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Breakthrough to promote development of the Northern region of the province

The program "Innovation to attract investment in the period of 2016-2020" focuses on the field of trade - services, urban development projects, high-tech agriculture, high-tech production, supporting industries, less polluting the environment and the ability to make major contributions to the budget. Developing science and technology industrial park is one of the key projects to create a groundbreaking breakthrough for the formation of an innovation ecosystem, aiming to attract high-value production investment, gradually building high-tech production in the strategic industries of the province.

According to the planning on development of industrial parks in Binh Duong province to 2020, it is expected that Binh Duong will build a Science and Technology industrial park with an area of 900ha in Bau Bang district to attract science and technology enterprises to invest. Thereby, forming a private industrial park for businesses in the field with high levels of gray matter and added-value; promoting research and technology transfer centers and attracting knowledge and skilled workers.

According to international consultants from the Netherlands, Singapore, Japan, to establish a solid foundation for the sustainable development of Binh Duong, it is necessary to change the economic structure from labor-intensive industries to higher value-added industries, based on technology and knowledge. To develop modern and synchronous infrastructure, the key to success Science and Technology Industrial park lies in the construction of soft institutions through incentive policies, modern governance systems and promote of the creation of innovative ecosystems based on close cooperation and interaction among innovative innovators in the region. Operational model of Science and Technology industrial park must meet the increasing demand for the cooperation between enterprise - institute/ school to improve local innovation capacity. Besides, to promote industrial structural transformation of Binh Duong, it is necessary to establish a system to promote regional strategic industries and support businesses, incubate and attract technology companies.

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Mr. Nguyen Hoang Vu - Deputy General Director of Becamex IDC said, Becamex IDC was assigned by the Provincial People's Committee to study and build Science and Technology industrial park. The orientation to develop the operation model of the project is to build a platform of innovative playgrounds, in which this Industrial park will play a role in building a nuclear platform to create innovation based on the region's knowledge and support the innovation ecosystem. Industrial park also supports foreign companies to promote the development of high-tech industries in the region; at the same time establishing a support system to nurture technology companies and attract foreign technology companies.

Orientation to develop spatial planning of Science and Technology industrial park including: University and institute (training center to attract high-tech human resources, research on technology transfer); Industrial parks (attracting corporations, especially small-medium enterprises, start-up enterprises in spearhead manufacturing industries with high added value); service urban areas (creating an ideal living environment for experts, engineers, scientists etc.); community cultural and sports areas (creating mental and physical cultural institutions for active and modern lifestyles); business park (providing office space, research facilities for laboratories, designing, producing sample products etc. for technology enterprises).

"The goal of building Science and Technology industrial park to promote the development of the Northern region of Binh Duong, focusing on both high value-added production and research/development of science and technology, training of human resources and building a good living environment for experts"- Mr. Vu said.

Support from international partners

An important milestone in expanding international relations of Binh Duong in 2018 was Binh Duong became a member of the World Technopolis Association (WTA), selected by WTA to host 2018 events on the 20^th anniversary of WTA. This is a very important turning point for Binh Duong to take advantage of relationships with WTA members in building smart urban areas.

To build the Science and Technology industrial park, Becamex IDC worked with consulting units, especially working closely with WTA to develop development models, ideas, plans, strategies and policies that give direction to the key development industries. According to WTA experts, in order to have a proper Science and Technology industrial park, it is necessary to prepare well, from technology infrastructure, people, policy mechanisms etc. rather than just having the name of Science and Technology industrial park.

In addition, the role of the Science and Technology industrial park will focus on programs to promote the cooperation between enterprise - institute/ school in considering the region's innovation system; identify key industries that need to attract Science and Technology industrial park to promote industry and improve technology in Binh Duong. The model also encourages the development of policies and programs to enhance the innovation environment in Binh Duong.

Recently, the WTA expert team consisted of many professors from famous universities in Korea who conducted practical research and surveys in Binh Duong to work with related parties. Along with that, Becamex IDC has cooperated with planning consultant from Singapore to study the integration of space and works, in order to create an ideal environment to promote innovation, interactivity, links between the main subjects. The two units also set up the plan of preliminary planning and functional subdivision; the overall planning and urban design scheme includes greenery, water surface, public transport, bicycle, walking, green infrastructure solutions.​

In addition, Becamex IDC is actively working with partners who are high-tech manufacturing investors, infrastructure development corporations of the Netherlands, Japan and Korea, to promote the participation of important partners as well as to prepare for first customers of Science and Technology industrial park. It is expected that semiconductor manufacturing factory will be the first customer of Science and Technology industrial park.

After completing the research project, Becamex IDC will submit and request the provincial policy to soon implement the project.

According to Mr. Vu, this is a new pilot model, learning experiences from developed countries, it is necessary to pay attention to support policies and mechanisms from local and central governments. The success of this project will create a turning point for B​​inh Duong in the future to gradually forming a high-tech production ecosystem, knowledge-based center and dynamic spot of the whole country. Therefore, Becamex IDC will consult with the Government to issue preferential policies and programs to promote the attraction of technology research and development activities, high-tech manufacturing industries and domestic and international experts.

GRDP increased 8.09%

According to the report, the first 6 months of 2019, Total products in Binh Duong province (GRDP) increased 8.09% over the same period in 2018; in which, industry - construction increased by 7.65%; service increased 9.35%; agriculture, forestry and fisheries increased by 3.43%; product tax minus product subsidy increased by 9.6%. This is the highest growth rate in the 2016-2019 period. Sp​ecifically, the first 6 months of 2016 increased by 7.74%, the first 6 months of 2017 increased by 7.65% and the first 6 months of 2018 increased by 7.16%.

Budget revenue is estimated at VND 28,600 billion, reaching 52% of the provincial People's Council's estimation and increased 16% over the same period. Total development investment capital of the whole society is estimated at VND 40,623 billion, up 12.02% over the same period.

Industrial production continued to grow, Industrial production index was estimated to increase 8.08% over the same period. Domestic trade is stable, prices are stable. Total retail sales of goods and service revenue are estimated at VND 111,415 billion, up 15.8% over the same period. Export and import turnover continued to grow well, maintaining a trade surplus (US $3.4 billion).

Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee reports on the socio-economic situation, national defense in Binh Duong province in the first 6 months and directions, tasks of the last 6 months of 2019 at the 10^th meeting session - Binh Duong Provincial People's Council, term IX

By June 30^th, 2019, the province attracted VND 31,152 billion of domestic investment capital; Up to now, the province has 39,541 domestic enterprises with a total registered capital of VND 332,130 billion. Foreign attraction investment reached US $ 1.450 billion, up 70% over the same period, exceeding 3.6% of the yearly plan; until now, the province has 3,639 foreign-invested projects with a total registered capital of USD $33.76 billion.

Besides, agricultural production continued to grow. The value of agricultural, forestry and fishery production increased by 3.5% over the same period. Up to now, 100% of communes in the province meet new rural standards and 03 district-level units have completed the task of building new rural areas.

Social security is interested in fully implementing

The regimes and policies for people with meritorious services, social objects, the poor and workers are paid attention to by the province. Particularly in Lunar New Year 2019, the province mobilized VND 499.5 billion for social security activities, build 06 gratitude houses, support new construction and repair 61 great unity houses. Continue to implement the National Target Program for sustainable poverty reduction, so far the province has 4,546 poor households (accounting for 1.56%) and 2,924 nearly-poor households (accounting for 1.01%) according to the multi-dimensiona​l criteria of the province. The results of the 2019 population and housing census, the whole province has 2,411,694 people. The province has created jobs for 20,502 workers, achieving 45.6% of the year plan.

The quality and results of education and training are increasingly consolidating and gradually improving. High school graduation rate in 2019 of the province reached 95.05%, of which the public sector reached 98.49%, non-public reached 99.48% and regular education reached 74.25%. In 2018-2019 school year, the whole province has 654 educational institutions (up 26 bases compared to the previous school year), the rate of chemical construction reached 79.63%, the rate of public schools reaching national standards is 71.08%. The work of people's health care at all levels is guaranteed. The rate of participants in health insurance reached 86.19%. Activities to propagate, encourage and organize activities to greet the new year, holidays, great memories of the country and local political events are carefully implemented. Information communication, science and technology activities continue to be ensured and effective.

National defense and security in the province are guaranteed. The province has actively monitored and grasped the situation, implemented the plan to effectively handle the violations of the law.

Overcome limitations and successfully implement the objectives and tasks of 2019

In addition to the achieved results, Binh Duong's socio-economy in the first 6 months of 2019 still has some shortcomings and limitations. Due to the volume of implementation and disbursement of public investment is low; By June 30^th, 2019, the total value of public investment disbursements was only 20.9% of the year plan. Low rubber latex prices, African cholera epidemic and hot weather have a great impact on agricultural production. The handling of unsettled issues and embellishment of spontaneous residential areas of branches and localities is still slow. Some traffic projects also have environmental pollution and illegal construction. Rapid population growth continues to put pressure on sectors and localities, especially Health, Education and order security. Crime types are increased over the same period, some cases of murder etc.

To successfully implement the objectives and tasks of socio-economic, defense and security development in 2019, sectors and levels will focus on reviewing and evaluating solutions to correct and overcome the above limitations, shortcomings and weaknesses. Along with that, continue to improve business investment environment and investment attraction in accordance with the province's orientation; organize dialogues with enterprises and industry associations to solve difficulties and problems, trade promotion, call for investment. Proactively preventing and fighting diseases on plants and animals, especially African swine cholera, instructing to re-herd at appropriate time; improve the quality of new rural criteria. Speeding up the progress and disbursement of public investment capital; preparing to inaugurate some key projects. Strengthening urban order management; effectively implement approved projects under Binh Duong Smart City Project.

From now until the end of the year, the province continues to implement social security policies and national target programs on sustainable poverty reduction. Deploy tasks for the 2019-2020 school year and activities to celebrate holidays and celebrations. Improving the quality of administrative reform, implementing the scheme of reorganizing the apparatus, streamlining the staff, enhancing discipline and administrative discipline; grasping the situation and be ready to respond to situations of order and security.

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​Mr. Tran Van Nam - Member of the Central Party Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Binh Duong province, Mr. Tran Thanh Liem – Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, Mr. Vo Van Minh, Chairman of the provincial People's Council, Mr. Mai Hung Dung, Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee co-chaired the conference. Mr. Nguyen Van Loc, Chairman of the provincial Viet Nam Fatherland Committee, Mr. Pham Trong Nhan, Vice Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Binh Duong province and leaders of departments, agencies, districts, towns and Thu Dau Mot City; representatives of 09 industries associations of the province and domestic enterprises attended the program.

Participants focused on matter concerning the human resources training especially skilled labours, social and technical infrastructures, logistics, etc.  Representatives of industries associations and enterprises expressed their sincere thanks to Binh Duong leaders for their support.

Mr. Tran Thanh Liem, Chairman of People's Committee committed to accompany with businesses by improving the social and technical infrastructure, ensuring the power for production, implementing administrative reforms and ensuring the social security for their sustainable development of the company and the province.

​Mr. Tran Van Nam - Member of the Central Party Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Binh Duong province, Mr. Tran Thanh Liem – Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Chairman for the provincial People's Committee, Mr. Kim Won Sik - Chairman of Korean businesses co-chaired the meeting with Korean investors. Participants were Mr. Lim Jae Hoon – Consul General of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City, leaders of provincial related departments and agencies and over 80 Korean enterprises investing in Binh Duong province.

Since the official establishment of the foreign relation, Viet Nam and South Korea enhance the bilateral cooperation in many areas. The bilateral import-export turnover reached 68 million US dollars in 2018.  In the first 6 months of 2019, Viet Nam attracted 2.73 billion US dollars (account for14.8% the total FDI capital and ranked the second largest investor of Viet Nam, after Hong Kong). Currently, Binh Duong has 3,644 FDI projects from 64 countries and territories. South Korea is the fifth biggest investor of Binh Duong with 734 projects of total capital 3.13 billion US dollars. The long-term investment of Korean investors proves that Binh Duong is not only the attractive destination but also the provincial government has the close relation with Korean businesses community.

At the dialogue, Korean investors frankly explained difficulties, challenges concerning the matters of human resources, social security, and healthcare for foreigners which were directly resolved by the leaders of departments, agencies or reported to the Central agencies in order to create the most favorable conditions for the business operation.

Mr. Tran Van Nam, Secretary of Provincial Party Committee highlighted the information exchanges between provincial departments, agencies and businesses and wishes the coordination among businesses and universities, colleges in training skilled labours for enterprises.

To close the dialogue, Mr. Tran Thanh Liem, Chairman of provincial People's Committee committed that Binh Duong will focus in improving the investment environment, the competitiveness, and support businesses, especially improving the infrastructure, the quality of labour, building social houses, implementing the administrative procedures reforms, facilitating enterprises.

​At the meeting, Vice Chairman Dang Minh Hung briefed the socio-economic development of Binh Duong in the past time. He highlighted that FDI businesses in Binh Duong province contributed considerably to the provincial socio economic development. He also appreciated the sisterhood relation between Binh Duong province and Daejeon Metropolitan in the past over ten years and the province would like to attract FDI projects which have higher value-added, less labor-intensive industries to build Binh Duong smart city.

Mr. Sung-Moo Hong, Chief  Division Officer Business Division 1 of Kolon Corporation expressed his sincere thanks to Standing Vice Chairman Mai Hung Dung  and Binh Duong department leaders for their precious time and hospitality. He shared that Kolon Corporation currently has 02 factories specializing in manufacturing airbags and  polyester fiber yarns for automobile tires in Binh Duong province. In the coming time, Kolon Corporation will expand its production in Binh Duong province and pay attention to the skilled labors.

Standing Vice Chairman Mai Hung Dung committed to support Kolon Corporation to produce and expand its manufacturing in Binh Duong province and hoped that Kolon will be developed and contribute to the provincial development.

​Mr. Lai Xuan Thanh, Director of Binh Duong Department of Informations and Communication and Mr. Peter Portheine, expert – advisor of Binh Duong Smart City chaired the meeting with the participation of members of the Executive Board and officials from departments, agencies, companies, colleges and universities.

At the meeting, Mr. Lai Xuan Thanh, Director of Department of Informations and Communication welcomed new members of the Executive Board from departments, agencies Thuan An, Di An towns and Thu Dau Mot city.

The meeting overviewed of the 11 mains projects of 2019 including smart logistics, development of Science & Technology Park (STIPP), building the semiconductor factory in Binh Duong, focusing in human resources for FabLab and TechLab, incubators, installing the LED Lighting for sustainability and Iconic Lighting, building the enterprise database, preparing for ICT for Smart City Center,  accelerating the e-government services, deploying  the communication on Smart City Project, coordinating with international partners to organize the international event (Horasis Asia Meeting 2019 and international conferences on smart cities planning in Asia – Pacific) and implementing the  sustainable development  program.

Mr. Mai Hung Dung, Standing Vice Chairman of Binh Duong People's Committee, appreciated the efforts of related departments, agencies, businesses, colleges and universities in deploying their smart city projects in 2019, contributing to the socio economic development of the province as well as foreign direct investment attraction in 2018 and the first 6 months of 2019.

The members of the Executive Board shared their detail works on smart city in the end of 2019, highlighted the preparation of building the complex of World Trade Center in Binh Duong province, implementing the logistic projects, semi-conductor factory as well as communication on smart city and international event organization in Binh Duong province (Horasis Asia Meeting in November of 2019).

​Accordingly, the Provincial Party Committee handed over the retirement decision by regime from July 1^st, 2019 to Mrs. Duong Ngoc Van - Deputy Director of the Department of Finance.

Since July 1^st, 2019, appointing Mr. Lam Phi Hung - Acting Director of the provincial Radio and Television Station to hold the position of Director of the Provincial Radio and Television Station. Mobilizing and appointing Mr. Huynh Van Dan - Deputy Director of the Provincial Commission of Inspection to hold the position of Deputy Secretary of Dau Tieng Party Committee. Mobilizing and appointing Mr. Vuong The Hung - Deputy Director of Department of Transportation to hold the position of Deputy Director of the Provincial Construction Investment Management Board; Mr. Nguyen Anh Minh - Deputy Director of Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Zone Management Board to hold the position of Deputy Director of Department of Transportation.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Thao (middle) - Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Mr. Tran Thanh Liem (left) - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee award the appointment and retirement decisions for officials

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee respectfully acknowledged Mrs. Duong Ngoc Van's contributions and dedication to the construction and development of the province over the years. At the same time, congratulate and wish the officials be mobilized and appointed soon access new jobs, actively study and learn to inherit and promote the achievements; building solidarity and unity in their agencies and units, contributing to making Binh Duong more civilized and modern.

​Attending this year's tournament, there are 59 excellent players nationwide and 5 players from abroad such as Korea, Japan and Spain. Remarkable, player Cho Myung Woo (born in 1998) was dubbed the Korean billiard prodigy, with three times being ranked 3^rd in the World Cup tournament, the current young world champion, currently ranked 13^th in the world. Player Juan David Zapata Garcia from Spain, currently ranked 33^rd in the world, is the champion of Spain and South America region.

Vietnam has player Tran Quyet Chien, as the champion of the International 3 – Cushion Billiards Tournament Binh Duong 2018.

The tournament has all 112 matches, taking place continuously for 4 days (July 11-14, 2019). If the previous year of competition is a knockout competition, this year the Organizing Committee applied a competition format for two consecutive losing games to create opportunities for players.

Held since 2012, International 3 – Cushion Billiards Tournament Binh Duong always innovate and improve the quality of competitions, is the convergence of leading domestic and international players.

Accompanying the Prize, Binh Duong Radio and Television Station has a program called "Pre-match Comment" and "Road to Destination and Diary" broadcast on BTV channels.

​The meeting listened report's implementation results and proposals, recommendations related to automatic monitoring of wastewater, surface water and exhaust gas; connection of domestic wastewater; results of implementing a pilot plan for solid waste classification at source; the work of treating pollution of Ba Bo canal; situation of deploying waste source database in the province etc.

According to Department of Natural Resources and Environment, although more than 6 years of implementation, however, the ratio of wastewater connection of households in areas with waste water collection system in the province is low. The cause of propaganda for this work is not so drastic; the awareness of people is not high, there is a psychology of not wanting to connect due to the expense, to renovate and rebuild the drainage inside the house etc.

To increase the ratio of wastewater connection, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment proposes to the Provincial People's Committee to direct relevant departments, People's Committee of Thu Dau Mot City, Thuan An Town, Di An Town and Binh Duong Water - Environment Joint Stock Company soon rebuilt the new wastewater connection regulations. In particular, specifying specific responsibilities for agencies responsible for wastewater connection ratio; have a roadmap to fill up wastewater treatment plants; mechanism to support funding for households; regulations on penalties for households not connected etc. At the same time, focus on promoting propaganda, mobilization and inspection for households in the wastewater collection area to promote wastewater connection; build connection technical standards, wastewater treatment unit prices.

The meeting

To better manage the water quality of Ba Bo canal, Department of Natural Resources and Environment proposed the Provincial People's Committee to direct the Department of Construction to submit regulations on funding for connection of wastewater to households to the Provincial People's Committee, to facilitate households to connect wastewater to concentrated domestic wastewater treatment systems. Thuan An Town People's Committee strengthened propaganda and mobilized people not to throw garbage or discharge wastewater into the canal area, strictly handle violations; mobilize households located in Ba Bo canal to connect wastewater to concentrated domestic wastewater treatment systems of Thuan An and Di An wastewater treatment plants for treatment.

Concluding the meeting, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Mai Hung Dung asked departments and agencies to advise regulations on funding for connection support, wastewater treatment unit price and submit to the provincial People's Committee for consideration and issuance. Localities should strengthen propaganda to raise people's awareness, urge to increase the ratio of wastewater connection in the area.

​At the meeting, Mr. Emile Lin informed the highlights of Teco Group. Currently, the Group has been in the market of 5 continents in the world with more than 100,000 employees and especially developed in Asia. It is one of the leading corporations in the field of application software production, is a partner of many major technology brands in the world. In the last 2 years, the Group is implementing development cooperation projects on equipment and technology application in medicine. In the near future, the Group will inaugurate the first phase plant in Binh Duong and bring more than 300,000 high-tech motors into production lines; at the same time, calling large hi-tech corporations and companies, as Teco's partners to come to Binh Duong to explore the investment environment.

Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee welcomes Mr. Emile Lin - Special Assistant of Deputy Chairman of Teco Group

Discussing with provincial leaders, Mr. Dennis Chen - Deputy General Director of CSI Company, a strategic partner of Teco Group said, CSI was established 21 years ago, currently has 02 branches in China, is a brand that produces reputable and famous electronic scanners and sensors in the world. Every year, CSI produces more than 30 million products, accounting for over 50% of global products, is a long-term partner with many leading corporations and technology companies such as HP, ACER etc. In the coming time, CSI wants to expand investment in Vietnam, especially prioritizing to learn in Binh Duong. It is expected that CSI will invest in building US $10 million factory in Binh Duong. Mr. Dennis Chen hopes to receive the support of provincial leaders so that the project can be implemented soon and during the production process, CSI will contribute positively to the development of Binh Duong.

The Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee thanked the representative of Teco Group and CSI Company for choosing Binh Duong as an investment point. He affirmed that, Binh Duong is aiming to attract investment in high technology, electronic technology and smart manufacturing; therefore, Teco and CSI will be potential businesses that the province aims to. Provincial leaders will support and create favorable conditions for businesses to operate effectively.

Delegates take photos​

​Welcome the delegation to visit and work in Binh Duong, Secretary of Provincial Party Committee Tran Van Nam said, Binh Duong is a fast-growing socio-economic locality of the whole country, which focuses on developing industrial and service. So far, the province has attracted more than 3,600 foreign investment projects with a total capital of over US $33.6 billion. Among 64 countries and territories investing in Binh Duong, Singapore ranked 3^rd with 237 projects and a total capital of USD $4.3 billion. Secretary of provincial Party Committee emphasized, Binh Duong is attracting investment mainly in high-tech, low-labor, environmentally-friendly industries, infrastructure development, logistics, rail, road and river transport systems etc. Thereby, the province will consider approving conditional investors who want to invest in industrial parks according to the criteria set by the province. To create favorable conditions for investors, the province has planned a high-tech industrial park as well as a clean land fund to attract high-tech projects. The province also focused on upgrading Highway 13, Road DT743, Binh Loi Bridge, investing in bridges and rails with neighboring provinces, to ensure the best convenience for goods transportation and circulation.

In response to Binh Duong's leaders, Mr. Kent Lim - Director of WINSTAR company said that, the purpose of the delegation's visit is to understand Binh Duong's socio – economic situation and explore its investment opportunities. He affirmed that, Binh Duong is an attractive destination for investors; therefore many WINSTAR's partners wish to invest in the province in the fields of apartments, finance, logistics etc. Concluding the meeting, Mr. Kent Lim expressed his respect and thanks to Binh Duong provincial government for always paying attention to create the best conditions for enterprises investing in the province.​

​At the meeting, Chairman of Provincial People's Committee Tran Thanh Liem sincerely thanked the cooperation, support and positive contributions that Ms. Leow Siu Lin has given to Binh Duong province during the past time. The cooperative relationship between Binh Duong province and Singapore partners is a special relationship. During the past 23 years, the proof of this successful cooperation is the model of Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP), which was first established in Binh Duong in 1996. So far there have been 7 VSIP established and operating effectively throughout Vietnam, which has become a symbol of friendship between the governments of Vietnam and Singapore.

On this occasion, Ms. Leow Siu Lin also sincerely thanked the leaders of Binh Duong province for their active cooperation and support for her individually and the Consulate General of Singapore to complete the task during her assignment in Ho Chi Minh City. Ms. Leow Siu Lin shared good impressions of Binh Duong provincial socio-economic development achievements over the past time and expressed confidence in dynamic policies, an open and attractive investment environment, Binh Duong Province will continue to develop more strongly and always be considered as one of the leading provinces and cities in attracting foreign investment in the future.

Chairman of Provincial People's Committee Tran Thanh Liem highly appreciated the support of the two governments - Vietnam and Singapore, the cooperation between Vietnamese and Singaporean enterprises in the province, which contributing to the socio-economic development of Binh Duong province particularly and Vietnam generally. Currently, Singapore ranks 3^rd among 64 countries and territories with investment projects in Binh Duong province with 237 projects and total investment capital of $USD 4 billion 314 million. Chairman Tran Thanh Liem expressed his hope, in the future, Ms. Leow Siu Lin, regardless of her position, she would continue putting efforts to further promote the special investment cooperation relationship with Binh Duong province as well as the comprehensive cooperation relationship between Vietnam and Singapore.

​At the seminar, experts and architects shared architectural development solutions for building smart cities such as looking for a specific model in smart urban development; application of 3D technology in preserving and promoting the value of architectural and urban heritage; trend of ecological urban development; renovating spaces along the canal etc. 

The seminar

According to experts, Binh Duong has important premises to build a smart urban area, it is a clear urban planning system and traffic network is connected to areas, Southern key economic zone, post and telecommunications are invested in a perfect way, cultural construction and urban public spaces serve the spiritual needs of residents etc. Besides, Binh Duong has built a smart city development strategy through Binh Duong Smart City Scheme, with this project, Binh Duong was voted as 1 of 21 regions with the most typical smart city development strategy in the world by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). Therefore, the construction of Binh Duong smart urban area with urban spatial architecture planning meets the criteria of a green, clean, beautiful, modern and civilized urban is the inevitable development trend of Binh Duong.

Architect Le Quang Huy - Binh Duong Architects Association presents the presentation at the seminar

On this occasion, Binh Duong Architects Association admitted 21 new members, are architects working at state management agencies, scientific - technical activities, consulting construction design, planning, architecture etc. in the province.​

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​Expanding international relations

The goal of Binh Duong is to build an international image that is not only good for working, industrial production but also a smart city with a dynamic and creative living environment. In 2018, Binh Duong continuously achieved success in expanding international integration and image promotion, which is an official member of the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), honored by ICF as one of 21 cities and regions with the most outstanding development strategy of the world's Smart city in 2019, which is the first representative of Vietnam, the second of ASEAN (after Singapore) on this list. Since then expand cooperation with the network of smart, prosperous cities in this international community, mingle with new development trends of the world. Also in 2018, Binh Duong became a member of the World Technopolis Association (WTA), selected by WTA to host 2018 events on the 20th anniversary of WTA. In November 2018, Binh Duong continued to successfully host the Asian Economic Cooperation Forum (Horasis). These important international events have brought to Binh Duong more than 50 workshops on global trends and visions, more than 20 mayors, presidents of provinces and cities around the world, 30 university principals and about 1,000 leaders of corporations and enterprises from more than 60 countries and territories, contributing to bring Binh Duong to a new height in the international arena.

Mr. Tran Thanh Liem (left) - Deputy Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of Binh Duong Provincial People's Committee receives the decision to officially become a member of WTA

According to experts, the above events are very important, is the driving force, opportunity and premise to build Binh Duong province into a civilized, modern and sustainable development city in the coming time. At the same time, opening up great cooperation opportunities for the province, creating trust for investors, businesses and the foundation for the development of services and high-tech production in the future. Mr. Frank-Jürgen Richter - President of Horasis, Switzerland said that, building a smart city is a necessary path and Binh Duong is having a good start when becoming a member of ICF as well as being actively cooperating with Eindhoven city of the Netherlands. Mr. Truong Gia Binh - Chairman of FPT Corporation said that, following the WTA event held in Binh Duong, Horasis Forum is an opportunity for Binh Duong to promote and call for investment in Smart City projects. At this forum, Vietnamese businesses not only learned about business and management experience in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 but also have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with the world's leading corporations to do entirely new things.

Besides, through implementing Smart City scheme, Binh Duong is "booming" in cooperation with provincial and city governments in many countries around the world such as: Eindhoven City, Emmen City (Netherlands), Emilia Romangna Region (Italy), Deagu city, Daejeon (Korea), Taichung (Taiwan - China), Oryol (Russian Federation) etc.; with multinational companies and corporations such as Philips, Bosch, NXP, Cisco, NTT etc. and large domestic enterprises such as VNPT, Viettel, FPT etc; international reputable universities and research institutes such as Portland State University (USA), Chunghua University, ITRI Institute (Taiwan), Fraunhofer Institute (Germany), Eindhoven University (Netherlands) etc.

It can be seen that, Binh Duong has made a leap forward and become one of the most dynamic economic development localities in the country. Binh Duong's construction and implementation of the Smart City Scheme is one of the inevitable plans with a very scientific roadmap, meeting the needs of a modern city in the future. From the achieved results, Binh Duong proves to the world that the desire to build a province becomes a smart and modern city.

​Set a new vision for Binh Duong

Through international events, Binh Duong province has a more multidimensional, more intensive view in building and developing, improving management capacity, scientific and technological level, contributing to the successful construction of Binh Duong Smart City Scheme. The provincial leaders also realized that Binh Duong needs to make more efforts to find out specific solutions for building a smart city in accordance with conditions and circumstances of Binh Duong.

Sharing with Binh Duong Provincial Information Portal about joining ICF, WTA and successfully organizing international events in Binh Duong, Mr. Tran Thanh Liem - Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee said, as a member of WTA, ICF, Binh Duong will actively participate in the exchange and cooperation activities in many fields with science and smart cities in many countries around the world. Since then, Binh Duong province contributes to further tighten the solidarity and friendship relations that contribute to the common peace and prosperity of humanity. He affirmed that, the WTA event is the beginning of a new road in the journey to build Binh Duong smart city, which is also a step towards a new era for WTA. He hoped that WTA members will always actively build mutual cooperation in many fields to fulfill the mission of connecting people, connecting scientific and technical advances, building smart cities of the new era.

"It can be said that, in the context of globalization and international integration with many opportunities and challenges, the WTA Binh Duong Conference 2018 has set a new vision for WTA members in achieving their goals; creating a foundation in strengthening multilateral cooperation, promoting the transfer of science and technology, developing science and technology zones, focusing on investing in clean technology, saving energy, practically contributing efforts to minimize negative impacts and consequences of industrial development. Binh Duong Province will make the best efforts to facilitate organizations and individuals to focus on innovation, research and application of advanced science and technology in construction and development of Binh Duong; promote the relationship between Binh Duong and WTA member organizations; develop the cooperation between Binh Duong and UNESCO, building friendship, cooperation and development; unite, join hands for a more peaceful and prosperous world" - Mr. Tran Thanh Liem affirmed.

Following the success that was achieved, in 2019, Binh Duong was honored to continue to host the 2^nd Horasis Asia event. This is an opportunity for Binh Duong to further affirm its position in the international arena.

From the success of Horasis 2018, Binh Duong continues to host the Horasis event 2019

Most recently (March 25^th, 2019), Binh Duong leaders led by Mr. Tran Van Nam - Member of Party Central Committee, Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, Head of Provincial National Assembly Delegation and Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Member of Provincial Standing Committee, Standing Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee and leaders of some departments, Becamex IDC paid a working visit with leaders of Oryol province (Russian Federation) under the cooperation program between Binh Duong province and Oryol province signed in July 2017. Through exchange, the two sides agreed, period 2019-2021 will cooperate in the field of high-tech agriculture, processing agricultural products, promoting cooperation activities in the field of education, trade, supporting each other in the process of building Sm​art City. At the same time, organize economic exchanges with the participation of leading enterprises of Oryol province and Binh Duong province to establish business relationships and seek potential partners.

Leaders of Binh Duong province take photo with leaders of Oryol province (Russian Federation)

Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of Binh Duong Provincial People's Committee said that, the expansion of cooperation and positioning Binh Duong brand in the international arena is one of the strategies to implement Binh Duong Smart City Scheme. The objective of the strategy is through organizing international events, connecting with the world's Smart Cities to learn a lot of valuable experiences in building Smart City. Binh Duong aims to attract more investors wit​h high levels of science - technology and smart technology and also an opportunity for Binh Duong to build more efficient and smarter industrial parks in the near future.

These outstanding successes showed that, Binh Duong's development direction with Smart City Scheme - the province's socio-economic breakthrough program is very suitable to the trend of the era, promoting its potential, being highly appreciated by the world, opening up great opportunities for Binh Duong to reach a new height.​

​Accordingly, installing (free) two-way measuring meter to measure electricity, signing a contract to buy surplus electricity from solar roof electricity system of households and enterprises on the grid; monthly payment at the specified price, implementation (free) records related to the connection to the grid, recording the index, payment of solar roof electricity to customers on a monthly basis.

Willing to advise people and businesses about solar roof related contents, electric load adjustment program when contacting district, town and city electricity or call the Customer Care Center at 19001006 or 19009000.

Operation principle of solar roof system

According to Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), if installing solar roofs, people will not have to worry much about electricity when they produce electricity themselves. The amount of unused solar power will be acquired by the electricity industry at a price of up to VND 2,086 /electricity, higher than the current average retail price of about VND 300/ electricity.

The national program on DSM is implemented in accordance with the development trend of the energy industry, electricity industry and national electricity development planning, ensure all social resources, efficiency and benefits of electricity consumers and electricity units in the process chain from electricity production, power transmission, electricity distribution, electricity sales and electricity use.

The specific goal is to strive to reduce the peak load capacity of the national power system (compared with the forecast of electricity load demand in the national electricity development plan) about 300 MW by 2020, 1,000 MW by 2025 and 2,000 MW by 2030 through the implementation of the National Program on DSM; the load factor of national electricity system (Kpt) increased from l% -2% in the period 2018-2020 and 3% -4% in the period from 2021 to 2030.