​At the working session, on behalf of Cambodian Ministry of Defense, Major General Yong Mao sent the best wishes to the Party Committee, authorities, people and army force of Viet Nam in general and of Binh Duong in particular for their help in the liberation of Cambodia and in the current gradual development and construction. Specifically, Binh Duong province also paid the trip on free consultation for miserable people, scholarship granting to Cambodian students. The province of Binh Duong also supported and cooperated with Cambodia in many areas, especially in defense, security, contributing to strengthen the long term and friendship cooperation between Viet Nam and Cambodia.

​According to Mr. Tran Thanh Liem, Chairman of Binh Duong People's Committee,  despite of the context of complicated global and national economic and political situation with many opportunities and challenges; however, with the spirit of solidarity, dynamism and opportunities promptly capturing, Binh Duong province has overcome difficulties and challenges, ensuring the economy to continuously achieve high growth rates with most of the targets reaching and exceeding the set plan.

With specific efforts to create a favorable and open investment environment, and determination to maintain political security, social order and safety; in 2019, the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) increased by 9.5%; the Industrial Production Index increased by 9.86%; production value of agriculture - forestry - fishery increased by 4%; value added in the service sector increased by 9.8%. Export turnover increased by 15.6% to nearly USD $28 billion with a trade surplus of nearly USD $7 billion. Budget revenue exceeded the set plan and reached nearly VND 60,000 billion. Social security and welfare are guaranteed, the living standard of citizens has been stable and improved with an average income of VND 146.9 million/ person/ year (equivalent to USD $6,500), an increase of VND 16 million compared to 2018.

In 2019, foreign investment attraction of the Binh Duong province continued to exceed the plan and reached USD $3.29 billion. Currently, the province has over 42,000 domestic enterprises with a total registered capital of nearly VND 358,000 billion; 3,753 foreign invested projects from 65 countries and territories around the world with a total registered capital of USD $34.33 billion, Binh Duong ranked the 2^nd nationwide in term of foreign investment attraction, after Ho Chi Minh City.

Binh Duong province has achieved many successes in external relations and economic diplomatic activities such as: successfully organized 02 important international conferences including the Conference in Institutional and Policy Consultation on FDI in the New Context" and Horasis Asia Meeting 2019; 04 Foreign business dialogue for Korean, Taiwanese, Japanese and foreign businesses operating in the province. Specifically, Horasis Asia Meeting 2019 was a major event in the series of "Binh Duong Smart City 2019" events with programs such as the 15^th International Asian Urbanization Conference, launching a number of projects associated with science - technology of the province including the inauguration of the 1022 hotline, Center for Community Initiative and Startup Support and especially the Launching Ceremony of World Trade Center Binh Duong New City, a milestone for Binh Duong to become an official member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA).

Also in 2019, Binh Duong has continued to be honored as one of 21 cities and regions with typical World Smart City development strategy (Smart 21); marking a successful start of Binh Duong province on the way of implementing the target of the "Smart City - Binh Duong" and the breakthrough strategy "Binh Duong Navigator 2021" after the province officially became a member of the World Technopolis Association (WTA) and the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF).

Giving his speech at the Reception, Mr.  Baloghdi Tibor, Consul General of Hungary in Ho Chi Minh City, Head of Consular Corps in Ho Chi Minh City appreciated the socio-economic achievements of Binh Duong in the past time and the business support activities of the provincial authorities and committed to continuously cooperate with Binh Duong in the coming time.

Under the context of increasingly globalization and international integration, Binh Duong province has been striving to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation, at the same time, promoting economic, cultural and people's diplomacy exchange activities; creating motivation for Binh Duong to develop dynamically, be ready for integration and realize the development goals of Binh Duong province to become an industrial, intelligent and modern city; aiming to create a better life for people and an environment for the business community to develop effectively.

Chairman Tran Thanh Liem expressed the sincere thanks for the close cooperation, enthusiastic and responsible support to the Consular Corps, Trade Missions and Foreign Business Associations etc. in promoting, providing information and introducing international investors about a friendly and dynamic Binh Duong province in the development process; thereby contributing to consolidate and strengthen the friendly relations and investment cooperation between Binh Duong and countries and territories around the world for the goal of sustainable development and prosperity.

​Leaders of Department of Planning and Investment, Department of Foreign Affairs, Binh Duong of Industrial Zone Authorities, Office of provincial People’s Committee, Office of provincial Party Committee  and Becamex IDC Corporation attended the working session.

Mr. Tran Van Nam, member of Central Party Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of National Assembly Delegation of Binh Duong province received Ms. Marie C. Damour, Consul General of United States of America in Ho Chi Minh City

​Attending the Congress were Mr. Sor Dareth - Consulate General of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Le Hong Liem - Vice Chairman of Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association; Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh - Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Council; Mr. Dang Minh Hung - Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee; Mrs. Tran Thi Hong Hanh - Vice Chairman of Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province; representatives of departments, branches, unions, and Friendship Associations and 796 members of the Association.

Mr. Sor Dareth - Consulate General of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City presents flowers to congratulate the Congress

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

​In the past term, the activities of the Association have been built and implemented in an active, flexible, practical and economical manner, bringing high efficiency. The Association has focused on coordinating with the news agencies to timely provide information on activities. Charitable social activities are coordinated with businesses and sponsors in the province to pay regular attention and achieve meaningful and practical results. The total value of charitable activities visiting, delivering gifts, examining and distributing medicines in the localities of Cambodia is nearly VND 7.5 billion. The Association has cooperated with organizations and businesses to organize solidarity and friendship activities such as: Collaborated with the Provincial Youth Union and provincial mass organizations in the programs "Nurturing friendship" and "Sharing the Mekong River"; support and care for Cambodian students and students studying in the province etc. The organization of the Association was strengthened and developed, and the membership force developed rapidly. At the beginning of the term, there were 144 members, up to now, the Association has had 796 members; building close relationships, teamwork, actively helping, supporting and sharing among members.

The Congress negotiated to unify the Association's Executive Board for the period 2019 - 2024 with 37 delegates. Ms. Tran Thi Kim Van was re-elected Chairman of the Association for the period 2019 - 2024. The Congress also agreed on the direction of activities of the Association in the new term, focusing on strengthening the organization, innovating methods, the content of activities with the motto "Active - Flexible - Creative - Effective" to promote the rich, diverse, practical in activities of the Association, contribute to strengthening, building and nurturing relationships for peace, stability and social progress with the provinces of Kratie, Kandal particularly and the Cambodian people generally.

Launching the Executive Committee of the period 2019-2024

Delegates take photos with the Executive Committee of the period 2019-2024

Speaking at the Congress, on behalf of the Provincial People's Committee, Mr. Dang Minh Hung praised the achievements of the Association in the past 5 years, At the same time, noted that, in the coming time, the Association needs to continue to renovate and improve the effectiveness of people's external relations in the new situation; strengthens cooperation to support each other economically, culturally and socially with the two sister provinces of Kratie and Kandal; continues to consolidate and expand the Association's organization in terms of quantity and quality, especially with regard to developing young members; focuses on vigorously renovating the content, methods and further improving the effectiveness of the Association's activities.

On this occasion, the Central Committee of Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association presents souvenir to the Congress; the provincial People's Committee awards the Certificate of Merit to the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province for its outstanding achievements in the 2014-2019 term work.

Mr. Le Hong Liem (left) - Vice Chairman of Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association presents souvenir to the Congress

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Mr. Dang Minh Hung - Vice Chairman of provincial People's Committee awards the Certificate of Merit of the Provincial People's Committee to the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association of Binh Duong Province

Mr. Tran Thanh Liem, Chairman of Binh Duong People’s Committee, leaders of Department of Planning and Investment, Department of Foreign Affairs, Binh Duong of Industrial Zone Authorities, Office of provincial People’s Committee, Office of provincial Party Committee attended the working session.

At the meeting, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Tran Van Nam briefed the provincial socio –economic development. Binh Duong is one of top developed localities of Viet Nam with the industrial and service proportion in the economic structure of more than 97%, top five provinces and cities in term of Central budget contribution. Especially, GDP per capita is the most highest compared to other localities of Viet Nam with about 7,000 US dollars per year. Moreover, Binh Duong is also one of the top investment destinations Viet Nam in term of investment attraction with more than 3,700 FDI projects an 38,000 Vietnamese companies. Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Tran Van Nam hoped that Mr. Sok Dareth will have the successful tenure  as Cambodian Consul General in Cho Chi Minh City and asked for his support in facilitating Vietnamese and Binh Duong companies to do business in Cambodia.

Mr. Tran Van Nam, member of Central Party Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of National Assembly Delegation of Binh Duong province received Mr. Sok Dareth, Consul General of Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City

Consul General Sok Dareth also informed that the trade balance Viet Nam – Cambodia reached 5 billions US dollars. Viet Nam has 210 projects of about 3 billions US dollars investing in Cambodia. Cambodian Consul General Sok Dareth expressed his impression on Binh Duong achievement and sent his congratulations to Binh Duong province. He highly appreciated the bright direction of the provincial leaders in the socio-economic development. He expressed his sincere thanks to Binh Duong province for the support Cambodian provinces including Kratie, Kandal, Kamponthong, especially Binh Duong has supported Kratie province in the social, infrastructural construction, medical consultation, gift granting, etc. in the past time and hoped to continues to received Binh Duong support and cooperation in the coming time.

​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 from 47 countries and territories from Viet Nam Central Government, Ministries and agencies, provinces and cities, CEOs, General Directors of leading Corporations, Groups, key businesses, prestigious scientists, etc.

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 to attend and give speech at the opening ceremony. Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue highly appreciated the socio – economic achievements of Binh Duong province as well as the well prepared Horasis Asia Meeting 2019.

Being one of the key events of Binh Duong Smart city 2019, along with15th Asia International Science Conference on Urbanization, launching the hotline 1022, Binh Duong Innovation Center opening, the launching ceremony of World Trade Center Binh Duong New City in the new urban area of Binh Duong province, Horasis Asia Meeting 2019 was well organized and appreciated by Vietnamese and foreign participants by the facilities, hospitality of Binh Duong province, the first co-host locality in Viet Nam.

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.

Especially, with the great success of the Horasis Asia Meeting of the two consecutive years 2018 and 2019, Binh Duong will continue to co-host the Horasis India in June 2020.

​The conference implemented Decree No. 90/2019/ND-CP dated November 15, 2019 of the Government stipulating the regional minimum wage for employees working under labor contracts. Accordingly, from January 1^st, 2020, businesses operating in Binh Duong province will apply the regional minimum wage (region I), with VND 4,420,000/ month. The regional minimum wage is the lowest level which serves as a basis for enterprises and workers to agree and pay wages; in which the salary paid to employees working in normal working conditions, ensuring adequate working time in the month, fulfilling the agreed labor or work norms must ensure; not lower than the regional minimum wage for workers doing the simplest work.

According to the guidance of the provincial Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, the salary is at least 7% higher than the regional minimum wage for employees doing jobs requiring workers who have passed vocational training. When implementing the regional minimum wage in accordance with Decree 90/ ND-CP, enterprises are not allowed to eliminate or reduce salary regimes when laborers work overtime, work at night, work in heavy, hazardous, the regime of in-kind allowances for heavy and hazardous occupations and other regimes prescribed by labor law. Other allowances, additions and bonuses prescribed by enterprises comply with the labor contract, the collective labor agreement or the enterprise's regulations.

The conference also implemented Decree 140/2018/ ND-CP dated October 8^th, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing decrees related to business investment conditions and administrative procedures under the scope of state management of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs; the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs's Circular specifies the list of products and goods likely to cause unsafety under the state management responsibility of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs; stipulating in detail training activities of occupational safety and sanitation; national technical regulations on labor safety when working in confined spaces; national technical regulations for personal protective equipment - safety boots, protective clothing against fire.​

​​​Accordingly, in order to grasp the Government's guiding spirit of the main tasks and solutions to implement the socio-economic development plan and the State budget estimate in 2020, Resolution on the direction and tasks of 2020 of the Provincial Party Committee; Chairman of the PPC directed departments, branches and localities to urgently focus on overcoming the shortcomings and limitations; continue to be active, innovative, creative and fiercely take actions, synchronously perform the main tasks and solutions of the Resolution on socio-economic development 2020 adopted by the provincial People's Council at the meeting. In order to successfully accomplish those objectives and tasks, the PPC will implement additional 05 key solutions.

Firstly, continue to synchronously deploy tasks and solutions to improve the investment environment, promote business production and improve the province's competitiveness; must strive to increase many levels, with the spirit of untying, expanding production, liberating the people power and transparency as directed by the Prime Minister. Speeding up the establishment and expansion of industrial parks and industrial clusters; at the same time, soon establishing a high-tech industrial park, supporting industry, serving as a basis for further implementation in the next term. Early promulgating policies and gradually implementing the supporting policies and encourage the conversion of industrial production facilities in the South into commercial, service, urban and hi-tech industry development in accordance with the planning.

Chairman of the PPC Tran Thanh Liem presents key solutions for socio-economic development in 2020

Second, continue to mobilize maximum resources for development investment, in association with expanding forms of investment socialization. Concentrating to the utmost to complete works and projects under the medium-term plan of 2016-2020, creating motivation for socio-economic development, continuing to build public investment plan for the period 2021 - 2025. From now to the end of the year, all branches and localities must concentrate to the utmost to accelerate the disbursement of works and projects under the public investment plan in 2019. Continue to closely monitor, lead and steer drastically to speed up the clearance of key projects; determined to complete the construction schedule to celebrate the Party Congress at all levels such as: 1,500 General Hospital; War Zone D Memorial Area; Working headquarters of the provincial Public Security etc.

Thirdly, focus on well implementing the Planning of Binh Duong province in the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, this is a very important work, serving as a basis for orienting the socio-economic development of the province in the coming years. Continue to invest in upgrading and embellishing urban areas, ensuring the roadmap for urban upgrading of the province and localities. Continue to implement the Smart City Scheme, closely associated with each industry and field, creating the sympathy and wide response of the people and business community. Paying attention to creating favorable conditions for investors to soon implement the construction of the World Trade Center Binh Duong New City project, this is a key project of the province in 2020 and the term of 2020 - 2025.

Fourthly, focus on solving problems in terms of mechanisms, policies and implementation methods to further promote socialization of cultural and social fields. Urgently carry out the procedures to conduct concentrated procurement of medicines and medical supplies to promptly serve medical examination and treatment for people; review, consolidate and organize the organization. Continue to effectively implement the Scheme on training, fostering and attracting high-quality human resources, renewing the way of organizing and managing the sector; have plans to make effective use of the infrastructure that has been invested and at the same time, increase investment in equipment, apply high technology in medical examination and treatment, in order to improve the quality and efficiency of the health sector's operation. Thoroughly organize cultural, arts and sports activities to celebrate major national and local holidays and celebrations, especially to celebrate the Party Congress at all levels.

Fifthly, strengthening the management of population in the area; grasp the situation, promptly implement preventive measures and fight against all kinds of crimes, ensure the maintenance of political security, social order and safety, especially at the time of important political events and the Party Congress at all levels. Focus on reviewing and resolving complaints and denunciations of citizens, especially complicated and prolonged cases; at the same time, promptly and effectively deal with people's petitions and feedbacks, avoid pressing people to make complaints and grievances and create hot news. Continue to focus on promoting administrative reform, in association with the application of information technology, gradually building e-government to better serve citizens and businesses.

From now until the end of 2019, the province will focus on taking good care of regimes, policies for policy beneficiaries, people with meritorious services, the poor and provide assistance to disadvantaged people, labor workers, be sure to complete before the 15^th of the lunar calendar to carefully prepare for the Lunar New Year 2020. At the same time, focus on preparing and implementing well the recruitment and calling the army to enlist in 2020, ensuring the completion of assigned targets.

Chairman emphasized, the missions in the coming time are very important, requiring the efforts of all levels and sectors, the contribution of all economic sectors, the consensus of the army and the people in the whole province. The Chairman is looking forward to receiving the leadership attention of the Party Committees at all levels, the active coordination of the provincial Fatherland Front Committee and its member organizations, the contributions of all economic sectors, the consensus of the army and the people in the province; at the same time, proposing the Provincial People's Council, the representatives of the provincial People's Council and voters to pay attention to supervise and promptly reflect the pressing issues arising in life; requesting members of the PPC, heads of departments, branches, People's Committees of districts, towns and cities to promote their sense of responsibility and coordinate well in the proposed advisory, contribute to successfully implementing the objectives of socio-economic development tasks in 2020.

​Reporting to the delegation of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Mr. Ha Thuc Vien - Vice President of VGU said, recently, the university has implemented a number of projects from the city's budget and other sources, but with a dominant research area is Ho Chi Minh City such as Project of real estate market development of Ho Chi Minh City, general planning evaluation of Ho Chi Minh City etc.

VGU is a public university with support and cooperation from major German universities, so the university wishes to continue to expand cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City in the fields of the university's strengths.

Currently, the University is implementing a total of 14 training programs (including 7 master's programs and 7 bachelor's programs) out of 23 training programs in 6 disciplines focusing on technology,  economics and governance, which are the major fields of Germany, including: Electrical, Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer science, Environmental and Process Engineering and Economics and Industrial Engineering according to the training program development plan to 2021/2022 approved by the university.

VGU is building its headquarter on a land of more than 50ha, with an area of about 135,000m² for training 5,000 to 6,000 students in Ben Cat town, Binh Duong province. The total investment of the project is nearly VND 3,200 billion, of which mainly is ODA loans from the World Bank.

With the interest and support from Binh Duong authority, it is expected that VGU's new headquarter will be put into operation in November 2020.

Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong said, in the coming time, the city will speed up ordering VGU for research and training projects, aiming to make Ho Chi Minh City become the leading economic and financial center of the region. Currently, Ho Chi Minh City has planned about 1,000 hectares for university towns in District 9, Hoc Mon district, Nha Be etc; hence, it is willing to consider the proposal of the VGU on supporting the university to build a training and research facility in Ho Chi Minh City.

Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong visits VGU

​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.