​Vu Duc Dam, member of the Central Party Committee, Deputy Prime Minister; Boris Rhein, Minister of Science and Arts of German Hassen State; Nguyen Van Phuc Deputy Minister of Training and Education Ministry; Nguyen Thien Nhan, Politburo member, Secretary of HCMC Party Committee; Tran Van Nam, Member of The Party Central Committee, Secretary of Binh Duong Party Committee, Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Binh Duong province; Tran Thanh Liem, Vice Secretary of provincial Party Committee, Chairman of Binh Duong provincial People's Committee; leaders of provincial People's Council, People's Committee and businesses, partners, lecturers, student..attended the ceremony.

Vu Duc Dam, Deputy Prime Minister had a talk with Tran van Nam, Secretary of provincial Party Committee

​

Delegates to the ceremony

VGU was founded in September 1^st 2008 aiming at becoming Viet Nam's top leading university, study and research institute that will develop to the regional and international scale. It has now the staff of 150 who is professionally trained and can master at least one foreign language (English). Many of them had followed studying and accomplished the PhD programs in Germany. VGU is now in cooperation with 9 German top leading universities to train 11 programs including 5 for university level programs and 6 for graduate level ones. Approximately, 2,200 students of VGU have followed progressive training programs of German education. 674 students have graduated and been certificated by German's partner universities. Over 95% of graduate students have been well employed.

​​​

Vu Duc Dam, member of the Central Party Committee, Deputy Prime Mi​nister addressed at the ceremony

Addressing the ceremony, Deputy prime minister Vu Duc Dam affirmed that VGU is considered the symbol of friendship and cooperation and the highlight of cooperation between Viet Nam and German's education. He emphasized the role of training and education in improving the competitiveness index of Viet Nam, especially in the background of 4.0 industry revolution while urging that VGU should continue perfect its organization and management to become the model of university that will spread out to other universities in Viet Nam. It should concentrate great sources and cooperate with potential partners to apply modern training programs internationally. The Deputy Prime Minister also mentioned the quality of lecturers, encouraged startups. "The success of VGU is not the number of graduate students who are employed but the number of projects, innovation and businesses from the startup programs of VGU itself" stressed Dam.

He added that VGU should further cooperate with modern universities, accelerating the construction for new facility. On behalf of Viet Nam's Government, he expressed his thanks to Government of Germany, Hassen State, World Bank, organizations and businesses for their kindly support and cooperation. He highly appreciated the contribution of Binh Duong and HCMC authorities and people to the development of VGU for the past 10 years.

Đại học Việt Đức và Công ty Siemens Việt Nam ký kết hợp tác đào tạo và nghiên cứu về công nghiệp 4.0.

 On this occasion, VGU handed the Devotion Awards to individuals who have made excellent contribution to the development of VGU, the Awards of Excellent Teaching and the Awards of Social Responsibility to its staff. VGU and Siemens Cooperate signed the cooperation on 4.0 study and training.

​​

Devotion Awards were offered to individuals who have made excellent contribution to the development of VGU

 ​

VGU and Siemens Cooperate signed the cooperation on 4.0 study and training

​At the reception, Ms Van revealed that Cheng Loong Cooperation has been established for 60. It is one of the world leaders in paper production. The cooperation has been working in Viet Nam or 14 years and Viet Nam becomes the potential destination for the cooperation's development. The biggest project with the initial capital of USD 289 million has been put into operation in Binh Duong. Ms. Van expressed her thanks to the support of the local authorities while promising that Cheng Loong Cooperation will maintain its business motto: royalty, prestige, environmental protection and devotion to social works. The cooperation will try to become one of the typical contributors to the development of Binh Duong.

​

Tran Thanh Liem, Deputy Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of Provincial People's Committee offered souvenirs to Trinh Thu Van, Head of Taiwanese Cheng Loong's Management Board

The Chairman of Binh Duong provincial People's Committee Tran Thanh Liem informed that Taiwan is the top leader in terms of FDI projects and capital in Binh Duong, making great contributions to the local development. Binh Duong-based Taiwanese enterprises have worked along with Viet Nam's laws. Many have expanded their business and helped to establish other new enterprises. The Chairman of provincial People's Committee highly appreciated the project of Cheng Loong in Binh Duong and affirmed that Binh Duong will support, accompany and perceive the feedback of enterprises to help them run business effectively.

​​​

Trinh Thu Van, Head of Taiwanese Cheng Loong's Management Board handed souvenirs to Tran Thanh Liem, Deputy Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of Provincial People's Committee

​

Secretary of Binh Duong Party Committee Tran Van Nam received Mr. Vilayvong Bouddakham

 At the reception, Mr. Tran Van Nam said that the contribution of Vietnam – Laos Friendship Association has boosted the relation between the two countries, Binh Duong province and other localities. He affirmed that Binh Duong has nourished its traditional friendly relation with southern provinces of Laos. Beside the projects invested by Dau Tieng Viet – Lao Rubber Company, Binh Duong has invested in ceramics and building material production in Champasak province.

 In addition to targeting at economic development, the company has actively participated in other social activities. In terms of human resources, Binh Duong has annually trained and offered scholarships to 10 students of Champasak who are studying in Binh Duong. 65 packs of scholarship have been handed in total. The province has also created favorable conditions for persons to have medical check-up and treatment. In the coming time, Binh Duong will continue to support and cooperate with localities of Laos to focus on training human resources and to accompany with the development of this country.

​

Secretary of Binh Duong Party Committee Tran Van Nam expressed at the reception
​​

Secretary of Binh Duong Party Committee Tran Van Nam offered souvenirs to Mr. Vilayvong Bouddakham

Mr. Vilayvong Bouddakham reaffirmed that the relationship between the two countries will continue to be tightened. The contribution of Vietnam – Laos Friendship Association has always been honored. He expressed his thanks to active supports of Binh Duong, especially the amount of USD 25,000 to help Attapeu province in the hydroelectricity dam break-down. The Association has always paid great attention to training the traditions and the good relationship between the two Parties, Governments and Peoples. He hoped Binh Duong will continue to help localities of Laos and learn precious experiences of Binh Duong in FDI attraction and administrative reform.

​​ 

Mr. Vilayvong Bouddakham offered souvenirs to Secretary of Binh Duong Party Committee Tran Van Nam

Delegates took photos at the reception

​ 

​According to content of MOU on Cooperation between Eastern International University and Chungbuk National University; mutual exchange of lecturers, students, experts from short- term, long- term; training cooperation and  academic research; development of extra-curricular educational activities in order to better understand the economics, culture of both countries Vietnam- Korea; collaboration in developing and improving the quality of university education.

The content of MOU on Cooperation between Becamex International Hospital and Hana General Hospital includes:  mutual exchange of medical experts; to develop the quality of medical check, treatment through the consultation and development of new medical techniques; to serve Korean Business Community in Binh Duong and whole country​.

​At the meeting, Mr. Hashimoto Yoshihiro said that currently, Sharp Group is manufacturing and trading 3 main fields: camera module, television and projection products, health and environmental products (washing machines, air conditioners ...). Sharp's products focus on high technology, improved health, environmental and energy savings. Sharp has been operating in Vietnam since 2009; Over the years, Sharp has grown steadily and has an important position in the market with the presence of distribution systems and electronics stores nationwide. On this occasion, Mr. Hashimoto Yoshihiro wants to explore investment environment in Binh Duong to build a factory producing high-tech camera module and smartphone screen with investment capital of about 2 billion US dollars. Mr. Hashimoto Yoshihiro added that, after studying the investment environment in many countries and many provinces and cities in Vietnam, he found that Binh Duong is a place where investment opportunities are favorable and appropriate. He hoped that, the province will create conditions for Sharp Group to invest in the future.​

​

Welcoming Sharp Group’s investment in Binh Duong, Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Vice Chairman of provincial People's Committee emphasized that, Binh Duong is located in the area of development of electricity, electronics and supporting industries. Therefore, the province always has many attractive investment policies for businesses to operating in the field of electronics and high technology applications. Besides, the provincial government always accompanies and creates an open investment environment; to promptly solve difficulties and proposals of businesses. In the coming time, the province will upgrade and expand waterway transportation system; research and build a railway system in order to provide optimal support for the transportation and circulation of goods. He hoped the Sharp Group would choose Binh Duong as the investment destination.​

​​

​At the ceremony, 252 scholarships were awarded to students with a total value of 550 million VND.

In Binh Duong province, VSIP Scholarship is one of the significant projects in the community activities of VSIP Charity Foundation, was established by Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park Joint-Venture Company (VSIP) and VSIP's customers in Binh Duong. Up to now, the scholarship program has supported over 1,400 cases, with a total amount of up to VND 4 billion.

Started in 2003, VSIP Charity Foundation (Binh Duong) has raised nearly VND 20 billion and regularly implemented community activities in the province such as: VSIP Charity Day, building charity houses, gratitude houses for difficult families, caring and financial support for Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, visiting and giving gifts to orphan centers, repairing and upgrading schools, donating libraries, equipment and school supplies.

Ms. Tran Thi Anh Dao - President of VSIP Charity Foundation grants VSIP 2018 Scholarships to disadvantaged labor workers and students in provinces

​Mr. Tran Van Nam - Member of Party Central Committee, Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, Head of Steering Committee of Binh Duong Smart City Scheme; Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Deputy Secretary of provincial Party Committee, Chairman of provincial People's Committee, Chairman of the Advisory Council of Binh Duong Triple Helix Model; Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Member of Provincial Party Committee, Standing Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee, Head of Management Board of Binh Duong Smart City; leaders of departments, branches and unions of the province.

Provincial leaders attend seminar

​

Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee introduces the opening speech for seminar

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Mai Hung Dung said, Binh Duong project has basically completed the foundation phase, strategic direction, implementation of breakthrough projects to launch and start the new phase, which is implementing specific projects in a uniform and comprehensive manners, with the participation of the entire system, contributing more powerful and practical, creating groundbreaking premise of social-economic development of Binh Duong province. For the project to be widely deployed and actually put into practice, in 2018, the province will promote propaganda and rapidly deploy programs and projects of branches, sectors, especially the programs which serve the interests of the community and businesses. Therefore, today's seminar will propose architecture framework and solutions to deploy Binh Duong smart urban construction as the target of the proposed Smart City Scheme.

​

International experts present Binh Duong smart urban construction solution

At the seminar, international experts and AIC introduced the general architecture of Smart City and demonstrated solutions on information technology platform, integrated axis and operation center of Binh Duong province, center of socio-economic forecast, smart traffic, urban management, urban lighting, intelligent education, smart health, smart job training, safe city, network security, emergency rescue center EOC etc. to build Binh Duong into a smart city.

According to international experts, in order to successfully deploy urban city, Binh Duong should note the construction process, there must be master plan, including financial resources, investment plans, management and operation of items in the process of construction and decentralization of state administrative agencies. The construction of smart urban management center should ensure connectivity, compatibility and synchronization with existing operational centers and centers operating in selected smart urban construction pilot.​

​

According to the report, the industrial production index of July in the province increased by 7.1% over the previous month. Estimated total retail sales of goods and services reached 15,900 billion dong. Export turnover is estimated at US $ 2 billion and import turnover is estimated at US $ 1.6 billion. The seven-month trade surplus reached nearly $ 2.9 billion. Within this month, Binh Duong has attracted US $ 177 million worth of investment capital, raising the total FDI capital to US $ 850 million since the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, estimated budget of the first 7 months of the province is 29,500 billion dong, up 9% over the same period. Social security has also been guaranteed. The province has organized practical activities of gratitude on the occasion of the 71^th anniversary of Martyrs' Day with a cost of 16.4 billion dong. The field of labor - employment, education - training, health care, culture - sports - tourism, science - technology has many positive changes. Defense is strengthened, political security is maintained.

Overview of the c​​onference

The meeting also reviewed the drafts: Report on the implementation of Program No. 34-CTr/ TU of provincial Party Committee on investment attraction renewal in the period 2016-2020; Socio-economic Development Plan, Public Investment Plan in 2019; Plan on implementation of Program No. 77-CTr / TU dated May 11^st 2018 of Standing Committee of Provincial Party Committee on reorganizing and renovating the organization and management system, improving quality and effectiveness of operation of public service units of Binh Duong province for the period of 2018-2020; Plan on implementation of Program No. 78-CTr/TU dated May 11^st 2018 of Standing Committee of provincial Party Committee on population work in the new situation; Plan on implementation of Program 79-Ctr/TU dated May 11^st 2018 of Standing Committee of provincial Party Committee on strengthening the protection, care and improvement of people's health in the new si​tuation.

Concluding the meeting, Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Chairman of provincial People's Committee highly appreciated the efforts of provincial People's Committee, departments and branches in the past and requested departments, localities to strictly implement the tasks and solutions as directed by the Government, the Prime Minister, the provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Council on tasks in the last 6 months of 2018. At the same time, based on the functions and tasks, drastically direct the implementation of groups of tasks and solutions from now to the end of the year, strive to reach and exceed the targets of socio-economic development in 2018. Organizing business dialogue in order to solve problems and difficulties, improve business environment as well as operating the state budget in accordance to the assigned estimates, budget savings strictly, thoroughly.

At the dialogue, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Truc - Director of Planning and Investment Department, over the past few years, by putting efforts in investment environment improvement launched by the Government, Binh Duong has made great strides in attracting investment, contributing to the province to maintain high growth rate and continues to be the locality with dynamic economic development of the whole country and of the Southern Key Economic Zone. In 2017, the total foreign investment capital of the province reached nearly US$ 2 billion 810 million, up 133% over the same period. In the first 6 months of 2018, total foreign investment reached US$ 853.5 million. Province's fields and sectors that have priority in attracting investment such as electricity, electronics, mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, commercial services ... continue to be attracted by many investors. Up to now, Binh Duong has 3,397 valid projects with a total registered investment capital of US$ 30.95 billion, ranking 3^rd nationwide (after Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi) in term of attracting foreign investment.​

Business representative speaks at business dialogue 

Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Viet Dung - The Director of Binh Duong Customs Department answers the opinions of business

Discussing with provincial leaders, businesses expressed the impression of socio-economic development and investment attraction of Binh Duong province. Many companies and foreign corporations continue to choose Binh Duong for investment as a good signal in attracting investment, proving provincial investment environment has always been an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign businesses. At the same time, discussing many issues related to the new customs clearance regulations of the General Department of Customs, applying social insurance for foreigners working in Vietnam, supporting policies of Binh Duong province by encouraged sectors and fields; forecasting the situation of labor resources of the province in the coming years etc. Businesses recommend functional departments to consider employee overtime regulations. Recommendations and proposals of businesses have been specifically answered by the departments.

Mr. Tran Van Nam - Member of Central Party Committee, Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, Head of provincial National Assembly Delegation speeches at the business dialogue 

Speaking at the business dialogue, Mr. Tran Van Nam - Member of Central Party Committee, Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, Head of provincial National Assembly Delegation highly appreciated the effectiveness of foreign investment projects in Binh Duong province, which is an important source of economic development in Binh Duong. He affirmed that provincial leaders are committed to creating the best conditions for businesses to have the best achievements on the basis of the laws of Vietnam. Provincial leaders are willing to share difficulties and challenges with businesses; together with businesses to solve problems and obstacles so that businesses can have the best development in the process of investment, production and business.

Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Deputy Secretary of provincial Party Committee, Chairman of provincial People's Committee concludes at the business dialogue

Concluding at the business dialogue, Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Chairman of provincial People's Committee said, in the coming time, the province will continue to focus on improving investment environment, enhancing the competitiveness and boosting the support of investment development of businesses in the province. The province will focus resources to invest in improving socio-economic infrastructure such as: transport, water supply, electricity, environmental treatment etc. to plan the expansion of industrial parks, create clean land fund for investment attraction. Implementing human resources training, building social houses and houses for workers, which supply sufficient and timely labor sources for businesses to invest in the province. Concentrate on developing high-quality services to meet the requirements of business production and demand of industrial and urban development of the province. The province will continue to reform administrative procedures to ensure transparency, simplicity and create the most favorable conditions for businesses to invest. At the same time, ensuring security, social order and safety, which create favorable conditions for businesses to invest, produce and work in Binh Duong.

​The Scheme revealed that Binh Duong province will strive to develop the system of river ports and inland ports to meet the demand of transporting over 8 tons of goods and more than 3 million turns of passengers in 2020. The figures will be expected up to 20 tons of goods and nearly 6 million turns of passengers in 2025 and 40 million tons of goods and 8 million turns of passengers after 2025. The transportation volume by waterway accounts for 15% of the total transportation demand of the province.

The provincial Department of Transportation will cooperate with relevant organizations, people's committees of districts and city to build up the plans for the inland ports including 10 ports of goods transportation, 1 port of passenger transportation and 7 ports of special purposes. Some ports of goods transportation will be eradicated, other ports for passenger transportation will be improved. 

​In July 8^th 2018, the delegation of Viet Nam joined the 6^th ASEAN Mayors Forum, signed the Singaporean Declaration about sustainable environment and participate the ceremony to reveal the ASEAN smart cities network.

160 Mayors, Governors and localities' leaders from 125 countries and territories together with leaders of organizations, enterprises worldwide participated in the forum. The title: sustainable and worth living cities: master the future through creativeness and cooperation, the forum included 2 discussions. The first was taking advantage of breakthrough creativeness to develop smart cities and the second was attracting financial resources for urban infrastructure projects.

On behalf of Viet Nam's delegation, Nguyen Van Suu, Standing Deputy Chairman of Ha Noi's People's Committee spoke of the vision and strategies to develop smart cities, E-Government development of Viet Nam and Ha Noi city.

​​

Binh Duong provincial People's Committee's Chairman Tran Thanh Liem (middle) accompanied the delegation to participated in the 2018 WCS in Singapore

​From 9 to 11 of July, the delegation of Viet Nam will attend the Lee Kuan Yew Prize Award Ceremony and other workshops about urban management and other issues.​

​Mr.Hanif Salim expressed his delight when taking his new tenure in Vietnam, saying that Viet Nam and Indonesia shares certain cultural and historic characteristics. After 40 years of establishment, the relationship between Vietnam and Indonesia has got more tightened with remarkable economic achievements. He said that Binh Duong is a locality with flexible development full of potentials for investors. After the visit, he will call for big investors from Indonesia to make investment in Binh Duong. He also wanted that along with economic cooperation, Vietnam and Indonesia will boost cooperation in terms of culture, society and tourism so that people of the two countries have a chance to understand mutually and get closer.

Hanif Salim - the new Consul General of Indonesia in HCM city offered souvenir to Tran Thanh Liem, Vice-Chairman of provincial People's Committee

Mr.Liem said that Binh Duong has so far absorbed 13 enterprises from Indonesia with a total investment capital of around US$100million. The province has always accompanied and created favorable conditions for investors to work. He hoped that after the visit, Mr.Hanif Salim will introduce more Indonesian investors to Binh Duong. He wished the New Consul General success in his tenure, contributing to consolidating the friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Indonesia.

Representatives took photos at the reception

​ 

​

Tran Thanh Liem, Deputy Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of Provincial People's Committee offered flowers to congratulate the founding of the Association

Addressing the ceremony, Lee Young Man, president of Korea – Viet Nam Footwear Industries Association revealed over 100 Korean enterprises are investing in leather and footwear industries mainly in Binh Duong province. The Association is founded with 90 members, aiming at fostering the development of footwear industries in Viet Nam. It also focuses on enhancing the competitiveness through exchanging and cooperating programs between Korea, Viet Nam and other countries. The Association when operational is expected to create favorable conditions for enterprises to cooperate and improve their competitiveness. It hopes to raise its members up to 120 in 2018.

Footwear Industries Associations of Korea, Indonesia, and Korea – Viet Nam signed MoU agreements​

Representatives took photos at the ceremony

At the ceremony, Footwear Industries Associations of Korea, Ind​onesia, and Korea – Viet Nam signed MoU agreements to cooperate and develop the network and production techniques in footwear industries.​

​The Deputy Chairman briefed the socio-economic development of Binh Duong Province. He said Philippines has had 6 investment projects in Binh Duong with the working capital of USD 74.2 million. 450 Filipino experts and employees are now living and working in the locality, mainly in teaching foreign languages in schools and language centers. In addition, Binh Duong has cooperated with certain Filipino universities to train the workforce. In the coming time, Binh Duong will focus on expanding the IPs, developing the infrastructure and creating good business climate for enterprises. Mr. Hung expected that after this visit, the Ambassador will introduce more Filipino enterprises and experts to Binh Duong to learn about the business climate and opportunities as well as boost the cooperation between Binh Duong and localities of Philippines.​

Dang Minh Hung, the Deputy Chairman of Provincial People's Committee presented souvenirs to Noel Servigon, the Filipino Ambassador to Vietnam

In his reply, Noel Servigon, the Filipino Ambassador to Vietnam informed of the increasing quantity of Vietnamese students getting to the Philippines to study. Aside from projects in Binh Duong, the Philippines aims at greater cooperation of education and training of human resources for the province. He hoped Binh Duong authorities will create favorable conditions for Filipino enterprises, universities and employees to invest and work in Binh Duong.​

Dang Minh Hung, the Deputy Chairman of Provincial People's Committee took photos with Noel Servigon, the Filipino Ambassador to Vietnam

At the reception, Mr. Liem highly appreciated the contribution of Korean enterprises to the development of Binh Duong. He said with nearly 700 enterprises capitalized at about USD 3 billion, Korea is ranked fourth among countries and territories having invested in the locality. These enterprises paid much attention to local social welfare tasks. Since official cooperation in 2005, Binh Duong and Daejeon city have held many activities to boost experience exchange and cooperation in different fields. I the coming time, Binh Duong will host 2018 WTA General Assembly and hopes to receive supports from Daejeon city and other organizations of South Korea.

Tran Thanh Liem, Deputy Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of Provincial People's Committee received Kim Kyong Hun, Chairman of Daejeon Metropolitan City Council

Kim Kyong Hun, Chairman of Daejeon Metropolitan City Council affirmed that Binh Duong has its potentials for development and the cooperation between the 2 localities is vital. He expected that in the coming time, Binh Duong and Daejeon will boost cooperation in all fields while wishing Binh Duong success in hosting 2018 WTA General Assembly.

​

Tran Thanh Liem, Deputy Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of Provincial People's Committee took photos with the delegation of South Korea's Daejeon Metropolitan City Council