendship Association in Binh Duong Province with more than 2.000 members participating in activities.

The Union and Friendship Associations always focus on strengthening foreign affairs activities, education, friendly exchanges, cooperation, and charity support, with many outstanding forms such as "The Joint Mekong River -  Deep Love" program for cultural exchanges with Southeast Asian countries; "Nurturing Friendship" program mobilizes society to award scholarships to Cambodian and Lao's students studying at the Military Engineering Officer School; "Kocham Scholarship - Raising Dreams" program awards scholarships to students in difficult circumstances who study well; Korean and Japanese cultural festivals; Art performance programs, cultural and artistic exchanges, concerts of Viet Nam and other countries; "Korean Cultural Experience - Homestay" program; Responding to International Yoga Day program; Activities to introduce the January Full Moon Festival, etc. From there, it has contributed to tightening the solidarity between the people of Binh Duong and the people of other countries.

In recent years, the international position of Binh Duong Province has improved. The Union of Friendship Organizations and Friendship Associations have linked the common task of people-to-people diplomatic work oriented by the Central Government with the direction of the Provincial Party Committee and operation of the Provincial People's Committee. People-to-people diplomacy activities have been through to actively introduce and promote Binh Duong's potential and investment opportunities to people of other countries and international organizations. At the same time, the Union of Friendship Organizations also coordinates to effectively mobilize international organizations and foreign non-governmental organizations and attract a variety of international resources to serve socio-economic development and social security programs in the province.

In the coming time, the activities of the Union of Friendship Organizations and members of Friendship Associations will continue to focus on propagating the achievements achieved after more than 35 years of innovation of the country in general, and 25 years of Binh Duong's construction and development in particular. It will continue to promote the establishment of more appropriate new Friendship Associations. Besides, it is necessary to strengthen friendly cooperation between Binh Duong and foreign localities and promote the image of the country and the people of Viet Nam as well as Binh Duong Province to international friends.

​

Yamaguchi city hall

Yamaguchi Prefecture is located in the westernmost part of Honshu, and is surrounded on three sides by the sea. With the Chugoku mountain range running from East to West, Yamaguchi Prefecture can be broadly divided up into three regions: the Seto Inland Sea area, the inland mountain area, and the Japan Sea coast area.

The population is approximately 1.41 million people (according to a year 2015 census), and the area is approximately 6,100 km2. The prefectural government capital is located in Yamaguchi City.
Yamaguchi Prefecture boasts a mild climate and is largely spared from earthquake, flood and storm damage. It enjoys the reputation of being a very comfortable place to live.
Yamaguchi has approximately 1,500 km of coastline, including the calm Seto Inland Sea National Park dotted with many islands and the wild, rough coast of the Japan Sea at the Kita Nagato Kaigan National Park. There are around 240 islands scattered throughout the coastal and off-shore areas.
The green, mountainous plateau situated at the western edge of the Chugoku Mountain Range comprises the largest Karst plateau and limestone cave in Japan, which together make up the Akiyoshidai National Park. The prefecture receives many visitors who come to see the changing seasons in the primeval forests and beautiful gorges that make up the Western Chugoku Mountain Range National Park.

 

​Kintaikyo bridge in Yamaguchi

Centered around the Seto Inland Sea coastal area, there is a collection of various corporate groups, as well as research centers making efforts to improve skills and promote potential. Many industries such as chemicals, petroleum, metals, agriculture, fisheries, etc.
The strength of provincial petrochemical and shipbuilding industries have contributed to bring Yamaguchi prefecture to the 8^th place in Japanese economy. Currently, the province is creating new industry developing new enterprises, as well as planning the Technopolis and working to become a stronghold of advanced skills to attract new businesses.

The friendship cooperation with Binh Duong province:

The strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Japan is increasingly developed. The bilateral trade turnover and investment projects are increased in many areas. Japan become one of the top important partners of Viet Nam and also is one of the biggest investors of Viet Nam in general and in Binh Duong province in particular.

​MoU Signing ceremony between Yamaguchi prefecture and Binh Duong province in Japan (2014)

December 24^th, 2014, Yamaguchi prefecture and Binh Duong province  signed the Memorandum of understanding on enhancing the friendship cooperation between the two localities and have achieved considerable steps in order to research the possibility of Viet Nam – Japan Industrial Park construction; service and trade promotion; hi-agriculture investment, training and education and health for the mutual prosperity of the two sides.

Until April 2020, Japan is the biggest investor of Binh Duong province with 317 projects, 5.64 billion US dollars, ranked the first among 64 countries and territories investing in Binh Duong province.

1.      Kratie province (Cambodia)

• MOU signing date: The friendship cooperation between Binh Duong and Kratie province bases on the relation between Kratie province and Song Be province (the preceding administrative unit of of Binh Duong province)
• General information: Located in the East of Cambodia, area: 11,094 km², population: 320,000 people.
• Friendship cooperation activities:

+ 2015: signing MOU between Binh Duong Military Headquarter and Kandal Military on military cooperation.

+ June 2017: Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia Hun Sen and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in working and meeting with Binh Duong officials, soldiers and people on the occasion of the 40^th  anniversary of Hun Sen leaving Cambodia to seek help from Viet Nam against the Pol Pot regime.

+ 2018 &2019: MOU signing on military cooperation among Binh Duong and Kratie districts.

• ​Investment projects: in the recent years, Binh Duong province has deployed various foreign economic with Kratie province and other Cambodian provinces; encourages and facilitates businesses to strengthen the trade, investment promotion and export to Cambodia. Phuoc Hoa Rubber Limited Company invested in planting 7,600 hectares rubber in Kratie and Kampongthon provinces.

2.     Daejeon Metropolitan City (South Korea)

• MOU signing date: May 17th, 2005
• General information: Daejeon Metropolitan City is the fifth biggest city of South Korea, has an area of 540 km^2, and 1.54 million citizens. Being a sciencentific and technological city, Daejeon Metropolitan is the home of the big universitites, museums, technopolis, institutes of South Korea, is recognized as the silicon valley of Asia.
• Friendship cooperation activities:

+ January 29^th, 2007: MOU signing on enhancing the friendship cooperation between Binh Duong province and Daejeon Metropolitan

+ 2015: Daejeon City high-ranking leadership delegation (led by the Mayor and Chairman of Daejeon City Council) paid a visit to Binh Duong province and co-organized the 10th Anniversary Program of signing friendship cooperation between two localities with a series of activities: Inaugurated the Binh Duong - Daejeon Cultural Exchange and Economic Exhibition, Daejeon City Tourism - Health Promotion Workshop, Daejeon Study Abroad, etc

+ November 2, 2015: Signing a cooperation agreement on strengthening friendship and cooperation and celebrating 10 years of signing the agreement between Binh Duong Province and the Daejeon Metropolitan (South Korea).

+ 2014 - 2019: exchanging high-level delegations to Binh Duong and South Korea; 11 delegations of students sent to exchange and experience culture in Binh Duong and Daejeon city.

+ 2018: Binh Duong Province, Daejeon City and the Secretariat of the World Technopolis Association WTA host the 11th Session of the World Technopolis Association (WTA) and activities. celebrated the 20th anniversary of WTA establishment in Binh Duong province. The mayor of Daejeon City is also the Chairman of the WTA and the delegation in coordination with Binh Duong to co-host the WTA series of events in Binh Duong province.

+ 3/2019: The delegation of Binh Duong province paid a working visit to Daejeon city. Within the framework of a business trip, Binh Duong province, TP. Daejeon, Becamex IDC Company and K-Water Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of modernizing water-related works and developing Smart City.

+ In October 2019, the Binh Duong Province Delegation led by the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Tran Thanh Liem, paid a working visit to and attended the WTA 2019 Conference in Daejeon City (South Korea) with the theme " Towards a Smart City from the Sustainable Context ". The forum provides an opportunity to explore diverse experiences and strategies for building a smart city. WTA 2019 conference in Daejeon city including Global Innovation Forum 2019; sessions: opening session, 03 plenary meetings, 04 thematic sessions, roundtables; 16th WTA Hi-tech Fair.

• Investments:

+ 2005: 164 projects, $655 million worth

• MOU signing date: 13 November 2006
• General information: Champasak Province has an area of 15,410 km² and close to 700,000 locals. It is the center of southern Laos's provinces. Champasak has a vital geographic position influencing its economy, the East - West corridor and traffic from Laos to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam.
• ​Friendship cooperation activities:

+ Thu Dau Mot University full scholarships are awarded annually to Laotian students, with 5 slots allocated each year from 2011 to 2015 and 10 from 2015 onwards. As of now, 84 students have been awarded the scholarship (79 from Champasak province and 5 from Sekong province).

+ 2011-now: 10 retired officials from Champasak are offered medical and recreational tours to Binh Duong every year. As of now, close to 100 former officials have travelled to Vietnam under this program.

+ 2016: A Binh Duong Province high-ranking delegation paid a working visit to Champasak to review the bilateral cooperation during the 2011-2015 period and meanwhile approved agreements regarding the 2016-2020 period.

+ 2017: A Laos high-ranking delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone paid a working visit to Binh Duong.

• Investments:

The Dau Tieng Viet Lao Rubber Joint Stock Company's main accomplishments include planting 6,722 hectares of rubber, establishing a ceramic factory and mass-producing rubber latex collection cups well-suited to the company's and customers' demands. In October 2017, it introduced a rubber processing system consisting of 2 rubber processing plants compliant to Malaysian standards, an $8.5 million worth pair of production lines capable of manufacturing 10,000 tons per year, a $500,000 worth modern water purification system dealing with 2,000m3 of water per day at most and a $2.5 million worth wastewater treatment system with a maximum daily workrate of 1,500m3. A $500,000 worth quality control lab utilizing modern technology has also been inaugurated.

MOU signing ceremony between Binh Duong province and Champasak Province (Laos)

4. City of Guangzhou (China)

• ​MOU signing date: 21 August 2013
• General information: The City of Guangzhou has an area of 7,434 km² and a population of 12.7 million. It is a crucial political, economic, cultural, scientific center in southern China and one of the leading Chinese cities in industry, commerce, service, logistics and maritime transport. It is in proximity to Macau and Hong Kong.
• Friendship cooperation activities:

+ 2/2014: A Guangzhou leadership and high-ranking delegation, led by Mr. Pan An, Deputy Secretary of the City of Guangzhou, participated in the Ceremony of Binh Duong New City Development Commencement and the Binh Duong Province Administrative Center Inauguration.

+ 2019: Binh Duong is expected to promote the cooperation with Guangzhou and more delegation exchanges are slated to take place.

• Investments:

+ 2013: 56 projects, $108.3 million worth

• ​MOU signing date: 16 October 2013
• ​General information: Emilia-Romagna Region is situated in northern Italy and has the city of Bologna serving as capital. It stretches through 22,124 km² of land with a population of approximately 4 million. It is one of the most prosperous region in Europe, being a major hub of mechanical engineering. Emilia-Romagna focuses on automated machinery supporting agriculture and industries such as automobile, shipbuilding, construction and fashion. It is also home to leading automobile brands, namely Ferrari, Ducati, Lamborghini and Maserati.
• ​Friendship cooperation activities: 

​Binh Duong Province has held investment promotion seminars in Emilia-Romagna in conjunction with other regions of Italy.

The Emilia-Romagna Chamber of Commerce in Binh Duong has actively supported partnerships between enterprises of the two sides.

+ 2018: The Binh Duong Province leadership delegation paid a working visit to Emilia-Romagna and an MOU re-signing is expected.

+ 2019: MOU re-signing undergoes preparations as the bilateral cooperation had been effective for 5 years.

• Investments:

+ 2013: 1 project, $3 million worth

 

• ​MOU signing date: 25 December 2014
• General information: Yamaguchi Prefecture is part of Shikoku Island, possesses an area of 6,110 km² and is populated by roughly 1.5 million people. It emphasizes development in industry, particularly supporting industry, automotive industry and various manufacturing disciplines. It also has a number of small and medium-sized enterprises, which facilitates the economy of Vietnam development mechanism and in the meantime the scheme of attracting Japanese investors set out by Binh Duong Province.
• Friendship cooperation activities:

+ 8/2015: Yamaguchi Prefecture and Binh Duong Province exchange leadership delegations with working visits.

+ 2016 and 2017: The Binh Duong Province leadership delegation visited Yamaguchi Prefecture and organized investment promotion seminars oriented towards Japanese investors.

+ 2018: The Yamaguchi Department of Foreign Affairs delegation paid a working visit to Binh Duong Province and participated in the 2018 Horasis Asia Meeting in Binh Duong. Plans for the 5th anniversary of the bilateral cooperation in 2019 were also sketched.

• Investments:

+ 2014: 273 projects, $4,820 million worth

• MOU signing date: 16 January 2015
• General information: Eindhoven is the largest city of North Brabant Province. It has an area of 88.84 km² and houses 750,000 inhabitants in its city region. Eindhoven ranks fifth among the largest cities of the Netherlands. It is well known as a smart city, a major technology center in Europe, meanwhile featuring various universities, research labs and large companies specializing in electronic appliances including Philips, Daf Trucks, etc.
• Friendship cooperation activities:

Binh Duong Province, the City of Eindhoven and the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City have jointly organized the Binh Duong Smart City Summit - Creating a Sustainable Future Together - (3/2016), Smart Cities - Triple Helix Seminar (12/2016) and Binh Duong Smart City Summit 2017 (11/2017), all with success.

Since 2015, 2 specialists appointed by the City of Eindhoven have been participating in the materialization of the Binh Duong Smart City plan with the Binh Duong Navigator 2021 strategic program. The work has been conducted since 2017, utilizing Eindhoven's Triple Helix model, with commendable results so far.

• ​Investments:

+ 2015: 10 projects, $140 million worth

+ 2019: 41 projects, $1,073 million worth (a 31-project and 933-million-USD increase from 2015)

MOU signing ceremony between Binh Duong province and City of Eindhoven (Netherlands)

8. East Flanders Province (Belgium)

• MOU signing date: 14 October 2015
• ​General information: East Flanders Province has an area of 2,982 km² and is inhabited by 1.5 million people. It is one of the 5 provinces establishing the Flanders Region, a key economic region of Belgium and also Europe, owing to its concentration of logistics centers and major Belgian sea ports, namely the Port of Antwerp, Europe's second largest sea port.
• ​Friendship cooperation activities:

+ 2018: The Wallonia Region Chamber of Commerce - Embassy of Belgium paid a working visit to Binh Duong Province as a preparation for a later Wallonia Region leadership delegation official visit to Binh Duong in 2019.

+ 4/2019: The Walloon Brabant Province leadership delegation paid a working visit to Binh Duong Province to strengthen cooperation between Binh Duong Province and Belgian partners.

• Investments:

+ 2015: 1 project, $1.5 million worth

• ​​MOU signing date: 17 November 2015
• General information: The municipality and town of Emmen, located in northeastern Netherlands, covers 346.25 km² of land and has a population of approx. 250,000. Its greater area, comprising the municipalities of Emmen, Coevorden, Hoogeveen and Hardenberg, is the strongest economic region in northeastern Netherlands in addition to sharing an international border with Germany. It is a hi-tech agriculture development region, an EU logistics hub and the largest industrial center in northern Netherlands.
• ​Friendship cooperation activities:

+ 4/2017: The Emmen City leadership delegation paid a visit to Binh Duong Province and worked with Binh Duong officials.

+ 3/2019: The Emmen City leadership delegation paid a visit to Binh Duong Province, emphasizing bilateral cooperation in economics and culture.

• Investments:

+ 2015: 10 projects, $140 million worth

+ 2019: 41 projects, $1,073 million worth (a 31-project and 933-million-USD increase from 2015)

MOU signing ceremony between Binh Duong province and Emmen City (Netherlands)

10. Oryol Oblast (Russia)​

• ​MOU signing date: 07 March 2017

• General information: Oryol Oblast is a federal subject of Russia, of which the city of Oryol, 360 km southwest of Moscow, serves as capital. It has an area of 24,652 km² and is home to 769,980 residents. Oryol Oblast is divided into 24 subdivisions, including 14 districts in addition to 7 cities and towns. Food processing, building materials, machinery (accounting for 30% of total Oryol Oblast productions) and light industries can be listed as its major industries. It also accommodates large companies specializing in engineering and electronics with modern technology and applied sciences in place.

• Friendship cooperation activities:

+ 2018: The Binh Duong Province leadership delegation paid an official visit to Oryol Oblast in an attempt to enhance cooperation between the two sides.

+ 3/2019: A Binh Duong Province leadership delegation visit to Oryol Oblast, including meetings with Oryol Oblast officials and Russian partners, is slated to promote trade with Oryol Oblast enterprises along with stakeholders from other regions.

Binh Duong Province and Oryol Oblast are executing feasibility studies for a provisional Vietnam - Russia Industrial Park in Binh Duong.

• Investments:

+ 2017 - 2019: 3 projects, $5.85 million 

* Provisional cooperation schemes

With a view to broaden friendship cooperation with foreign municipalities and stakeholders, thus diversifying international relations and attracting more investments, in the near future, Binh Duong Province is to materialize MOU signings with parties including Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region (Italy), North Brabant Province (Netherlands) and Incheon Metropolitan City (South Korea).

MOU signing ceremony between Binh Duong province and Oryol Oblast (Russia)