​​Attending at Binh Duong bridge point were Mr. Le Phu Hoa - Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuan - CEO of Becamex IDC; Mr. Natthapol Na Songkhla – Acting Consul General of Thailand in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Tharabodee Serng-Adichaiwit - General Director of Bangkok Bank in Vietnam; representatives of leaders of provincial departments, committees and branches.

At Hanoi bridge point, there were Mr. Audsitti Sroithong - Minister Counsellor of Investment, Royal Thai Ambassador in Hanoi.

At Thailand bridge point, there were Mr. Apichit Prasoprat - Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries; Mr. Rakesh Singh - Secretary General of Thailand-Vietnam Business Council and more than 100 Thai investors.

Appreciating Binh Duong's investment environment

Speaking at the webinar, Mr. Le Phu Hoa - Director of Binh Duong Department of Foreign Affairs said that, over 45 years of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand, the two countries have achieved great achievements in all fields. Up to now, Thailand is the 9^th largest investor out of 141 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with more than 369 projects and total investment capital of 13 billion USD. Particularly in Binh Duong province, Thailand is currently ranked 13^th out of 65 countries and territories with 40 projects and total investment capital of more than 685 million USD. Thailand's major companies invest in Binh Duong such as Srithai Vietnam, SCG Vietnam, Vina Kraft Paper Company Limited (under SCG Group), KSP Vietnam Co., Ltd (under CP Group), Red Bull Vietnam Co., Ltd., BJC Vietnam, etc.

Delegates attend at Binh Duong bridge point

Although in 2021, facing many difficulties and challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Binh Duong province still strives to maintain economic growth and development. The province's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) in the first 6 months of 2021 still achieves a growth rate of 7.23%; the province's economic structure continues to move positively towards gradually increasing the proportion of services, industry, maintaining and improving agricultural values in a reasonable manner. In the first 10 months of 2021, the province's export turnover is estimated at 26.4 billion USD, import turnover is estimated at 21.4 billion USD, maintaining a trade surplus of 5 billion USD. Regarding foreign investment, Binh Duong has attracted 59 new projects, 23 capital adjustment projects and 155 investment projects in the form of capital contribution and share purchase with a total registered investment capital of more than 1.92 billion USD. Accumulated to October 31, 2021, the province has 4,008 investment projects from 65 countries and territories with a total registered capital of 37 billion USD, ranking second in the country in terms of attracting foreign investment capital after Ho Chi Minh City.

In parallel with promoting economic development, Binh Duong province also actively expands international cooperation relationships and has established bilateral cooperation relationships with 10 foreign provinces and cities and is a partner of 04 multilateral international cooperation organizations. Also, it is an official member and reliable partner of 03 international organizations, including the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), Asian Economic Cooperation Forum (Horasis) and World Trade Centers Association (WTCA).

Overview of the webinar at Binh Duong bridge point

Assessing the investment environment of Binh Duong, Thai enterprises with manufacturing factories in Binh Duong said that Binh Duong is one of the leading localities in the country in terms of industrial development. Large foreign enterprises when investing in Vietnam always choose Binh Duong as the first destination in the South of Vietnam because Binh Duong has a great advantage in terms of transport infrastructure connecting the region, industrial parks are invested in synchronous and modern infrastructure. In addition, the Binh Duong provincial government always accompanies and timely supports to remove difficulties for enterprises so that they can operate effectively, especially during the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Sompob Witworrasakul – Chief Regional Officer and General Director of Vina Kraft Paper (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. said that SGC Group has invested in Vietnam for more than 20 years, in which the factory in Binh Duong is invested with modern machinery specializing in the production of packaging products for distribution to the markets of countries around the world. During the recent Covid-19 pandemic wave, the factory's operations were significantly affected, especially the import of production materials. However, with the convenience in traffic connecting river ports, seaports, airports with neighboring areas of Binh Duong, the company has found a solution to import production materials. He also thanked for the companionship and facilitation of Binh Duong authorities at all levels during the past difficult time. With the enthusiastic guidance of the Health branch, the Company has established a Rapid Response Group at the Company to promptly handle Covid-19 cases. The province also created conditions for all workers of the Company to fully receive 02 doses of Covid-19 vaccine.

Continuing to create favorable conditions for investors

Introducing the investment environment of Binh Duong and the projects being developed by Becamex IDC to meet the investment needs of enterprises, a representative of Becamex IDC said that the province is focusing on building Binh Duong Smart City after Binh Duong was honored by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) as one of 7 cities and regions with a typical smart city development strategy of the world in 2021. Binh Duong is also building the Science and Technology Industrial Park and the World Trade Center Binh Duong New City. Building transport infrastructure connecting the region, a system of logictics, training high-quality labor resources along with investment incentive policies of Vietnam. In the development strategy, Binh Duong province will continue to implement the "Binh Duong Innovation Region" project with the planning of a Science and Technology Industrial Park, an innovative start-up ecosystem, promoting the proportion of services, especially e-commerce, international trade with the typical project being the World Trade Center Binh Duong New City. Recently, Becamex IDC has won the title of "The most prestigious industrial real estate enterprise" and also in November 2021 held an online signing ceremony in collaboration for the development of Binh Duong Smart City and Binh Duong Innovation Region with The Connected Places Catapult (CPC – United Kingdom). This is the driving force for Binh Duong province to attract foreign investors to the region, creating a remarkable development in investment attraction.

Besides, Binh Duong's labor market is gradually stabilizing again. According to statistics, the number of workers who have returned to Binh Duong to work is about 90%. Currently, industrial parks are short of only about 200,000 workers. "We are implementing solutions to meet the labor needs of enterprises. The province has issued a plan to attract and welcome workers back to Binh Duong to work. The province will prioritize vaccination and create conditions for workers to have stable accommodation. We believe that, with the province's policies, the labor problem will not be difficult." - Mr. Nguyen Thanh Trung - Head of the Provincial Industrial Zones Authority confirmed to investors.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuan - CEO of Becamex IDC informs about the enterprise's activities after the Covid-19 pandemic

Providing information on the operation situation of enterprises after the Covid-19 pandemic and Binh Duong's support policies for enterprises, Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuan - CEO of Becamex IDC said that during the complicated development of the pandemic, Binh Duong province focused on pandemic prevention and control; with the attention and direction of the Government, Central Ministries and branches, enterprises in Binh Duong province still carry out production and business activities but there are limitations not to break the production chain. Up to now, about 90% of enterprises have resumed operations in the new normal. The provincial government always cares and supports enterprises and workers, especially, so far, experts and workers have been fully vaccinated with 2 doses of Covid-19 vaccine. The province also implements policies to support enterprises and workers according to the guidance of the Central Government. In the coming period, Binh Duong will continue to invest in infrastructure, especially arterial roads connecting to airports and seaports to shorten time and save freight costs. The province also promotes digital transformation, striving that by early 2022, some administrative procedures related to the investment field will be carried out online. The province also pays special attention to the accommodation of workers, it is expected that, in the 2022-2025 period, the province will deploy to build 1 million social housing units with suitable prices for workers to have stable accommodation.

Mr. Le Phu Hoa - Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs concludes the conference

Concluding the conference, Mr. Le Phu Hoa - Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the provincial government will always accompany enterprises; develop preferential policies for investors and workers, especially, plan a clean land fund for production investment enterprises. In the following years, Binh Duong province wishes to continue to receive active cooperation from the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Thai Business (Vietnam) Association and from the Embassy of Vietnam in Thailand in calling for investment attraction, expanding relations to raise the level of bilateral cooperation, and promoting multilateral cooperation to create new breakthroughs in the context of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and in the current deepening international integration process.

 Reported by Mai Xuan - Translated by Nguyen Trang

​The delegation were representatives of enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and a Thai Tourism Company joined in an experience tour to survey and prepare to bring officers and employees of companies as well as tourists from Thailand to travel to Binh Duong province in the near future.

Tourists join a river tour and listen to the tour guide  

After exploring and experiencing the river journey from Ho Chi Minh City - Binh Duong, the tourist boat arrived at Tiamo wharf (Phu Tho ward, Thu Dau Mot city) and began to visit and explore the destinations in Binh Duong province, including: Historical and cultural relic of Tran Van Ho ancient house, Hoi Khanh pagoda, "check in" Binh Duong Provincial Administration Center, etc. The tour program ended at 21 o'clock after tourists experienced and had dinner on Thu Dau Mot Cruise.​

​

The delegation comes to "check in" at the Binh Duong Provincial Administration Center

This is one of the programs to restart tourism activities in Binh Duong province after the Covid-19 situation is basically under control. After this pilot activity, the provincial Tourism Association and the organizer, Binh Duong Tours – Bus Waterway Joint Stock Company, will draw experience to prepare for the program to develop river tourism in particular and Binh Duong tourism in general in the coming time.

Binh Duong Tourism Association welcomes and gives flowers to the delegation to visit at the relics of Hoi Khanh pagoda

Mr. Tran Tuan Hung - Chairman of Binh Duong Tourism Association said that one of the new development directions of Binh Duong tourism in the coming time is to exploit river tours to serve domestic and foreign tourists. In addition to this program, around the beginning of December, the Tourism Association will organize some more activities to contribute to the development of Binh Duong tourism.

Previously, on November 21, 2021, Binh Duong Tourism Association also coordinated to welcome a group of 40 tourists from Ho Chi Minh City to experience the Binh Duong river tour.

Reported by Hong Thuan - Translated by Nguyen Trang

​This event is the cooperation of Asia's leading exhibition company - Constella Singapore and Becamex IDC Corporation. In Vietnam, with the approval of Binh Duong Provincial People's Committee, the Department of Science and Technology coordinated with World Trade Center Binh Duong to organize this program. The discussion session wished to highlight the development and initiatives of Vietnam as a manufacturing hub of the Asia region.

ITAP 2021 with the theme "Developing enterprise capacity with technology platform 4.0" aims to equip leaders and manufacturers with the necessary skills and knowledge to apply the achievements of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 in production and business activities of enterprises. At the same time, it will introduce the most modern technologies on the market today, including technology solutions for 5G, AI, AR/VR, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Machine Learning to serve the future in the manufacturing industry.

​

Overview of the conference

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Mr. Nguyen Viet Long - Director of the Department of Science and Technology emphasized: "The conference will discuss, update, and clarify more about the potential and strategy of technology development in the 4.0 era, post-Covid-19 pandemic, thereby also opening up many opportunities for connection and cooperation for Vietnamese and international enterprises. In the coming time, the province will continue to make drastic breakthroughs and transformations in many fields, led by industry. Today's conference is a highlight for the development plan of Binh Duong in the new period".

At the conference, representatives of departments, branches and enterprises shared and discussed the application of industry 4.0 to production in many different fields, opportunities for cooperation and connection with Vietnamese manufacturers.

Delegates participate in group discussion

The conference also held a group discussion session with the theme "How is Industry 4.0 promoting and creating new value for manufacturing industries in Vietnam as well as in Southeast Asia?". The speakers focused on discussing issues such as: Developing IoT on the Vietnamese platform; solutions to meet the needs of the market; helping companies get data, etc.

With the convergence of a series of technology initiatives and solutions, ITAP 2021 has helped enterprises have an overview of the business situation and development potential at the regional scale.

Reported by Yen Nhi - Translated by Nguyen Trang

​During the day, the province recorded 688 cases through RT-PCR testing and had full epidemiological information; collecting 172 patients; 07 patients died.

Number of Covid-19 cases through RT-PCR test on November 22, 2021

Since the 4^th pandemic wave, Binh Duong province has recorded 248,708 cases of Covid-19 (through RT-PCR test); 2,616 deaths.

Treatment facilities throughout the province are treating 2,757 patients (1st floor: 1,848 patients, 2nd floor: 528 patients and 3rd floor: 381 patients). Number of critically ill patients requiring oxygen: 249 patients.

Cumulatively, the province has vaccinated 4,223,864 doses/4,601,390 doses of the distributed Covid-19 vaccine (2,437,760 1st doses and 1,786,104 2nd doses); 144,520 doses were administered to subjects aged 12-17 years (of which 83,369 doses were given to subjects 15-17 years old and 61,151 doses were given to subjects 12-14 years old).

The province has established 162 mobile medical stations, including 99 Mobile medical stations in communes and wards; 43 Mobile medical stations in industrial zones and clusters and 20 Mobile Teams of Military Medicine.

On November 22, 2021, support was given to 9,476 cases, with an amount of VND 25.89 billion. Total number of cases spent (accumulated): 3,987,563 turns of people, with the amount of VND 3,051,785 billion.

Citizens access the link https://thongtincovid.binhduong.gov.vn/ to see the epidemic level from district to commune level in the province.

 Reported by Phuong Chi-Translated by Nguyen Trang

​Accordingly, the Pfizer vaccination phase 74 and 83 against Covid-19 are organized for students in secondary schools, high schools, and vocational schools. Specifically, inject first dose for students in grades 7, 8 (except Thu Dau Mot city, Ben Cat town, Tan Uyen town) and inject second dose for grades 10-12 throughout Binh Duong province. Organize and deploy the campaign simultaneously from November 21 to 23, 2021. Vaccination of background disease cases on November 24, 2021. It is expected that 52,813 secondary school students will receive the first dose, 42,330 high school students and 5,413 vocational school students will receive the second dose.

Binh Duong has been allocated a total of 108,810 doses of Pfizer (Comimaty) vaccine, a phase 74 vaccines purchased from the state budget (58,500 doses), and phase 83 (50,310 doses) funded by COVAX Facility and distributed by the National Expanded Immunization Project.

The Provincial People's Committee assigned the Department of Health to urgently coordinate with relevant units to organize the distribution and transport of vaccines to the units in a timely and safe manner according to regulations. On the basis of allocating the number of Covid-19 vaccines for phase 74 and 83, it is recommended that localities and units urgently develop a plan to organize vaccination accordingly and in accordance with regulations.

Reported by Yen Nhi - Translated by Nguyen Trang

​Attending were Mr. Nguyen Van Loi - Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the Provincial Delegation of the National Assembly Deputies; Mr. Nguyen Hoang Thao - Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Nguyen Van Loc - Member of Provincial Standing Party Committee, Head of Commission for Mass Mobilization of Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front; Ms. Nguyen Truong Nhat Phuong - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Vice Chairmen of Provincial People's Committee; leaders of departments, committees, branches, mass organizations of the province, Thu Dau Mot city, and relatives of compatriots, officers and soldiers who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Thao - Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee speaks at the ceremony

Speaking at the ceremony, on behalf of the leaders of the Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Binh Duong province, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Thao sent the families whose loved ones were unfortunately infected and passed away in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic his deepest condolences to the families and shared the great pain and loss that nothing can make up for.

He emphasized, in Binh Duong, the entire political system, people and enterprises, reinforcement forces as well as the frontline forces inside and outside the province have done all they can, regardless of day or night, making efforts and determination to prevent and gradually repel the pandemic; at the same time, take care as best as possible for the life, health and life of the people, with the motto: "People's lives and health are first, foremost and most important".

Although the entire political system has tried to use all its spirit, strength, money and many measures to take care of the people, due to the complicated, difficult to control and dangerous pandemic situation, more than 23,000 people died nationwide, more than 2,500 cases in Binh Duong alone.

In the days of fierce fighting with pandemic, in the face of life and death, the good tradition of solidarity and mutual love of the Vietnamese people shines through when thousands of officers, soldiers, medical staff, doctors and volunteers across the country have enthusiastically set out to aid Southern provinces to fight the pandemic, including Binh Duong province, with the spirit of "all for the dear South". All those beautiful images and gestures have touched millions of hearts, energized the community, contributed to helping Binh Duong province to basically control the pandemic situation, gradually recover the economy - society, stabilizing people's lives.

"Today, we come here together to offer our compatriots, officers, soldiers, frontline forces who died in the pandemic, the "heart" of incense sticks as the determined promise of those who stay; to continue to unite, determined to maintain the achievements of the fight against pandemic, prevent the pandemic from breaking out again and continue to realize the goal of socio-economic development, helping to improve the material and spiritual life for the people of the country in general and Binh Duong province in particular. With the determination, solidarity and love, we will definitely win the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. I would like to express my deepest heart, in memory of the compatriots, officers and soldiers who sacrificed and died during this fierce pandemic" - affirmed the Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee.

After the speech of the Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, the delegates spent minutes of remembrance, burning incense and candles to commemorate the compatriots, officers and soldiers who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

At exactly 8:30 p.m. at Hoi An Pagoda (Hoa Phu Ward, Thu Dau Mot City), the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Binh Duong province held a Requiem and lit 2,600 memorial candles with the participation of 100 monks, nuns, and Buddhists. At St. Joseph's Church (Phu My Ward, Thu Dau Mot City), a prayer and memorial bell ringing ceremony took place with the participation of Priests, monks and lay people of the Binh Duong Catholic Solidarity Committee. Many families throughout the province have also turned off their lights, burned incense and lit candles in remembrance of compatriots, officers and soldiers who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Here are some photos from the ceremony:

Delegates take a minute in remembrance of compatriots, officers and soldiers who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic

Delegates burn incense in remembrance of compatriots, officers and soldiers who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic

Delegates light candles in remembrance of compatriots, officers and soldiers who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic

Delegates attend the Requiem at Hoi An Pagoda

Delegates burn incense to pray for the compatriots, officers and soldiers who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic

Delegates and the Executive Board, monks, nuns and Buddhists light candles to pray for compatriots, officers and soldiers who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic at Hoi An Pagoda​

2,600 candles are lit

Buddhists pray for compatriots, officers and soldiers who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic

Prayer and memorial bell ringing ceremony with the participation of Priests, monks and lay people of the Binh Duong Catholic Solidarity Committee at St. Joseph's Church

Families turn off the lights, light candles, and burn incense in remembrance of compatriots, officers and soldiers who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic

Reported by Mai Xuan - Quoc Chien - Đoan Trang - Yen Nhi​ Translated by Nguyen Trang

​Accordingly, the Covid-19 treatment area at the An Binh Regional General Clinic of Di An City Medical Center with a scale of 150 beds to collect, quarantine, monitor and treat Covid-19 patients on the tier 2 of the treatment tower; transfer severe and critical cases to hospitals on the tier 3 of the treatment tower for further monitoring and treatment, in the system in Binh Duong province. The treatment area belongs to class 3 (according to the class of the unit in charge – Di An City Medical Center).

The Covid-19 treatment area at the An Phu Regional General Clinic of Thuan An City Medical Center with a scale of 200 beds to collect, care for, treat and provide emergency treatment for Covid-19 patients on tier 2 of the treatment tower; transfer severe and critical cases to hospitals on the tier 3 of the treatment tower for further monitoring and treatment, in the system in Binh Duong province. The treatment area belongs to class 2 (according to the class of the unit in charge - Thuan An City Medical Center).

The treatment areas are under the direction and administration of the Board of Directors of the City Medical Center; use the seal and account of the City Medical Center to transact with related individuals and organizations.

The Director of the Department of Health decides to mobilize and appoint officias, civil servants and public employees of medical examination and treatment establishments to hold the positions of Director, Deputy Director, Heads and Deputy Heads of sections; approves the Regulation on organization and operation of the Covid-19 treatment area in accordance with the guidance of the Ministry of Health and relevant documents; supplements the scope of professional and technical activities for Di An City Medical Center in accordance with professional and technical requirements.

The Department of Health presides over and directs medical examination and treatment activities at Covid-19 treatment areas according to regulations of the Ministry of Health. The People's Committees of Di An and Thuan An cities are responsible for procuring and investing in appropriate facilities and equipment in accordance with current regulations so that the treatment areas can operate. Medical Centers of cities develop implementation plans, funding and submit them to the Chairman of the People's Committees of the cities for approval.

The Military Commands and the Police of the cities are responsible for ensuring logistics and maintaining security and order inside and outside the Treatment areas.

Reported by Doan Trang - Translated by Nguyen Trang

Talking with Binh Duong province's leaders, Ms. Carolyn Turk - World Bank Country Director for Vietnam highly appreciated Binh Duong province's efforts in improving the water environment over the past time, as well as actively preparing for the Project. She expected the Provincial People's Committee to continue directing departments and branches to increase information exchange with the Government, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Ministry of Construction to speed up the approval of the project's pre-feasibility study report. She herself and the World Bank in Vietnam will continue to coordinate with the province to inspect and monitor the progress of the project, strive to complete the contents and tasks according to the committed timeline.

​

Provincial leaders work online with the World Bank

Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Mai Hung Dung thanked the World Bank for supporting Binh Duong province in implementing projects to improve the water environment over the past time. The province highly appreciates the importance of the Project, contributing to increasing people's access to services that improve water quality and reduce environmental pollution caused by urban wastewater in some Southern areas of Binh Duong province. However, in recent months, Binh Duong province has focused on the Covid-19 prevention and control, and at the same time, the province has made some adjustments in planning and public investment capital plans, thus significantly affecting the on the progress of the project. Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee said that Binh Duong has basically completed the pre-feasibility study report and submitted it to the Government for approval. The province will also actively work with Ministries and branches; prepare counterpart funds; make efforts to complete the approval of the feasibility report by the end of December 2021. Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee wishes that the two sides will continue to cooperate and support each other to solve difficulties and problems during the project implementation.

Reported by Phuong Chi-Translated by Nguyen Trang

​Attending were Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Member of Provincial Standing Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee, leading representatives of Provincial Delegation of National Assembly Deputies, People's Council, members of the Provincial People's Committee and a number of committees, branches and mass organizations. The meeting was online to 09 bridge points of the districts, towns and cities.

Accomplishing a number of targets and tasks set out

As reported by the Provincial People's Committee, in 2021, the Covid-19 situation developed complicatedly in Binh Duong province, especially in the early 3^rd quarter, outbreak of the pandemic with a rapid spread has affected all industries, fields and people's lives. The Provincial People's Committee has focused on directing, mastering and implementing unprecedented pandemic prevention, fight and control solutions to achieve the goal of protecting people's health and life; and at the same time creating conditions to maintain and soon restore production and business.

Despite being heavily affected by the pandemic, the province's socio-economic development still has bright spots in a number of areas. In the context of both pandemic prevention and control and economic development, the province has achieved and exceeded 22/32 targets of the plan in 2021. The gross regional domestic product (GRDP) is estimated to increase by 2.79% compared to 2020. The proportion of industry - construction, service, agriculture - forestry - fishery and product taxes less subsidies on production in the respective economic structure is estimated at 68.12% - 21.42% - 3.1% - 7.36%. GRDP per capita is estimated at 153.6 million VND/year.

Overview of the meeting

Industrial production, although facing many difficulties, still achieved a good growth rate compared to neighboring provinces and cities. The index of industrial production (IIP) is estimated to increase by 4.5% compared to 2020. Total retail sales of consumer goods and services is estimated to increase by 3.4%; export turnover is estimated to increase by 13.5%; Import turnover is estimated at 24 billion 690 million USD, up 14.7% compared to 2020.

Total investment in social development is estimated to decrease by 4.3%; total budget revenue in 2021 is estimated to reach 61,200 billion VND, in which domestic revenue is estimated at 42,700 billion VND, revenue from import and export is estimated at 18,500 billion VND; total expenditure to balance the local budget is estimated at 32,201 billion VND.

Binh Duong continues to improve the investment environment, attracting investment by many appropriate methods and ways; establish a Business Support Center to create favorable conditions for investors and enterprises. By November 15, 2021, the province has attracted 72,456 billion VND of domestic investment capital (up 8.3% compared to 2020); accumulated up to now, the province has 53,147 enterprises registered for business, with a total registered capital of 515,000 billion VND. Attracting foreign direct investment reached 2 billion 069 million USD (exceeding 14.9% of the year plan); accumulated up to now, the province has 4,011 valid foreign-invested projects with a total registered capital of 37 billion USD.

At the same time, security, social welfare and other social fields are guaranteed, people's lives are stabilized. Creating jobs for 17,697 workers; the rate of trained workers is estimated at 80.5%. The rate of poor households according to the multidimensional approach poverty line is less than 1%. The average housing area per capita is estimated at 30.3m2/person.

Summarizing the 2020-2021 school year, the quality of teaching and learning at all levels is higher than that of the previous school year; the rate of public schools meeting national standards is estimated at 79.08%. Activities on culture, information, physical training and sports, etc. have made many progress, the quality has been improved; administrative reform, settlement of complaints and denunciations and the fight against corruption are focused; national defense, security, social order and safety are maintained.

In particular, in the Covid-19 prevention and control, Binh Duong implements the motto that communes, wards and towns are "fortresses", the people are "soldiers", the center, the subject of pandemic prevention and control; promptly brings health and social security services to the people and closest to the people. Implementing options, plans and scenarios for pandemic prevention and control at many levels; mobilizing the entire political system and the people to actively participate in pandemic prevention and control, deploying vaccination for the entire population towards community immunity, receiving donations with a total amount of over 642 billion VND; there are 60 delegations with 3,406 medical staff, doctors and volunteers supporting the province for pandemic prevention and control. Up to now, the pandemic has been basically controlled, the number of new cases, the number of collection and treatment has decreased sharply and the number of hospital discharges has increased, localities have announced the pandemic level according to Resolution no. 128/NQ-CP of the Government and started restarting socio-economic activities in the new normal from October 01, 2021.

In 2022, striving to increase GRDP by 8-8.3%

Although many positive results have been achieved, the socio-economic situation of Binh Duong province in 2021 also reveals some shortcomings and limitations. Economic growth and development of industries and fields, especially the industrial and service sectors, faces many barriers and difficulties, achieving a lower growth rate compared to 2020, the economic structure changes slowly. Enterprises lack raw materials, increase costs, reduce orders, so they have to downsize or temporarily suspend operation. The number of enterprises temporarily suspending operation or waiting for dissolution increases and remains quite high. Total social investment decreases, implementation and disbursement of public investment is low compared to the plan; the planning, compensation and site clearance is still behind schedule and has not been effectively overcome. Workers who lost their jobs and spontaneously moved back to their hometowns cause an imbalance of supply and demand in the short term when socio-economic activities enters the recovery phase. The grassroots health system, preventive medicine as well as treatment capacity is revealed to be limited, medical personnel have to face many pressures and challenges in treating infections; a part of the people are still subjective and neglectful in the pandemic prevention and control.

Forecasting the world and regional situation, the Covid-19 pandemic is still complicated, opportunities and advantages are intertwined with difficulties and challenges, the Provincial People's Committee identifies specific tasks to promote economic restructuring associated with innovating the growth model, improving productivity, quality and efficiency; manage state budget revenue and expenditure; improve the business environment, promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and effectively participate in industry clusters, regional and global value chains; build synchronous infrastructure and urban development, etc. Striving for 2022, GRDP will increase by 8-8.3% compared to 2021.

Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Vo Van Minh speaks to conclude the meeting

Concluding the meeting, Mr. Vo Van Minh highly appreciated the results that the province has achieved in 2021, the province has overcome the biggest difficulties and has controlled the pandemic, the post-pandemic economy is recovering quickly. Regarding the direction of the coming time, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee asked all levels, branches and localities to pay more attention to pandemic prevention and control, not to be subjective. Improving grassroots medical capacity in management and treatment of F0. Focusing on removing difficulties for people and enterprises, speeding up public investment and social investment. Carrying out site clearance for projects to speed up disbursement, public investment projects, especially key traffic works; assigning the provincial Department of Planning and Investment to review administrative procedures on public investment to advise on reducing a number of procedures; finding solutions to welcome workers back to the province to work. Regarding reopening schools, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee asked to do it safely, ensuring that students return to school once they have been vaccinated. The provincial Department of Education and Training studies a plan to reopen the operation of foreign language centers, especially preschools, and childcare facilities to create conditions for workers to send their children. The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee stressed to promote administrative reform in branches and localities, continuing to increase the number of public administrative procedures at level 3 and 4. In addition, improving the quality of land use planning and plans, focusing on planning the land fund for construction of public items and works. Promoting the transition on economic structure, relocating industrial projects to the North of the province to promote the development of services and trade in the Southern region. The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee proposed the branches and localities to actively advise plans and solutions to implement, contributing to accomplishing the goals and tasks set out by the Resolution of the Provincial Party Congress.

Reported by Phuong Chi - Yen Nhi - Translated by Nguyen Trang

​Binh Duong Provincial Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has just issued a Plan to organize a memorial ceremony for compatriots, officers and soldiers who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Accordingly, the memorial ceremony in Binh Duong province will be held concurrently with the memorial ceremony organized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Ho Chi Minh City.

The memorial ceremony will be held at 20:00, November 19, 2021 at the Provincial Exhibition and Convention Center. Binh Duong Television & Radio Station will broadcast the Memorial Ceremony program right after the end of the live broadcast of the Memorial Ceremony organized by the Central Government. The memorial rites performed at the ceremony include: Ceremony of silence, incense burning, candle lighting, flower offering. At the same time, at Hoi An Pagoda (Hoa Phu ward, Thu Dau Mot city) it will hold a praying ceremony and light 2,600 memorial candles; at St. Joseph's Church (Phu My Ward, Thu Dau Mot City) it will hold a ceremony to pray and ring the memorial bell; pagodas, churches, and worship facilities of religions in the province respond to organize memorial activities with traditional rituals of each religion; families across the province will turn off the lights, burn incense, and light candles in memory.

Localities in the province will suspend cultural, artistic, entertainment and recreational activities during the Memorial Ceremony; change the advertising content on the electronic board system at the highways and roads in the province to the content of the Memorial Ceremony, from 19:00 to 21:00 on November 19, 2021; text the message of the Memorial Ceremony through mobile subscribers of the entire province. In the districts, towns and cities directly under the province (where many people have died from the Covid-19 pandemic), it can choose the appropriate form to respond to the Memorial Ceremony; visit and encourage relatives of those who have died from Covid-19, etc.

Reported by Do Thanh - Translated by Nguyen Trang

​During the day, the province recorded 601 cases through RT-PCR testing and had full epidemiological information, 06 cases reduced compared to November 16, 2021; collecting 359 patients; 12 patients died.

Since the 4^th pandemic wave, Binh Duong province has recorded 245,321 cases of Covid-19 (through RT-PCR test); 2,575 deaths.

Treatment facilities throughout the province are treating 2,819 patients (1st floor: 2,012 patients, 2nd floor: 442 patients and 3rd floor: 365 patients). Number of critically ill patients requiring oxygen: 234 patients.

Number of Covid-19 cases through RT-PCR test on November 17, 2021

Cumulatively, the province has vaccinated 4,168,117 doses/4,601,390 doses of the distributed Covid-19 vaccine (2,410,766 1st doses and 1,757,351 2nd doses); 117,316 doses were administered to subjects aged 12-17 years (of which 80,880 doses were given to subjects 15-17 years old and 36,436 doses were given to subjects 12-14 years old).

The province has established 153 mobile medical stations, including 31 mobile medical stations in industrial parks and clusters (with 128 doctors).

On November 17, 2021, support was given to 5,126 cases, with an amount of VND 13.634 billion. Accumulated to date, support has been spent for 3,959,557 people, with an amount of VND 2,988,420 billion.

Citizens access the link https://thongtincovid.binhduong.gov.vn/ to see the epidemic level from district to commune level in the province.

Reported by Yen Nhi - Translated by Nguyen Trang

​At the meeting, Mr. Kang Myongil thanked Binh Duong province for the warm welcome to the delegation. Sharing with the difficulties that Binh Duong has faced before the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic over the past time, he hoped that the government and people in the province would continue to unite to overcome difficulties and quickly recover the socio-economic situation.

Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Vo Van Minh receives Mr. Kang Myongil - Consul General of Korea

On behalf of the Korean Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City and the Korean enterprise community in Binh Duong, he thanked the province for caring and supporting enterprises to overcome the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and giving priority to vaccinating experts and workers so as not to disrupt the production chain. At the same time, he hoped that the provincial government would continue to consider and support Korean enterprises investing in Binh Duong with some problems of labor resources to reactivate production, reform administrative procedures, strengthen housing projects for workers, facilitate entry for Korean experts and connect technology transfer.

​​

Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Vo Van Minh presents a souvenir to Mr. Kang Myongil

Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Vo Van Minh thanked Mr. Kang Myongil for visiting Binh Duong. Binh Duong province appreciated the timely help from the Korean Government, localities and enterprises to join hands to fight the Covid-19 pandemic through aid in cash, goods, vaccines, etc. Currently, there are 763 Korean enterprises operating in the province, with a total investment capital of about 3.3 billion USD and ranked 4^th in the total number of countries and territories investing in Binh Duong, said Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee. At the same time, he also answered the issues of concern to the delegation. Before the good sentiments of the past, he wished that Vietnam and Korea in general, Binh Duong and the localities of Korea in particular would continue to expand exchanges and cooperation in terms of economy, culture, especially on the occasion of the 30^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and Korean enterprises continue to have a long association with Binh Duong.

Reported by Doan Trang - Translated by Nguyen Trang

​Accompanying was Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh and leaders of Departments and Agencies under the Ministry of Construction.

Receiving and working with the Delegation were Mr. Nguyen Van Loi - Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of Provincial Delegation of the National Assembly deputies; Mr. Vo Van Minh - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and leaders of departments, committees and branches.

More than 1.7 million m² of social housing floor

Surveying 03 social housing areas in Binh Duong province, including: Phu Hoa housing area in Phu Hoa ward, Hiep Thanh III social apartment building in Hiep Thanh ward, Thu Dau Mot city (Investor by Biconsi Company) and Becamex Dinh Hoa Social Housing Area in Dinh Hoa Ward, Thu Dau Mot City (Investor by Becamex IDC Corporation), Minister Nguyen Thanh Nghi highly appreciated Binh Duong's social housing model and emphasized that promoting social housing, especially housing for workers in industrial parks, is one of the major policies, always concerned by the State leaders. Currently, the demand for housing in these cases is very large, but the number of housing projects to meet is too few. This survey is to evaluate the effectiveness of social housing projects that have been put into use, so that in the coming time, leaders of the Ministry of Construction will research, consider, allocate budget capital or call for socialization to invest in other social housing projects, continue to strongly implement solutions and social security policies to support workers to stay in production and stabilize their lives.

The delegation of the Ministry of Construction surveys Becamex Dinh Hoa Social Housing Area

​

Minister Nguyen Thanh Nghi highly appreciates the social housing model of Binh Duong province

As reported by Binh Duong Provincial People's Committee, the floor area of housing construction in the entire province by 2021 reaches about 77.1 million m2, the average housing area reaches 30.3 m2/person (in which urban area 31.5 m2/person, rural area 24.5 m2/person). Housing development has basically met the needs of the province's population growth.

With the particularity of the province's industrial development, Binh Duong focuses on developing social housing projects to serve the needs of workers. From 2011 to 2020, the total m² of social housing reached more than 1.7 million m². In which, in the 2011-2015 period, the entire province had 23 social housing projects completed and put into use, with a total floor area of 431,488 m², meeting the needs of 37,500 people. In addition, the entire province has about 3.0 million m² of boarding house floor space for rent, equivalent to about 182,289 apartments, meeting 543,777 people.

In the 2016-2020 period, 17 projects and 01 social housing project were invested with 1.33 million m² of floor space. The Becamex social security housing apartment model on the basis of a clean land fund that has been invested and put into use with a preferential selling price in line with the income of workers, combined with other forms of home loan with the price from 100 million to 200 million VND/01 apartment (30m²), has attracted thousands of workers and low-income people, partly meeting the labor needs of enterprises investing in industrial parks. In addition, the province currently has 602,466 rooms of boarding houses for rent, contributing to solving the housing needs for nearly 1.5 million workers.

​

Social housing contributes to meeting the needs of "having a stable life" for workers

Estimated to build 1 million more social housing units

At the meeting, Binh Duong province proposed to the Ministry of Construction a number of contents related to urban planning and development, technical infrastructure and housing development, etc. Mr. Vo Hoang Ngan - Director of the Department of Construction said that the 4^th wave of Covid-19 pandemic broke out strongly in Binh Duong province, in which crowded places of workers in boarding houses interspersed in residential areas are the cause of pandemic spread very quickly and difficult to control. In order to create better living conditions for workers, in the coming years Binh Duong plans to build 1 million more social housing units. The province proposed the Government and the Ministry of Construction to consider and create favorable conditions for the province to implement this plan. In addition, providing specific instructions on the process of implementing investment projects in housing areas, urban areas, selecting investors in social housing construction projects, etc.

​

Overview of the meeting

In the 2021-2025 period, Binh Duong will submit to the Ministry of Construction for appraisal and submit to the Prime Minister to recognize the urban areas: Thuan An, Di An, Ben Cat and Tan Uyen meeting the criteria of grade II urban areas; promulgate the Program on synchronous development of the urban system in association with the construction of Binh Duong Smart City to implement the Resolution of the Provincial Party Congress for the 2020-2025 tenure. In particular, continuing to develop housing to serve the needs of housing for workers, employees, and low-income people.

The members exchanged and answered some of the province's recommendations. At the same time, it is suggested that the province review the actual housing needs and orient the housing development in the 2021-2025 period accordingly.

Minister Nguyen Thanh Nghi speaks at the meeting

Speaking at the conference, the Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi highly appreciated the outstanding development of Binh Duong province, in which the indicators of the Construction branch were higher than the national average. Binh Duong is the leading province and continues to be the bright spot of the country in housing development for workers. The Minister proposed the province to develop programs and plans to create a basis for investment in development of housing in general and social housing in particular; reform and simplify administrative procedures to encourage enterprises to develop housing for workers. At the same time, strengthening urban management, focusing on the quality of infrastructure and living conditions of the people; promoting smart city development.

Reported by Phuong Chi-Translated by Nguyen Trang

​​Attending were Mr. Nguyen Van Loc - Member of Provincial Standing Party Committee, Head of Commission for Mass Mobilization of Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front; Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha - Member of Provincial Standing Party Committee, Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee, Chairman of the Sponsoring Council of Binh Duong provincial Fund for Children; Mr. Pham Trong Nhan - Deputy Head of the Provincial Delegation of National Assembly Deputies; leaders of provincial departments, committees and branches.

At the ceremony, the Sponsoring Council of Binh Duong provincial Fund for Children presented 759 gifts, 654 scholarships, 47 bicycles and 08 computers to disadvantaged children who have overcome difficulties to study well for many consecutive years; at the same time, announced a long-term sponsorship plan for 105 orphans whose parents died from the Covid-19 pandemic with a total budget of nearly 3 billion VND.

Awarding scholarships to disadvantaged students overcoming difficulties to study well

Awarding bicycles to disadvantaged students overcoming difficulties to study well

Awarding computers to students

Mr. Nguyen Van Loc - Member of Provincial Standing Party Committee, Head of Commission for Mass Mobilization of Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front awards gifts to disadvantaged children

Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha - Member of Provincial Standing Party Committee, Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee, Chairman of the Sponsoring Council of Binh Duong provincial Fund for Children awards gifts to disadvantaged children

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee praised the students for their efforts and progress in learning in the 2020-2021 school year, especially students with difficult circumstances but always strive to rise up, become good children, good students. The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee also said that as of November 2021, Binh Duong has about 290 orphans with extremely difficult circumstances due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With the nation's tradition of mutual love and affection, the provincial leader called for the cooperation of the social community to provide long-term support for children in difficult circumstances who have lost loved ones due to the Covid-19 pandemic so that their studies will not be interrupted, alleviating some of the difficulties and losses for their families.​

Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha - Member of Provincial Standing Party Committee, Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee, Chairman of the Sponsoring Council of Binh Duong provincial Fund for Children speaks at the ceremony

Also at the ceremony, units and organizations supported the program with an amount of 10.5 billion VND.

Units and organizations supporting the program

Provincial leaders are grateful to units and organizations supporting the program

​

Provincial leaders take souvenir photos with units and organizations supporting the program

Reported by Mai Xuan - Translated by Nguyen Trang

​During the day, the province recorded 616 cases through RT-PCR testing and had full epidemiological information, 05 cases reduced compared to November 14, 2021; collecting 927 patients; 09 patients died.

Number of Covid-19 cases through RT-PCR test on November 15, 2021

Since the 4^th pandemic wave, Binh Duong province has recorded 244,113 cases of Covid-19 (through RT-PCR test); 2,556 deaths.

The entire province has 484 lockdown areas, including: Thuan An: 247; Phu Giao: 03; Ben Cat: 211; Thu Dau Mot: 23, with 18,903 people in the lockdown areas.

Cumulatively, the province has vaccinated 4,166,568 doses/4,601,390 doses of the distributed Covid-19 vaccine (2,410,580 1st doses and 1,755,988 2nd doses); 117,115 doses were administered to subjects aged 12-17 years (of which 80,880 doses were given to subjects 15-17 years old and 36,235 doses were given to subjects 12-14 years old).

The province has established 153 mobile medical stations, including 31 mobile medical stations in industrial parks and clusters (with 128 doctors).

On November 15, 2021, support was given to 9,316 cases, with an amount of VND 28,345 billion. Accumulated up to now, support has been spent for 3,941,117 people, with the amount of 2,924,916 billion VND.

Citizens access the link https://thongtincovid.binhduong.gov.vn/ to see the epidemic level from district to commune level in the province.

Reported by Mai Xuan - Translated by Nguyen Trang​