​Rank 3^rd in the country in terms of FDI attraction

After being re-established in 1997, the leaders of Binh Duong province through the periods always aware and act in a consistent view that to develop, it is necessary to promote industrialization associated with the effective exploitation of local potentials and advantages, particularly the focus is to stimulate key factors to meet the requirements for the development of geographical position, resources and human resources. In particular, the Party Committee and the authorities of Binh Duong province proactively proposed breakthrough solutions to attract investment, creating resources for development. With the maintenance and effective implementation of the policy of "spreading the flower to call for investors" and "spreading the red carpet to call for talents" has contributed to clearing the deadlock; creating a clear and favorable mechanism to catch investment wave of domestic and foreign enterprises coming to Binh Duong province. Initial achievements in attracting investment, forming and developing concentrated industrial zones, attracting labor resources from provinces and cities nationwide; focus on building infrastructure, gradually building cultural - social institutions etc. have formed important foundations, both economic and political, as a driving force for later development of Binh Duong province.

Up to now, Binh Duong has attracted 3,732 FDI projects from 64 countries and territories with a total registered capital of more than USD $35 billion, becoming the 3^rd place in the country to attract FDI. In particular, Japan is considered as a "strict" foreign investor, becoming the largest investor in Binh Duong, with 304 projects and a total registered capital of USD $5 billion 650 million, accounting for 16.2% of total FDI in Binh Duong.

Binh Duong ranks 3^rd in the country in terms of FDI attraction

Mr. Atsushi Kitabayashi - General Director of Omron Vietnam Co., Ltd assessed: "Binh Duong has a very good investment environment; the provincial authorities always pay attention to accompany Japanese enterprises in the development process. In our capacity, we will call Japanese investors to seek opportunities and invest in Binh Duong".

Sharing the results, Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Chairman of the PPC affirmed the determination of domestic and foreign enterprises have made an important contribution to the province's industrial production sector, achieving fundamental changes; ensure the province's economic structure is shifted in the right direction with industry and services playing a leading role. Businesses and investors have strongly promoted the process of industrialization and modernization in Binh Duong through the transfer and renewal of production technologies towards becoming more modern. Besides, domestic and foreign investment capital has brought tremendous resources, creating a premise for Binh Duong province to develop in a civilized and modern direction; People's lives have been improved; as a basis for implementing specific solutions on industrial development associated with building smart cities.

Promote the "hidden" strengths to meet the industry trend 4.0

Binh Duong Province always appreciates the contribution of businesses to the provincial socio-economic development over the past time. In the coming time, the province will continue to focus on enhancing the investment environment, improving competitiveness and boosting support for the development of investment enterprises in the province generally; especially the community of foreign-invested enterprises particularly. The province will concentrate resources to complete the socio-economic infrastructure system such as: Transportation, water supply, electricity, environmental treatment, etc. carried out the planning to expand industrial parks, creating a clean land fund to attract investment. Training human resources and building social houses, houses for workers to provide sufficient and timely labor for businesses to invest in the province.

Mr. Tran Ba Luan - Director of Binh Duong Transportation Department said, to meet development requirements, the province has planned to invest more roads: National highways; ring road; overpass; roads and bridges connecting provinces like Dong Nai and Tay Ninh etc. Many projects have planned to arrange investment capital; some projects are in the phase of site clearance. The transport sector continues to advise the province to invest in upgrading intra-provincial and urban transport works, especially the important external transport works of the province connecting with national transport hubs and localities in the Southern key economic zone.

Besides, the province has a long-term orientation of developing waterways and railways. Binh Duong has invited businesses to invest in ports on the Saigon, Dong Nai rivers and upgrade the scale of existing ports. In addition, the province also focuses on attracting investment in roads connecting national highways and provincial roads to ports.

Currently, Binh Duong is deploying new industrial parks according to the approved planning, in which, the project of Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) III with an area of 1,000 hectares was researched and designed in the direction of smart industrial park in terms of infrastructure, energy sources and high-tech applications in production.

Mr. Huynh Quang Hai - Standing Board of Directors and Deputy General Director of VSIP said, in the new phase, VSIP's industrial parks (IPs) are being researched and designed according to a smarter model of infrastructure, including more stable energy sources. "We are working with partners from Singapore and Japan to apply technology on operation, management, electricity supply, waste water treatment, clean water supply to waste collection. All above processes are implemented which will bring efficiency and cost savings for businesses. At the same time cooperate with companies, partners in logistics, supply chain to help businesses save time and costs when transporting goods "- Mr. Hai shared.

Besides, grasping the new development trend, Binh Duong has made a breakthrough in building a smart city aiming at improving the added value of the economy, shifting to high quality services towards knowledge economy and digital economy. Focus on developing human resources for knowledge, applied science and technology (S&T) and start-up, connecting logistics infrastructure, ICT, synchronized databases, innovative ecosystems with the foundation of close cooperation between the state, entrepreneurs and institutes/ schools; at the same time, investing in the social sector makes economic leverage. At the same time, Binh Duong is investing in the construction of a Science and Technology Industrial Park to attract businesses, corporations and start-up businesses with a high added value to invest.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Vu - Deputy General Director of Becamex IDC said that Becamex IDC was assigned by the PPC to research and build the Science and Technology Industrial Park (S&T IP). The orientation for developing the operational model of the project is to build an innovative playground platform, in which, this IP will play a role in building a nuclear foundation to create innovation based on regional knowledge and support innovative ecosystems. IP also supports foreign companies to promote the development of high-tech industries in the region; at the same time establishes a support system to nurture technology companies and attract foreign technology companies.

Orientations for spatial planning of S&T IP include universities and institutes (training centers to attract high-tech human resources, research and technology transfer); IP (attracting corporations, especially small and medium enterprises, start-ups in key manufacturing industries with high added value); urban service area (creating an ideal living environment for experts, engineers, scientists etc.); cultural and community sports area (creating spiritual and physical cultural institutions for active and modern lifestyles); business park area (providing office space, facilities for researching laboratories, designing, manufacturing prototype products etc. for technology enterprises).

Practice has shown, the correct policy of the Party and State on international economic integration has created a breakthrough in attracting investment, forming an important premise for the country generally and Binh Duong province particularly to affirm its position and increasingly deeply connected with the world. However, in order to develop sustainably and improve the lives of people in all aspects; it requires all levels, sectors and the whole society to take "strategic" steps in the current period. That breakthrough "strategy" is always requires the reciprocal and harmonious relationship between industrial development and smart urban construction; to ensure a safe and happy life with a truly convenient, civilized and modern living environment for future generations. ​

​According to experts, the global economic outlook for 2020 is uncertain given the breaking of some global supply chain across Asia. In the context of the ongoing trade war between the world's two leading economies, the United States and China, the speakers said that the strong movement of capital from investors will accelerate into countries in Asia, including Vietnam. This brings many opportunities as well as challenges for domestic investors to supply raw materials and human resources. In the fluctuation context of global economic, Vietnam still maintains strong growth.

Analyzing the period of fluctuations and difficulties of the global economy, the speakers and researchers also pointed out many effects and impacts on the economy. In particular, the most noticeable trend is that the manufacturing enterprises have moved to other countries, leading to qualified human resources. Especially, moving to Asia and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. It is an opportunity for the development of Asia generally and Vietnam particularly. Besides, it also leads to many issues of inflation, social security settlement and requires innovative innovation models, leveraging and investing in infrastructure to motivate the market.

International guests participating in the Plenary session

Discussed at the Session, the speakers said that China is actively developing its Belt and Road Initiative – a beltway of roads and rail connecting development hubs. It has the potential to aid half the world's population and stimulate a quarter of its GDP. This is an initiative that brings many benefits not only for China but also for other countries in the region. However, to accomplish this, it is necessary to mobilize sufficient resources; linkage and cooperation among countries together.

The Vietnam Government needs to have good policies, create interest for investors, in which, with a team of young and talented human resources, engineers, investors are more interested to boldly invest in Vietnam.

Mr. Don Lam - CEO and co-founder of VinaCapital shared that Vietnam has participated and signed most important trade agreements in the region and the world and always supports free trade. In response to the shift of investors into Vietnam, domestic enterprises believe, in order to keep good personnel, it is necessary to be proactive in responding to labor requirements, especially related policies and benefits.​

​Being one of smart city events of the province, the Horasis Asia Meeting 2019 – an important international economic event co-hosted by Binh Duong People's Committee and Horasis took place from November 24 - 26, 2019 in Binh Duong New City with over 1.000 participants. Especially, Horasis Asia Meeting 2019 in Binh Duong had honor to welcome Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue, Member of Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister of Viet Nam Socialist Republic, representatives of Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Planning and Investment, Informations and Communications, leaders of provinces and cities including Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh cities, Binh Thuan, Binh Dinh, Long An, Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc provinces; 400 international guests from the Governments, ministries and branches; CEOs, General Directors of leading Corporations, Groups, key businesses, prestigious scientists from 60 countries and territories around the world together with 600 delegates from the Vietnamese Central Government, provinces, cities, Binh Duong province and leading local and national businesses.

Horasis 2019 included 4 Horasis plenary sessions and dialogue sessions with practical topics related to key issues in the current globalization era such as: New trends in economic and trade development of the world and the region, achievements in science and technology. Also within the forum's framework, delegates had the opportunity to attend the 15th Asia International Science Conference on Urbanization, launch various provincial science - technological projects especially launching ceremony of World Trade Center Binh Duong New City in the new urban area of Binh Duong province.

Horasis Asia Meeting 2019 discussed the economically fastest-growing continent, the world's new growth engine as well as the Asian forms' rise to global eminence, the Asia's role in shaping the new economic world; the smart city policies, issues related to anti-pollution goals, sustainable development, brands development across Asia, Asian start-ups nation building; challenges of the Industrial Revolution ​4.0, digitalization, robotization, global artificial Intelligence development, etc.

During two days, Horasis completed its mission to connect participants from countries and territories in the world, further promote the economic relations and provide business opportunities for businesses attending the events. At the event, Becamex IDC. Corporation (Binh Duong province) has signed the MOU with National University of Singapore on expanding BLOCK 71 aiming to cultivate a vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship development in Viet Nam. At the same time, Becamex IDC Corporation also has signed the MOU with Institue of Applied Mechanics and Infomatics, Viet Nam Academy Science and Technology on building the scientific Research Center.

Horasis Asia Meeting 2019 is a great opportunity for foreign politicians and entrepreneurs to explore and understand the country and people of Viet Nam generally and the business investment environment of Binh Duong province particularly; especially, investors will have more options for an attractive and reliable destination – Binh Duong province - the potential locality with many opportunities for prosperous and sustainable development.​

​In the dialogue about investment opportunities in Binh Duong on the morning of November 25, Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Member of the Provincial Standing Committee, Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC chaired the Dialogue. Attending were Mr. Thomas McClelland – Chairman of Tax Sector Committee of Eurocham; representatives of leaders of domestic and foreign corporations and enterprises; leaders of provincial departments. On the afternoon of the same day, the Dialogue on Investment Opportunities in Binh Duong was chaired by Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the PPC.

Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Chairman of the PPC and Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC chair the Dialogue

Binh Duong – "golden land" for investors

Introducing the potential to investors, the leader of the provincial People's Committee (PPC) said that Vietnam is a country with stable political security and social order and safety. This is an important premise for foreign businesses to be assured of investing and operating business in the long term. In addition, Vietnam has an abundant human resource, currently in the golden population with about 60% of the working age population, able to meet the diverse needs of human resources. Not only that, with a population of over 96 million people, the purchasing power of Vietnam market is increasing, promising to be a potential market for investors. Active in international integration, as a member of WTO, Vietnam has so far signed and is negotiating 16 bilateral and multilateral FTA agreements. Among them, 12 FTAs have taken effect and are under implementation. This agreement is opening the door for Vietnam to connect and participate more deeply in the value chain and global production network.

Binh Duong is a province located in the Southern key economic zone - a dynamic and thriving economic region with economic growth of 1.5 times higher than the national average, accounting for 40% of export turnover, contributing 60% to the national budget, attracting more than 60% of projects and 50% of foreign investment capital into Vietnam. Binh Duong is transforming itself into a "golden land" that is always ready to spread the red carpet to welcome businesses to invest and cooperate.

Accompanying the transformation of Asia and the world, Binh Duong province has been implementing "Binh Duong Smart City 2021, vision to 2030" project, a breakthrough program for socio-economic development of the province, gradually build technical and social infrastructures, build a favorable and stable investment environment, in order to raise the development of Binh Duong Smart region to the region and the world. In particular, in 2018, Binh Duong province became an official member of the World Tecnopolis Association (WTA) and a member of the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF); Binh Duong is also the first locality of Vietnam to be honored as one of 21 cities and regions with the development strategy of the world's typical smart city (Smart21) in two consecutive years 2019 and 2020.

With modern and synchronous technical infrastructure, complete inter-regional transportation system, creating favorable conditions for industrial development and planning on building new urban areas, so far, Binh Duong province has attracted USD $35 billion of foreign investment capital from 64 countries and territories around the world.

Many preferential policies for investors

Mr. Vo Son Dien - Director of Marketing Department, Becamex IDC introduced the potentials and advantages of Binh Duong as well as investment opportunities in Binh Duong, especially, the Binh Duong Smart City Project is being implemented and will bring many practical benefits to investors. Becamex IDC is implementing many projects associated with major corporations around the world, including projects in science, technology, logistics and commercial services.

Sharing tax and tax policies for investors in Vietnam, Mr. Thomas McClelland – Chairman of Tax Sector Committee of Eurocham said that, Vietnam's advantage is having the lowest tax rates in Southeast Asia. In the near future, the Vietnamese Government will consider reducing the tax rate even lower. It can be said that the process of synchronizing taxes and reforming administrative procedures of Vietnam has greatly facilitated investors. Including tax incentives for businesses investing in the fields of: Education, health and environment; projects in the field of high technology and supporting industries; high-tech electronic components; agriculture sector; technological applications for aviation etc. and other incentive factors.

Enterprises ask questions related to the preferential policies of Vietnam generally and Binh Duong province particularly

Regarding the supply of high quality labor force to meet the needs of enterprises, according to Mr. Pham Van Tuyen - Deputy Director of Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, Binh Duong province currently has 8 universities and colleges that train human resources. Through the dialogues between the provincial leaders with domestic and foreign investors, most businesses have appreciated the human resources of Binh Duong. However, the quantity still does not meet the needs of the business. In the near future, functional departments will work directly with businesses and training schools to find solutions on how the training process is closely linked to the needs of the business.

Answering questions of businesses related to preferential policies and investment incentive industries of Binh Duong. According to Mr. Bui Minh Tri - Head of Binh Duong Industrial Zones Authority, some industries in the province are interested in attracting investment in the coming time such as auto parts, mechanics and electronic equipment. The orientation of the province is to attract industries that use less labor and cause less environmental pollution. With preferential investment policies, Binh Duong is a province that strictly complies with the Government's regulations on preferential investment policies. Specifically, projects investing in industrial zones that not located in urban areas, the common average incentives are income tax exemption for 2 years and a 50% reduction for the next 4 years, a general income tax of 20%. In addition, the general policy for export machinery, equipment or raw materials for export production. For projects with high capital of VND 6,000 billion deployed within 03 years or more, employing 3,000 laborers or the first 3 years with turnover of VND 10,000 billion, income tax rate is reduced for 4 years, exempted from 50% for the next 9 years with preferential tax rates etc. This level is similar to businesses investing in high-tech and supporting industries certified by the Ministries.

Mr. Tri also said that the strength of Binh Duong is having a favorable position located in the Southern key economic zone to build synchronous infrastructure, convenient for goods circulation. Most importantly, the province has well implemented administrative procedure reform, which is a bright spot for building a centralized public administrative center, one-stop service division. Annually, the provincial leaders organize dialogue sessions to acknowledge the opinions of investors to timely assist in solving difficulties and obstacles for enterprises. Mr. Vo Son Dien further explained that the ecosystem of innovation and start-up to attract more workers and build social housing for workers to retain workers. In the Binh Duong Smart City Scheme, the model of Triple Helix State – Enterprises - Schools/ Institutes, the link between the triple helix will solve the problem of labor resources to meet the needs of businesses.

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Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Chairman of the PPC speaks at the Dialogue Session

Confirming to investors, the provincial leaders believed that, with the strengths of technology, finance, international market network and business management skills of investors, once combined with the advantages of Binh Duong, it will bring great and practical benefits to both sides. On the provincial side, the province committed to always accompany the business, ready to create the most favorable conditions for business production activities of foreign investors.

​Welcoming the delegations were Mr. Tran Van Nam - Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation; Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC); Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC; Mr. Nguyen Van Hung – Group Executive Chairman of Becamex IDC; Mr. Huynh Quang Hai – Executive Vice Chairman of VSIP Group; Dr. Frank-Jürgen Richter - Chairman of Horasis.

Provincial leaders, Becamex IDC, VSIP Group take photo with Horasis leaders

Provincial leaders discuss with Horasis leaders

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International guests attending the Horasis 2019

Delivering the welcoming speech, Dr. Frank-Jürgen Richter expressed his pleasure to welcome delegations from many countries around the world. He was also honored to come to Binh Duong for 02 consecutive years to attend an important event. He highly appreciated the development of Vietnam generally and Binh Duong province particularly. Currently, Vietnam is a country that has a very fast growing momentum in Southeast Asia, in which Binh Duong is a locality focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation. He emphasized that Horasis - Binh Duong 2019 aims to create the most important meeting place in Asia for senior leaders of businesses and the Government. This annual event is considered the ideal forum to be discovered and promoted in many different ways, specifically, regional cooperation, impactful investments and sustainable growth. He hoped, the Forum will create close cooperation within the Asian family to stabilize the regional and global financial system through dialogue and mutual trust. He wished all guests will have a very interesting and rewarding event.

Dr. Frank-Jürgen Richter - Chairman of Horasis Forum deliver a speech to welcome delegations

On the evening of November 24, the first plenary session with the theme "Asia in transition" took place, with the goal of discussing the Asian economy, the dynamics and development of Asia, along with maintaining the diversity and cultural identity of the nation in the integration process.​

Mr. Tran Thanh Liem, Chairman of Binh Duong People's Committee and leaders of Department of Foreign Affairs; Department of Planning and Investment, Binh Duong Industrial Zones Authority, Becamex IDC. Corps attended the session.

At the program, Mr. Tran Van Nam, Secretary of Binh Duong Party Committee expressed his warm welcome to Indian ambassador to Viet Nam and hoped that Binh Duong could cooperate with Indian partners in trade, economics and technology especially in artificial intelligence and hi-tech agriculture.

Ambassador Pranay Verma expressed his impression to Binh Duong achievement and will support to strengthen the strategic partnership relationship between Viet Nam and India in general and enhance the cooperation between Binh Duong and India in specific.

In June of 2020, Binh Duong province will host the Horasis India 2020 with the participation of interternational guests. Binh Duong wishes to receive the support and cooperation of Indian embassy to Viet Nam and Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City for the great succes Horasis India 2020. And Horasis India 2020 will be the good opportunity for Binh Duong to strengthen the cooperation with Indian partners in investment, trade, culture and tourism, etc. Binh Duong

Secretary Tran Van Nam extended his congratulations to Indian ambassador for the successful term in Viet Nam, contributing to deepen the bilateral cooperation in the coming time.

​As to the attending staff, there were Mr. Tran Van Nam - Member of the Central Committee of the Party, the Provincial Committee Secretary, Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation; Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Deputy Province Committee secretary, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Dr. Frank Jurgen Richter - Chairman of the Horasis Forum; leaders of Becamex IDC Corporation, VSIP Group and leaders of departments, branches and provinces; domestic and international businesses

Provicial leaders attended the Plenary

International guests attended the Ple​nary

​At the meeting, experts from India, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam shared Asian development issues during the Fourth Industrial Revolution together; The opportunities and challenges are posed to each country when the free trade agreements are signed. At the same time, solutions are proposed to promote the entrepreneurship and innovation.

Experts had a discussion about Asian issues in transition

According to experts, the free trade agreements are bringing practical benefits to countries, contributing to economic growth of Asia. The tendency to protectioni and free-trade trends always go together with each other. The signed agreements will bring about benefits for the countries participating in the agreement. Additionally,  experts also said that the ongoing US-China tension issue will create a shift of investment, and Asia will be selected  by the US big corporations. However, the trend of digitization and integration is always on the increase, creating opportunities with which not all countries can take advantage of and share. Among the key factors, infrastructure is the key factor in the economic development, attracting investments; Besides, the quick access to technology trends also contributes to the economy development.

According to experts' assessment, the key to making Asia succeeed is to open the door to the international economic integration, necessarily strengthen the cooperation, and take advantage of all conditions to help the business environment better. In addition, it is also necessary to have the sustainable development, skills and capacity to grasp development trends; persistence, perseverance, flexibility to help countries adapt quickly to the economy market, which is an important strategy of each country.

The world is at a turning point and Asia is no exception in the general context of geopolitical and geopolitical fluctuations. How Asia can get the best out of this context to consolidate and accelerate the sustainable growth and how Asian economies and companies can take full advantage of the opportunities arising from the non-stop changes in the era of instability can also be discussed by experts at the Plenary.

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​As to the central attending, there was Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue - Member of the Politburo, Deputy Premier of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; representatives of ministries, departments and branches.

Binh Duong province's leaders welcomed Deputy ​Premier Vuong Dinh Hue

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Deputy Premier Vuong Dinh Hue took a photo with Binh Duong province's leaders

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Deputy Premier Vuong Dinh Hue and leaders of Binh Duong Province, Ministries, branches and localities attended the Opening ceremony of the Horasis Forum 2019

Deputy Premier Vuong Dinh Hue (the second from the right) offered flowers of congratulation to the Horasis Forum

 As to the delegation from Binh Duong province and other provinces and cities, there were Mr. Tran Van Nam - Member of the Central Committee of the Party, the Provincial Committee Secretary, Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation; Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Deputy Province Committee secretary, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Vice-Chairmen of People's Council, Provincial People's Committee; leaders of departments, agencies, unions of the province; representatives of businesses; leaders of other provinces and cities out of Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Da Nang, Long An, Ho Chi Minh, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai and Binh Dinh.

As for the organizers, there were Dr. Frank Jurgen Richter - Chairman of Horasis Forum; Mr. Nguyen Van Hung - Chairman of Becamex IDC Corporation; Mr. Huynh Quang Hai - Standing Vice Chairman of VSIP Group and delegates as well as domestic and international  invited guests.

Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue - Member of the Politburo and Deputy Premier spoke at the Opening ceremony  

 Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue - Member of the Politburo and Deputy Premier  generalized the socio-economic situation of Vietnam. At the same time, he highly appreciated the results of Binh Duong province achieved in socio-economic development in 2019, the dynamism of Binh Duong has contributed significantly to the development of the Southern key economic region and of the whole. country. Especially with the implementation of the Binh Duong Smart City Project. Deputy Prime Minister expected, Binh Duong will prosper in the future.

Deputy Prime Minister said that Horasis 2019 Asian Economic Cooperation Forum in Binh Duong is not only a good opportunity for Binh Duong to promote the image of the province in particular, of Vietnam in general, and to national friends. However, it is also an opportunity for businesses to learn about and choose Binh Duong - an attractive and reliable investment destination, a city worth living and developing sustainably.

Horasis 2019 is again a key event in the series of events "Smart City Binh Duong 2019" and especially the announcement of Binh Duong New World Trade Center, which just took place on 23/23 11. The Deputy Prime Minister believes that these activities continue to make new socio-economic breakthroughs in the coming time for the province.

The Deputy Prime Minister has also said that opening the door to the  international economic integration will not only bring benefits but also pose many challenges. Therefore, when Binh Duong decides to enter a big playground, it is necessary to have smart strategies, long-term thinking and put in the development orientation and connecting the appropriate Region. In a hyperlinked world, with 02 consecutive years of hosting the Asian Economic Cooperation Forum Horasis 2018 and 2019, Binh Duong is promoting extensive and deep international integration, actively constructing and affirming. Binh Duong brand name on the regional map. Deputy Premier has believed and expected the rise of Binh Duong in the near future that will contribute to the overall prosperity of the Southern key economic region and the whole country.

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Mr. Tran Thanh Liem, Chairman of People's Committee of Binh Duong province spoke at the Forum

 Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of Provincial People's Committee Tran Thanh Liem said that the Asian Economic Cooperation HorasisForum  2019 was an important event to gather international experts, executives and investors of investment and senior leaders in the business areas with their brainpower so as to find out the right solutions and development strategies suitable for a peaceful, stable and prosperous future.

With 04 plenary sessions and 35 parallel discussion sessions, the Asia Economic Cooperation Forum in Binh Duong province this time promises to bring the authorities, all levels, branches of Binh Duong province and the business community with practical opportunities to exchange and share multi-dimensional perspectives, practical experiences, new business perspectives and advanced development models, consistent with the current trend; contribute to effectively solving many problems and consequences arising from the process of industrial development.

Especially, through this Forum, Binh Duong province hopes to find out important modern solutions to redistribute the province's development resources towards the more effective and appropriate application on the reality of the province in the coming time; contributing to developing Binh Duong's economy to be increasingly dynamic and ready for the international integration; effectively serving the process of industrialization, modernization and actualization  of the development goal of Binh Duong province to become a smart city, bringing a better life for its people.

At the ceremony, Deputy Premier Vuong Dinh Hue and leaders of Binh Duong province, Horasis Forum, Becamex IDC and delegates conducted due ceremonials for the opening ceremony of the Asian Economic Cooperation Horasis Forum  - Binh Duong 2019.

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Delegates performed due ceremonials for the opening Horasis Forum 2019​

​At the meeting, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee (PPC) Tran Thanh Liem informed the delegation about socio-economic development situation of Binh Duong province over the current years. The Chairman thanked the Government and the authorities of the Federal Republic of Germany for their attention and investment in VGU; thereby, this has closely tied the relation between two countries Vietnam and Germany, contributing to training high-quality human resources, facilitating sustainable socio-economic development of Binh Duong Province.

Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Tran Thanh Liem presents souvenir to Mr. Boris Rhein - President of Hessen Federal Parliament

Responding to the Chairman of PPC, Mr. Boris Rhein emphasized the importance of VGU to the friendship relationship between Vietnam and Germany over the years, is a bridge for strong connection and educational cooperation of the two countries. Particularly for the German Government, it will actively support and accompany the development of the University in order to affirm the quality of training and its position in the Education sector. In parallel with the training of high quality human resources to meet the development needs of Binh Duong province, the University also focuses on training to improve the quality of staff working in the province. He thanked Binh Duong for its efforts and attention in the past time, creating good conditions for VGU to constantly grow and hope to receive more attention from the provincial government.

Delegates take photo

​Promote the construction of Binh Duong Smart City

Horasis Asia Meeting (Horasis) is an international investment promotion organization established in 2005 with the mission of connecting multinational corporations around the world. Horasis will bring positive values in economic development during the Industrial Revolution 4.0 period generally and Binh Duong Smart City Project particularly.

Horasis creates a platform to connect and help localities, investors and multinational corporations in the world to promote and seek opportunities and global development partners, offer solutions to today's most important corporate challenges and international strategic forecasts. Horasis was held in Binh Duong in 2018 and also on this November 24-25 the region's largest economic event continues to take place in Binh Duong for the second time.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung - Chairman of Becamex IDC said that, Horasis is an event in the series of the Binh Duong Smart City Project’s programs. Horasis leaders found that, Binh Duong has all conditions, especially infrastructures and important foundations for economic development in the new period, especially the current digital economy.

Binh Duong successfully organized Horasis 2018

Binh Duong Smart City project was approved in 2016 by the provincial People's Committee. After 03 years of implementation, the project has been achieving positive results. In particular, organizing Horasis Asia Meeting in Binh Duong is considered as an opportunity for Binh Duong to complete the project quickly.

Over the past 03 years, Binh Duong province has taken appropriate steps to implement the Smart City Project. In which, Horasis has become an important foundation for Binh Duong to study, acquire and share experiences on the trend of building smart cities in the world. Thereby, mobilizing resources from inside and outside the country to shape the smart city development model to suit with the locality. To implement the project, Binh Duong province has focused on developing industrial and intelligent services; further improving the Triple Helix cooperation model, supplement and consolidate the project organizational structure; integrating smart city related projects to create synchronization; increasing the continuous cooperation between government, businesses, schools/ institutes in all activities; coordinating to research and review the work that has been done, promote the spirit of initiative, thereby obtaining the most optimal proposal. In addition, Binh Duong has also promoted international connections and exchanges, maximized opportunities for cooperation with international networks and organizations of smart, science and technology cities in the world, especially, the organizations that Binh Duong has participated in such as: World Technopolis Association (WTA), Horasis, Intelliegent Community Forum (ICF). On the other hand, promoting propaganda, applying more diverse methods to propagate to all social sectors, especially focus on Binh Duong people, attract more active participation of the community and promote community strength in building smart cities.

In the coming time, Binh Duong assigns relevant departments and units to implement key projects, including: Developing intelligent logistics, creating motivation to attract high value-added businesses, promoting business production; developing Back-end semiconductor factory, a typical project of attracting high-tech investors to Binh Duong; focus on developing high quality human resources, especially in technology. This is an important foundation for Binh Duong province, creating a motivation for breakthroughs, a key to attract investment in the future.

The importance of Horasis to Binh Duong

Sharing with the provincial web portal, Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee said, many members of the Horasis network also want to learn more about Vietnam generally and about Binh Duong particularly, so they proposed to continue to coordinate with Binh Duong to organize 2019 events with a larger scale, more effectively. Provincial leaders also assessed the effectiveness of Horasis when successfully organizing Horasis in 2018. This is a new way to attract effective investment, create a forum to connect the government with institutes/ schools, raise Binh Duong brand in the international arena and orient the development of Binh Duong smart city.

During Horasis takes place, Binh Duong will facilitate maximum connectivity and exchange between businesses and regulators to achieve effective results. In parallel with organizing sideline events, in reception or in direct exchange, the Organizing Committee  also arranged separate working rooms for Vietnamese and foreign businesses to meet and exchange information to explore business cooperation opportunities. Specifically, Horasis in 2018, Binh Duong held working sessions between Binh Duong enterprises and foreign businesses. Typically, Becamex IDC has signed important MOU with Bangladesh and Singapore corporations. At Horasis 2019, Becamex IDC will announce the project of World Trade Center Binh Duong New City- one of the key projects of the province to promote economic development and trade services.

Binh Duong will have fireworks at 9pm on November 23, 2019 at the Provincial Exhibition and Convention Center immediately after the announcement of World Trade Center Binh Duong New City. Photo: Xuan Thi

The World Trade Center Binh Duong New City will create opportunities for Binh Duong businesses to reach more than 1 million ​global businesses to join the World Trade Center Association (WTCA). Therefore, domestic enterprises need to well prepare all potentials in business production, improve management and science, technology capabilities to connect trade and participate in global value chains as well as deeper integration in the big playing field of the WTCA.

In particular, at Horasis 2019, the Organizing Committee will continue to organize 02 "Investment opportunities in Binh Duong province" sessions chaired by the leaders of the Provincial People's Committee to introduce potentials and opportunities for investment cooperation to foreign businesses participating in the event. It is expected that these two sessions will have hundreds of foreign enterprises participating, exploring and seizing investment cooperation opportunities of Vietnam generally and Binh Duong province particularly.

Dr. Frank-Jürgen Richter – Chairman of Horasis said, Horasis has a mission to connect multinational corporation investors in the world to create a connection platform, seeking opportunities for global development cooperation. Every year, Horasis holds meetings to promote the most important challenges and solutions for multinational corporations; therefore, any interactive exchanges with the delegation attending Horasis will benefit the parties. Specifically, Horasis 2018, at the dialogue sessions, delegates came up with the most effective solutions for economic development, in addition, companies reached agreements as expected.

It can be said that, with hundreds of domestic and foreign corporations attending the Horasis, this is an opportunity for domestic businesses to market to the world's leading corporations, thereby promoting the brand and image of Binh Duong with businesses around the world to promote investment attraction. At the same time, it is an opportunity for Binh Duong to enlist the support of localities and international experts in the construction of Binh Duong Smart City.

​Attending were Mr. Srikar Reddy - Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Nguyen Van Loc - Member of the provincial Party Standing Committee, Head of the Provincial Commission for Mass Mobilization, Chairman of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee; Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh - Vice Chairwoman of Provincial People's Council; Mr. Dang Minh Hung - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Mrs. Tran Thi Kim Van - President of Union of Friendship Organizations of Binh Duong province; Mr. Ha Minh Hue – Central Standing Vice Chairman of  Vietnam - India Friendship Association.

Mr. Dang Minh Hung - Vice Chairman of provincial People's Committee presents flower of Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee congratulating the Congress

The congress announced the Decision to establish the Vietnam - India Friendship Association in Binh Duong province; passed through the draft Statute and program activities of the Association; at the same time discussing the contents of the Congress. On September 24, 2019, the provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 2750/ QD-UBND allowing the establishment of the Vietnam - India Friendship Association in Binh Duong province. Accordingly, the Association is a social organization founded on a voluntary basis to create exchanges and enhance the understanding between the peoples of Vietnam and India, strengthen and develop the friendship between the two countries generally and between Binh Duong province and localities of India particularly.

After a period of campaigning to establish the Association, up to now, Vietnam - India Friendship Association in Binh Dung province has 111 members.

The congress highly agreed on the Association's 2019-2024 term programs. Whereby, the Association will focus on informing people of all classes in the province to learn about the history, country, people, culture and achievements in building the country of the people of India, At the same time, strengthen the propaganda and promotion about Vietnam generally and Binh Duong particularly with Indian people. Organize exchanges, friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the people of the two countries to create opportunities to learn and introduce the country, people and outstanding culture of Vietnam and India such as: Horasis - India, Vietnam - India People's Friendship Festival, World Yoga Day etc.

The Executive Committee of the term 2019-2024

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The provincial leaders and delegates take photos with the Executive Board of Vietnam - India Friendship Association in Binh Duong province

The Congress elected the Executive Committee for the term 2019-2024, consisting of 17 people; Ms. Vu Thi Van Huong was elected to be the Chairman of the Association.

Mr. Dang Minh Hung - Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee speaks at the Congress

Speaking at the Congress, Mr. Dang Minh Hung - Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee suggested, right after the Congress, the Association quickly deployed and put into operation on the basis of adhering to the principles and objectives, actively contribute to strengthening and developing the friendship, cooperation and exchanges between Binh Duong province and the localities of India. At the same time, departments, agencies, political, economic and social organizations enhance support and cooperation with the Association in activities to enhance the relationship of peace, solidarity and friendship between the people of Vietnam and India.

Thus, up to now, Binh Duong Union of Friendship Organizations has established 07 member associations, including: Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Binh Duong province; Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association of Binh Duong province; Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province; Vietnam - Korea Friendship Association in Binh Duong province; Vietnam - China Friendship Association in Binh Duong province; Vietnam - Japan Friendship Association in Binh Duong province and Vietnam - India Friendship Association in Binh Duong province.​

​Through the agreement, COEX and Becamex IDC Corporation share the secret of managing and operating the Convention and Exhibition Center as a strategic and development partner ​to organize world-class conferences and exhibitions at the World Trade Center Binh Duong New City (WTC BDNC), built and developed by Becamex IDC Corporation.

Becamex IDC Corporation and COEX desire to create an international trade service platform as well as develop a highly skilled workforce in the field of international trade and exhibition services in the future in the Southern key economic zone, Viet Nam. According to COEX, Vietnam is a promising market for Korean businesses, especially more than 750 Korean enterprises are investing and developing factories in the system of industrial parks of Binh Duong province.

Becamex IDC Corporation develops WTC BDNC with the desire to establish and develop the World Trade Center in Binh Duong New City with the goal of connecting and supporting local businesses to develop international trade, turning Binh Duong into a dynamic area with diversified professional services and developing human resources which have global commercial activity capabilities and increasing attractiveness for real estate projects in the region. Becamex IDC Corporation has researched and submitted the project to the People's Committee of Binh Duong Province to develop this complex in order to increase the proportion of services in Binh Duong Province, associated with 5 key themes in the province's Breakthrough Program: improving the quality of human resources, planning modern civilized urban, developing high-level professional services, mobilizing domestic and foreign resources for development as well as the desire to raise the international brand of Binh Duong in the 2016-2020 period. Moreover, this project is also included in the overall development of Binh Duong Smart City.

WTC BDNC will be announced by Binh Duong Provincial People's Committee and Becamex IDC Corporation on November 23, 2019. This program is part of the Horasis Asia Meeting 2019, which will take place from November 24, 2019 to November 26, 2019 at Binh Duong Convention and Exhibition Center.

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​Accordingly, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam agreed to allow Binh Duong People's Committee to organize low-level fireworks within 15 minutes on the evening of November 23, 2019 at the provincial Convention and Exhibition Center, right next to the Administration Center of Binh Duong Province (Hoa Phu ward, Thu Dau Mot City).

November 23, 2019 is the beginning of a series of Smart City events organized by Binh Duong from November 24 to November 26, 2019, including: Horasis Asia Meeting 2019; launching the 1022 Hotline system; announcing the World Trade Center Binh Duong New City project; launching the Center for innovation startups etc.

Horasis Asia Meeting 2019 will be held from November 24 to November 26, 2019 at Binh Duong Convention and Exhibition Center (Hoa Phu ward, Thu Dau Mot City). Horasis 2019 Binh Duong brings together more than 1,000 distinguished guests of economic groups from more than 60 countries around the world, along with guests from the Central, Ministries, branches, local leaders and senior leaders of Vietnamese businesses. The forum includes a series of dialogue sessions on regional and world economic issues, new trends in technology development etc. Following the success of the Horasis 2018 - Binh Duong, Horasis 2019 - Binh Duong Forum is organized including 04 Horasis plenary sessions, 35 Regional Dialogue focused on Asia and the sideline event is the "Horasis for all" Festival.

​Binh Duong province organized the delegation led by Mr. Tran Thanh Liem – Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, chief of the delegation to take part in the World Technopolis Association (WTA) in Daejeon Metropolitan City (Republic of Korea) from October 21^st to October 23^rd, 2019.

​Mr. Tran Thanh Liem, Chairman ​of Binh Duong P​eople's Committee (in middle) and the provincial delegation at WTA Daejeon 2019 events

This year, WTA events were hold in Daejeon Metropolitan City (Republic of Korea), comprising of 04 main events 2019 Global Innovation Forum, WTA General Assembly, the 16^th WTA Hi-tech Fair and 2019 UNESCO-WTA International Training Workshop. The series of WTA 2019 in Daejeon Metropolitan City welcomed about 1.000 delegates including government officials, scientists, lecturers, researchers and businessmen from 30 countries and territories.

 

Delegates taking group photo at the opening ceremony of WTA 2019 (Daejeon, Korea)

Global Innovation Forum (GIF) was launched in 2014 as a joint initiative of UNESCO, World Technopolis Association (WTA) and Daejeon Metropolitan City in the Republic of Korea. GIF aims to promote the culture of innovation based on the advancement of science and technology and contribute to the sustainable development of regions and nations worldwide narrowing the gap between developed and developing countries.

GIF provides interactive discussion and networking among STI policy makers, innovation players from higher education institutes, research institutes and hi-tech productive sectors and civil societies from across the globe.

The theme of 2019 GIF was "Towards a Smart City from Sustainability Context". Through various sessions, the Forum discussed the opportunity to explore diverse stories and strategies of building smart cities focusing on the implementations and expectations of smart city projects shared by WTA cities members in many parts of the world. Many issues related to smart cities were discussed in 03 days including technopolis development in the context of Smart City, policies for smart cities, impacts and outcomes for smart city projects, innovation platform for sustainable smart city in the Industry 4.0, startups from basics science, encouraging youth entrepreneurship.

Leaders of WTA cities, provinces in Korean traditional costumes in the WTA welcome dinners

Besides, the 16^th WTA Hi-Tech Fair from October 21^st to October 22^nd, 2019 introduced the newest products related sciences, technology applied for smart cities and serving for the better life

Mr. Tran Thanh Liem, Chairman of Binh Duong People's Committee visited the 16^th WTA Hi-Tech Fair 2019

Mr. Tran Thanh Liem, Chairman of Binh Duong People's Committee visited the 16^th WTA Hi-Tech Fair 2019

The 2019 UNESCO-WTA International Training Workshop, which is the 15th edition since 2005, was held under the theme of "Science & Technology Park and Smart City" to provide opportunities to discuss and learn about the direction and strategy of the sustainable science and technology park development in response to changing global environment.​

Meeting and call for Korean investment to Binh Duong province

During the business trip, Binh Duong delegation paid the working session with Korean Groups such as Lotte E&C Group, SK Group, Woori Investment Bank, HanHwa Company in order to attract more Korean investment to Binh Duong province in the area of urban residential, commercial complex, infrastructures for smart city.

Binh Duong delegation working with SK Group (Seoul, Korea)

​The Horasis Asia Meeting - Binh Duong 2019 (referred to as: Horasis - Binh Duong 2019) will be held from November 24, 2019 to November 26, 2019 at Binh Duong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Participants: Domestic guests (about 100 people) including leaders of the Government, leaders of ministries, central branches and leaders of some provinces, cities and businesses; Foreign guests (more than 400 guests from 60 countries worldwide) including ministry leaders of a number of foreign countries, localities, international organizations, multinational corporations; professors, speakers of a number of research institutes and universities around the world and local leaders (about 300 people).

The Horasis - Binh Duong 2019 is a forum organized in the form of the world economic forum with 04 plenary meetings, 35 dialogue sessions, parallel discussions and sideline event "Horasis for all" Festival.

The Steering Committee is responsible for directing, guiding and urging relevant branches and units to organize the activities of the Horasis - Binh Duong 2019 to achieve the purpose, requirements and contents of the plan.

The Organizing Committee is responsible for directing the Master Plan of Horasis - Binh Duong 2019; assigning tasks to units that formulate plans and approving detailed plans to organize activities. Head of Organizing Committee will assign specific tasks to each member and decide to establish Sub-Committees to serve the Organizing Committee.

People 's Committees of districts, towns and cities will thoroughly organize and widely propagate information to cadres, civil servants, officials, laborers and the entire people about the purpose, requirements and significance of hosting the Horasis - Binh Duong 2019; formulate plans and coordinate to organize support activities to serve the people on the occasion of organizing events; propagandize and mobilize people to actively participate in building cultural and civilized lifestyles and building new rural areas with the spirit of "respect, thoughtful and hospitality", especially businesses, resorts and tourist sites often have tourists to visit and entertain.

Plan ​