​Exchange, connection, and investment cooperation

With its location and role as the Northern gateway of Ho Chi Minh City, over the past 27 years, Binh Duong has become a province with rapid industrialization and urbanization development in the region.

The province is always considered one of the leading localities in Viet Nam in terms of socio-economic development and in the speed of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). The province's gross regional domestic product  (GRDP) always achieves a fairly high growth rate compared to the average growth rate of the country. The province's economic structure has shifted positively towards gradually increasing the proportion of services and industry.

To enhance brand promotion and attract investment, Binh Duong has made efforts to complete the socio-economic infrastructure system, and industrial parks, improve the investment environment, and improve the quality of the workforces. At the same time, it has actively cooperated with foreign partners to develop and implement the Smart City and Innovation Region Project. Besides, the province has promoted digital transformation towards building a digital government, digital economy, digital society, creating a new ecosystem to promote development following the trend of the 4^th Industrial Revolution.

In recent years, Binh Duong has diversified to attract foreign investment from potential markets and partners, focusing on the world's leading developed countries and transnational corporations that possess advanced technology and modern management levels. The province has been especially interested in organizing investment promotion activities, including organizing international conferences gathering many enterprises and partners from developed countries, including China.  

Following the success of previous Horasis Meetings, in 2024, the People's Committee of Binh Duong Province continues to coordinate with Horasis and the China Federation of Industrial Economics (CFIE) to organize the China Horasis Meeting 2024. The Meeting, which plays an important role in facilitating rapidly expanding trade and investment between China and Viet Nam, is especially expected to contribute to promoting investment cooperation activities between Binh Duong and Chinese localities and enterprises.

​The Horasis China Meeting 2024 will be an opportunity to meet, connect, and cooperate in investment between enterprises. Photo: Experts and scientists from many countries attend the Hoarasis Meeting in Binh Duong.

Based on the results achieved in investment cooperation over the past time, the Horasis China Meeting 2024 will create opportunities for organizations and enterprises in Binh Duong to meet, connect, and access new knowledge, vision, and advanced technologies with the participation of large organizations, associations, and enterprises such as CFIE, China Center for Special Economic Zone Research, Belt and Road Research Institute for International Cooperation and Development, Sunwah Group, Manwah Group, World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), etc.

Mr. Mai Hung Dung – Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC), Deputy Head of the Steering Committee for organizing the Meeting affirmed that the Meeting will be a favorable opportunity for managers and the Binh Duong enterprise community to exchange and connect with a network of senior leaders, especially the founders, presidents, and general directors of leading companies in Asia and China, improving the ability to find new opportunities and partners, jointly develop management capacity, science and technology levels, promote trade, attract investment, expand cooperation between Viet Nam, Asia, and the world. It will also create an important foundation to continue contributing to the socio-economic breakthrough program and developing the "Binh Duong Smart City Project".

Prepare the best conditions

The Horasis China Meeting 2024 will be organized in the form of a world economic forum and is expected to include 6 plenary sessions, 21 dialogue sessions, and side events. In particular, the Plenary Sessions focused on the topics: Globalization; Spreading Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG); Nurturing Creativity and Innovation; Dynamism of Business; Global Economic Outlook, etc.

Dialogue sessions are held in parallel with the main topics: Supply Chain Integration; Entrepreneurs and Soft-skills; Trade Flows Across Asia; Routes to Clean Power; Infrastructure investing in China; Investment now & in future; STEM Education for Growth; Awareness of Digital Access; Enhancing Asian Development; Investing in Viet Nam; China and Energy Transition; Industry 4.0; Female Employment Opportunities; Smart City Transitions; Future of Innovation Clusters; Digitalized High-Value Added Firms; Developing VC Market; Joint Innovation; SMEs at center of business.

In particular, Binh Duong will have 02 sessions at the Meeting including: "Investment Opportunities in Binh Duong" and "Logistics and E-commerce Development in Binh Duong". The working sessions will focus on analyzing the province's potentials, advantages, and limitations and proposing specific solutions for Binh Duong to continue to develop sustainably and participate in the global supply chain.

The opening ceremony of the meeting will be held on the morning of April 15, 2024, at the Binh Duong Convention and Exhibition Center, with the participation of leaders of the Government, Ministries, branches, and localities of Viet Nam and the Horasis community, Chinese organizations and enterprises.

Preparations for organizing the Horasis China Meeting 2024 in Binh Duong have basically been completed for the opening of the Meeting

Ms. Ha Thanh - Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DOFA) said that preparations for the Meeting are being carried out seriously and urgently. DOFA and related departments, and branches are closely coordinating with Becamex IDC Corp. in every step and stage of preparation for the Meeting. The goal is to show the image of Binh Duong province as friendly, hospitable, integrated, secure, and safe.

Before the China Horasis Meeting 2024, from April 03 - April 05, 2024, the working delegation of Binh Duong province led by Mr. Vo Van Minh - Chairman of the PPC visited, worked, and promoted investment in Henan and Guangdong provinces (China). The working trip has special meaning, contributing to tightening cooperative relationships with localities and Chinese partners.

The provincial leaders' delegation works and promotes investment in Henan province, China

Chairman of the PPC Vo Van Minh - Head of the Steering Committee for organizing the Horasis China Meeting 2024 affirmed that this year's Horasis Meeting set higher requirements for the quality of guests and discussion content to improve the effectiveness of brand promotion and investment attraction of the province. He requested each department, branch, and unit to carefully prepare to welcome guests including leaders of the Party, State, Government, ministries, localitiess, and enterprises; additional participants in the Meeting sessions to include scientists, economic experts, and university students, simultaneously organize activities such as awarding investment licenses, press conferences, vivid visual propaganda, paying special attention to security and order, fire prevention and fighting, etc. to ensure the Meeting takes place successfully.

​The reception was attended by Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC), and leaders of departments, and branches.

At the reception, Mr. Hirohisa Fujiwara thanked the provincial leaders for their active support so that the Tokyu Group could implement projects in Binh Duong during the past years.

He shared that during this visit, the delegation also formed a research and study group to expand investment in new fields such as high-technology and semiconductor technology in Binh Duong in the coming time.

Mr. Hirohisa Fujiwara hoped that they would continue to receive support from the provincial government. Tokyu Group would strive to effectively operate and complete the projects well, contributing to promoting Binh Duong's smart and sustainable development.

Mr. Nguyen Van Loi - Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee exchanges with Mr. Hirohisa Fujiwara - Board of Directors, International Business Director of Tokyu Group at the reception.

Gladly welcoming the Group's visit, Mr. Nguyen Van Loi - Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee briefly informed them of the province's socio-economic development results in the first quarter of 2024. The Secretary said that Binh Duong had been transforming into a green, sustainable growth model on the foundation of developing a green industrial ecosystem, circular economy, and green energy. It has also focused on selectively attracting projects with high technology content, low impact on the environment, and high added value, etc. Therefore, he considered the Group's investment orientation in Binh Duong in the future to be consistent with the policy of the province, aiming to build Binh Duong into a civilized, rich, and beautiful city with sustainable development.

Mr. Nguyen Van Loi - Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee presents a souvenir to Mr. Hirohisa Fujiwara - Board of Directors, International Business Director of Tokyu Group.

The Secretary affirmed that the cooperation relation between Tokyu Group and Binh Duong province in general, and Becamex IDC Corp. in particular, has brought significant results. At the same time, he hoped that in the coming time, Tokyu Group would continue to expand investment in high-technology and semiconductor technology in Binh Duong.

The delegation also included Mr. Nguyen Van Loc – Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, Mr. Mai Hung Dung – Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, and leaders of departments and branches.

According to a report by the Center of Natural Resources and Environment Technical – Monitoring, currently, there is an automatic air monitoring station in the province invested by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DONRE) is implementing an investment project for an automatic air monitoring station, which is expected to be implemented in 2025. From 2026 to 2030, there will be 06 monitoring stations invested, so that the network of automatic air monitoring stations in the province will be completed. In 2030, Binh Duong will have 17 automatic air monitoring stations, and they will be spread evenly in cities, districts, and communes.

The results of monitoring the quality of Thi Tinh River's surface water and streams draining into Thi Tinh River in 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 showed that most monitoring parameters met the allowed standards. Photo: treated wastewater from an industrial park in Ben Cat Town was released into Thi Tinh River

The automatic surface water monitoring stations include 01 national station and 03 stations in the district. The province is going to invest 02 more automatic surface water stations in the 2021-2025 term, and 01 automatic monitoring station in 2030.

Automatic underground water monitoring has 08 well clusters (23 constructions). In 2025, the province will continue to invest in additional equipment for 08 well clusters (21 constructions), and the total number of automatic underground water monitoring constructions according to the province's planning network will increase to 44 constructions.

The Provincial Leadership Delegation examined the protection of the water environment of Sai Gon and Thi Tinh Rivers

The delegates visited the automatic monitoring system in the Center of Natural Resources and Environment Technical – Monitoring

DONRE supervises 110 automatic wastewater monitoring stations, 09 automatic emissions monitoring stations, and 350 cameras installed by businesses. The central operating station supervises and manages data of more than 340 automatic monitoring stations on wastewater, emissions, surface water, underground water, and hydrology.

The results of monitoring the water quality of Thi Tinh River's surface water and streams draining into Thi Tinh River in 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 showed that most monitoring parameters met the allowed standards.

The Provincial Leadership Delegation worked with the Center of Natural Resources and Environment Technical – Monitoring

At the meeting, the monitoring center proposed solutions to improve the water quality of Thi Tinh River including accelerating implementation progress, soon putting the urban wastewater treatment factory in the Ben Cat Town into operation and strengthening inspection and supervision of compliance with legal regulations on environmental protection. In addition, the automatic surface water monitoring stations in Thi Tinh River should be installed more to monitor the river's quality punctually and constantly, etc.

According to examinations in Sai Gon River, Thi Tinh River, raw water pumping station, Thu Dau Mot water factory (Chanh My Ward, Thu Dau Mot City) and working with departments and branches, Mr. Nguyen Van Loi – Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee appreciated supervision work of the environment in the province.

The Secretary required DONRE to evaluate and advise the province on careers that can cause environmental pollution but not attract investment. Besides, the Department was also required to install more automatic surface water monitoring stations in Thi Tinh River to serve better management work of the river's surface water quality.

The decision takes effect from April 1^st, 2024.

Accordingly, the subjects of application are agencies performing the function of State management of land, agencies with the function of land price appraisal, organizations with the function of consulting on land prices, individuals practicing consulting on land prices, and other relevant organizations and individuals.

From the date of land allocation, land is leased or permitted to change land use purposes for apartment projects, high-rise housing areas, and projects with a scale of less than 500 apartments. The construction period is 02 years, and construction investment progress is 40% for the first year and 60% for the second year. Construction time for technical infrastructure and other constructions is 02 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 40% and 60% for the second year.

With projects with a scale from 500 apartments to 1.000 apartments, Construction time is 03 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 30%, 40% for the second year, and 30% for the third year. Construction time for technical infrastructure and other constructions is 03 years and construction investment progress each year includes 0% in the first year, 40% in the second year, and 60% in the third year.

With a project with a scale of over 1.000 apartments, the construction period is 03 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 30%, 30% for the second year, and 40% for the third year. Construction time for technical infrastructure and other constructions is 03 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 0%, 30% for the second year, and 70% for the third year.

From the time of starting sales, the project has a scale of less than 500 apartments with sales in 02 years with a ratio of 30% for the first year and 70% for the second year. The project has a scale from 500 apartments to 1.000 apartments with sales in 03 years with a rate of 30% for the first year, 40% for the second year, and 30% for the third year. The project has a scale of over 1.000 apartments with sales in 03 years with a rate of 30%, for the first year, 30% for the second year, and 40% for the third year.

With business projects for residential areas, adjacent residential land, and projects with an area of less than 05 hectares, technical infrastructure construction time is 02 years with 60% of first-year construction investment progress, and 40% of the second year. The time to build houses and construction works on land is 02 years, and construction investment progress over each year is as follows: 30% of the first year and 70% of the second year.

With the project having an area of from 05 hectares to less than 20 hectares, technical infrastructure construction time is 02 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 60% and 40% for the second year. The time to build houses and construction works on land is 03 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 20%, 40% for the second year, and 40% for the third year.

With the project having an area of 20 hectares to 50 hectares, technical infrastructure construction time is 02 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 50%, and 50% for the second year. The time to build houses and construction works on land is 05 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 10%, 25% for the second year, 25% for the third year, 25% for the fourth year, and 15% for the fifth year.

With the project having an area of over 50 hectares, technical infrastructure construction time is 03 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 30%, 40% in the second year, and 30% in the third year. The time to build houses and construction works on land is 06 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 0%, 10% in the second year, 20% in the third year, 30% in the fourth year 30%, 25% in the fifth year, and 15% in the sixth year.

From the second year of the date of land allocation, land lease, or permission to change land use purpose, from the time of starting sales, projects with an area of less than 05 hectares with sales for 03 years are calculated to have a rate of 30% in the first year, 40% in the second year, and 30% in the third year. The project has an area of from 05 hectares to less than 20 hectares with sales in 04 years having a rate of 20% in the first year, 30% in the second year, 30% in the third year 30%, and 20% in the fourth year. The project has an area of 20 hectares to 50 hectares with sales within 05 years having a rate of 15% in the first year, 25% in the second year, 30% in the third year, 25% in the fourth year 25%, and 05% in the fifth year. Particularly, for projects with an area of over 50 hectares, calculated from the third year from the date of land allocation, land lease, or permission to change land use purpose, the sales time in 04 years from the date of start sales has a rate of 30% in the first year, 40% in the second year, 25% in the third year, and 05% in the fourth year.

Investment projects for construction and business of infrastructure of industrial parks and industrial clusters, from the date of land lease, construction time and progress of construction of technical infrastructure and other construction works for the projects with a scale of 75 hectares or less is 03 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 40%, 30% in the second year, and 30% in the third year. The time of projects with a scale of over 75 hectares to 250 hectares is 04 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 25%,25% in the second year, 25% in the third year, and 25% in the fourth year. The time of projects with a scale of over 250 hectares to 500 hectares is 05 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 20%, 20% in the second year, 20% in the third year, 20% in the fourth year, and 20% in the fifth year. The time of projects with a scale of over 500 hectares is 05 years, and construction investment progress in the first year is 20%, 20% in the second year, 20% in the third year, 20% in the fourth year, and 20% in the fifth year.

Decision​

An Lap IC has an approved area of 75 ha, expected to build and complete the infrastructure by January 2025 to welcome investors to come for production and business. This is the second IC of Dau Tieng District (the first one is Thanh An IC) and an important investment project contributing to promoting industry and economic restructuring of Dau Tieng District in particular and Binh Duong Province in general.

The delegates perform the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the An Lap IC.

An Lap IC construction is started with the goal of attracting small and medium-sized enterprises, and cooperative groups. At the same time, it anticipates the trend of relocating businesses outside of the industrial parks and clusters in the South of the province to invest in production and business, create jobs for local citizens, and improve their income.

Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha – Vice Chairman of the PPC speaks at the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha – Vice Chairman of the PPC requested the investors to urgently complete the project following the schedule, ensure its quality, and synchronously connect its infrastructure with the general technical infrastructure of the area according to regulations to protect the environment, prevent and fight fires, etc. The project must be accepted before attracting secondary investors; and only attract industries and fields that have been approved for investment policies in accordance with the Government's regulations on the management and development of IC.

​Accordingly, the scope of research follows the administrative boundaries of Phu Giao district, including Phuoc Vinh town and 10 communes (An Binh, An Linh, An Long, An Thai, Tan Long, Phuoc Hoa, Phuoc Sang, Vinh Hoa, Tan Hiep, Tam Lap) with four contiguous areas is: the North borders Dong Phu district and Chon Thanh district,  Binh Phuoc province; the South borders Song Be River and Bac Tan Uyen district; the East borders Ma Da River and Vinh Cuu district, Dong Nai province; the West borders Bau Bang district.

Planning's scale: The total natural area of Phu Giao district is 54,443.85 hectares.

The orientation to 2030 is to develop in the direction of agriculture - industry - urban and services.

The orientation to 2040 is to develop in the direction of industry - urban, service - agriculture.

Planning perspectives and goals: To specify the socio-economic development strategy that has been oriented in the Binh Duong provincial planning period 2021-2030, vision to 2050; shaping the spatial development of the whole district, including the development of technical infrastructure, the orientation of using land, urban areas, functional areas. This is the legal basis for managing construction activities of the district, to ensure the spatial development of the area following the orientations set out in the project; synchronize the construction planning with the planning of using land and socio-economic planning; serve as a basis for implementing detailed planning projects, formulating investment projects and implementing investment according to approved plannings, from 2020 to 2025, from 2025 to 2030 and from 2030 to 2040. 10/10 communes will achieve advanced new rural areas and recognize advanced new rural districts by 2025, of which 03 communes will achieve new rural models, including Tan Hiep commune, Tan Long commune, and Vinh Hoa commune.

It is forecasted that the population size of Phu Giao district will be about 160,000 people by 2030, and 240,000 people by 2040.

Decision.

On the side of Binh Duong Province, there were Mr. Nguyen Hoang Thao - Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Principal of the Provincial Political School; Ms. Truong Thi Bich Hanh - Member of Provincial Standing Party Committee, Head of Propaganda and Training Commission of Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Nguyen Viet Long – Director of Department of Science and Technology.

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The delegation visits and works at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within the program's framework, the delegation visited urban development projects, some typical innovation and applied research models of Yamaguchi Prefecture. They also worked with the Tokyu Group and surveyed the Group's projects and some economic facilities and infrastructure in Tokyo. The delegation worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan.

Prof. Dr. Ta Ngoc Tan – Standing Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council (third from the left) presents a souvenir to Mr. Doko Shigeru – Deputy Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan.

At the working session with the Tokyu Group, the delegation was introduced to the urban development model of Tokyu from typical projects. For example, the area around Shibuya Station has the goal to become a place that foreigners want to visit most when coming to Japan, the area around Futako Tamagawa Station aims to develop harmony between urban and nature, the area around Tama Plaza Station is where Tokyu Group cooperates with private landowners to develop urban areas, and the area around Minami Machida Station which develops with the public-private partnership model between the government and Tokyu Group, etc.

The delegation of the Central Theoretical Council and Binh Duong Province visited, studied, and worked with the Tokyu Group (Japan).

Tokyu Group and Becamex IDC Corporation joint ventured to establish Becamex Tokyu Co., Ltd. in Binh Duong Province in March 2012.

After more than 10 years of establishment, Becamex Tokyu Co., Ltd. has effectively implemented many urban infrastructure and service investment projects contributing to the overall development of the province. Among them, the Tokyu urban area project stands out with a total registered investment capital of 1.2 billion USD. The project's goal is to invest, develop, and trade real estate, including commercial centers, services, housing, entertainment services, etc. in the new urban area of the Binh Duong Industrial-Service-Urban Area Complex.

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The delegation surveyed Tokyu's projects in Tokyo, Japan.

Besides, there are investment construction projects such as Sora Garden Apartment I and II, The View Apartment, Haruka Terrace, Hikari commercial area (phase 1), Viet Hoa International School, etc.

At the working session with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, they discussed many issues related to the increasingly deepening cooperative relationship between Viet Nam and Japan, as well as between Binh Duong Province and Japanese localities. They also discussed opportunities for more effective cooperation in the coming time.

​​Accordingly, the departments and branches of the localities continuously follow, inspect, and urge the implementation to ensure the progress and qualities of the Provincial People's Committee's directed contents about Fire Protection and Rescue. Forest fire protection work should be strengthened in the province, especially in the dry season of 2024. In particular, it is necessary to focus on propaganda, inspecting fire safety, arranging standing forces to protect the forests, and building a plan to organize train forest fire protection for protective forests and Kien An historical relic forest. Moreover, grass and scrap in vacant lands inside and outside industrial clusters should be actively cleared to prevent fires and explosions during the dry season.

At the same time, it needs to continue to implement professional measures on Fire Protection Rescue. Then, review, compile, and complete specific content to strengthen propaganda and increase awareness of Fire Protection, escape, and warning of fire and explosion risks on mass media. The departments and branches of localities must maintain direct propaganda sessions at establishments, residential areas, schools, and educational institutions in the province. The 24-hour standing works of the Fire Protection and Rescue Police, Civil defense forces, Specialized Fire Protection forces, and establishments should be strengthened. Capacity and specialized equipment must be strengthened, and forces and vehicles must be ready to prepare to handle cases of fire, explosions, and accidents as soon as they arise.

Especially, regulations on granting construction and business licenses for subjects having approval or fire protection design. In addition, processes and regulations must be implemented on approval, design, and safe fire protection for projects and constructions especially establishments at high risk of fire and explosion and establishments with crowded gatherings such as bars, karaoke, high buildings, etc.

The departments and branches continue to inspect conditions to ensure safe fire protection at establishments of karaoke and dance halls. The authorities must closely supervise and not let establishments that are implementing decisions to suspend be active secretly or active without ensuring conditions of safe fire protection and escape.

Plan

​The reception was attended by Mrs. Nguyen Thi My Hang - Chairwoman of the Provincial Viet Nam Fatherland Front Committee and leaders of departments and branches.

At the meeting, Mr. Vo Van Minh – Chairman of the PPC informed the Delegation of some significant socio-economic highlights of Binh Duong Province. At the same time, he emphasized the strong relationship between Viet Nam and Laos. In 2006, Binh Duong Province and Champasak Province (Laos) signed a special friendship and comprehensive cooperation relationship. Since then, they have regularly sent delegations to visit and work together to strengthen cooperation relations in many fields. Significantly, Dau Tieng Viet Lao Rubber Joint Stock Company has implemented a project to plant and process rubber latex in Champasak Province and Salavan Province (Laos).

The two countries have implemented an agreement on cooperation in training and human resource development. Up to now, 93 Lao students have been granted training scholarships in Binh Duong. Besides, Binh Duong has organized many social charity activities, sent delegations of doctors, medical staff, and volunteers to examine, provide free medicine, and give gifts to the people of Champasak province.

The Chairman of the PCC hoped that the Laotian Embassy and Consulate General would continue to be a bridge to help Binh Duong and Lao localities strengthen cooperation, exchange information, share experiences, and help each other develop.

He believed that with her affection, close attachment to the country and people of Viet Nam, and leadership experience in the diplomatic sector, Mrs. Khamphao Ernthavanh would excellently complete her assigned tasks, making an important contribution to deepening and strengthening the special solidarity relationship between the two Parties, the two States and the people of Viet Nam and Laos in general, and between Binh Duong and Laos' localities as well.

Mr. Vo Van Minh - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the PPC receives Ms. Khamphao Ernthavanh - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the LPDR.

On behalf of the Delegation, Mrs. Khamphao Ernthavanh - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the LPDR thanked the leaders of Binh Duong province for their warm welcome. She also highly appreciated the outstanding development of the province.

She thanked the provincial leaders for supporting Laos in training their workforce through granting scholarships for Lao students. At the same time, she hoped to strengthen economic cooperation between Lao localities and Binh Duong province in many fields to promote the potential and strengths of each locality.

Mrs. Khamphao Ernthavanh wished to receive support from Binh Duong provincial leaders during her tenure in Viet Nam. In her position, she stated that she was ready to act as a bridge for cooperation between Binh Duong and localities in Laos as well as between Viet Nam and Laos, cultivating a forever healthy and everlasting friendship and cooperation between the two sides.

Mr. Vo Van Minh - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the PPC presents a souvenir to Mrs. Khamphao Ernthavanh - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the LPDR.

Mrs. Khamphao Ernthavanh - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the LPDR presents a souvenir to Mr. Vo Van Minh - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the PPC.

The delegates take a group photo.

​The meeting was attended by Mr. Vo Van Minh – Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC) and Leaders of the provincial departments, and branches.

Socio-economic situations continue to develop.

Reporting at the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Khoa Hai – Secretary of the Phu Giao District Party Committee said that in the first quarter of 2024, the situation of agricultural production in the district was basically stable. The production structure between cultivation and animal husbandry was 49.9% and 50.1%, respectively. In the district, there are 732 agricultural production households and establishments applying high technology, an increase of 28 households and establishments compared to the end of 2023. There are 117 agricultural production establishments with VietGAP certificates, an increase of 4 facilities compared to the end of 2023. Currently, 10 out of 10 communes meet new rural standards; 09 out of 10 communes meet advanced new rural standards according to the set of criteria for the period of 2021-2025.

Overview of the meeting.

The production value of the entire industry and handicraft sector is estimated at 1.468.7 billion VND, reaching 22.39% of the year's plan, an increase of 11.96% over the same period. Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue are estimated at 2.495 billion VND, reaching 16.64% of the year's plan, an increase of 15.14% over the same period.

The district has worked with relevant units to implement procedures to submit to authorities for investment approval in the VSIP 4 in Tam Lap commune. They have strived to complete procedures and will start construction in August 2025 to celebrate the 6th Congress of Phu Giao District Party Delegates and the 12th Binh Duong Provincial Party Committee in the 2025 – 2030 term.

In the first quarter, the district established 11 new enterprises with a total capital of 75.5 billion VND and dissolved 07 enterprises with a registered capital of 42.5 billion VND. Besides, the district issued 139 new Business Registration Certificates and terminated the business operations of 66 establishments. Currently, 634 businesses operate with registered capital of over 5,478 billion VND, and 25 cooperatives operate in the district.

The production value of the entire industry and handicraft sector is estimated at 1.468.7 billion VND, reaching 22.39% of the year's plan, an increase of 11.96% over the same period. Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue are estimated at 2.495 billion VND, reaching 16.64% of the year's plan, an increase of 15.14% over the same period.​

Mr. Nguyen Khoa Hai – Secretary of Phu Giao District Party Committee reports on socio-economic situations and security and National defense situations in the first quarter of 2024 in the district

Domestic revenue is estimated to be 131 billion and 119 million VND, reaching 31% of the year plan. Total budget expenditure is estimated to be 166 billion and 086 million VND, reaching 17% of the 2024 estimate. The process of construction planning of Phu Giao district will be completed by 2040 and submitted to the PPC for approval. In 2024, the district is assigned a total public investment capital plan of 993 billion 349 million VND. The disbursement value is 154 billion 391 million VND, reaching 15.5% of the plan.

The work of taking care of social protection beneficiaries is carried out thoughtfully. 15 billion 371 million VND was spent to take care of 13,124 beneficiaries during the Lunar New Year, and more than 5,201 gifts with a total amount of 3.7 billion VND were presented.

In the coming time, the district will synchronously implement solutions to promote socio-economic development, manage strictly and expand budget sources, and spend the budget economically effectively. The progress of completing documents will be accelerated to start new projects and prepare procedures for projects. The district will also stop problems related to compensation, site clearance, and resettlement support. Striving to complete the Bac Tan Uyen - Phu Giao-Bau Bang Highway project to put into use according to the province's direction. Meetings will be organized to listen to and solve the problems of businesses in the district. Moreover, conferences will be organized to connect supply and demand for typical agricultural and industrial products of the district.

Focus on solving difficulties and creating conditions for development

Presenting the current difficulties that Phu Giao is facing, Mr. Nguyen Khoa Hai – Secretary of the District Party Committee said that the need for capital in the period of 2021 - 2025 to invest in urgent and widespread projects creates momentum for development in a large district. However, the province's allocation targets for the district are low and do not meet investment needs. The work of land valuation is difficult because very few consulting units participate due to the high risk. In addition, the method of comparing similar locations when determining land prices according to current regulations is difficult to implement. It leads to the difficulty of determining land prices and affecting the implementation of works and investment projects.

Compensation and resettlement support when recovering land to implement investment projects is difficult because people complain about compensation prices that are not close to market prices. Besides, the preparation of project documents must go through many steps and take time, which leads to fluctuations in land prices. Some criteria for building new rural areas are set, and it is hard to implement in a short time. A significant amount of time and capital resources are required.

Leaders of Phu Giao district proposed that the province consider transferring about 236 billion VND of central capital to other projects that need to use central capital in 2024. It is necessary to consider creating conditions for capital sources and approval of investment so that the district has a basis to carry out legal documents for arranged projects for preparation in the 2024 public investment capital plan and average capital in the period of 2021 – 2025. The district must work with Binh Phuoc Province to discuss research and investment for the road connecting Chon Thanh - Phu Giao - Dong Phu, creating motivation for socio-economic development in the Northern communes of Phu Giao district and other localities of Chon Thanh town and Dong Phu district, etc.

Based on the requests of the Phu Giao District People's Committee, at the meeting, the units discussed difficulties and solutions for Phu Giao to achieve the set goals in 2024.

Mr. Le Thanh Toan - Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Investment responds to the district's requests related to public investment capital

Regarding additional capital sources for projects, Mr. Le Thanh Toan - Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Investment said that based on the plan and priority of capital sources for site clearance, the Department has allocated full capital for 03 out of 04 projects according to the request of Phu Giao district. However, these are projects with very large investment capital, so Phu Giao district is requested to review and balance the province's key projects and prioritize site clearance. The Department will consider balancing capital to implement feasible projects. Regarding the allocation of central capital, the Department will study and advise the PPC to arrange appropriate capital sources.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Minh - Director of the Department of Transport delivers a speech at the meeting

Evaluating the progress of implementing the Bac Tan Uyen - Phu Giao-Bau Bang Highway project, Mr. Nguyen Anh Minh - Director of the Department of Transport said that the progress of project implementation from Tam Lap to Bau Bang is ahead of schedule, however, the section from Tam Lap bridge to Dong Phu was still a bit slow. The investment and construction unit are requested to speed up the project implementation progress to be inaugurated on the occasion of the National Day in Viet Nam (September 2). Regarding Phu Giao's proposal to build a road connecting Chon Thanh town (Binh Phuoc), the Department will advise the PPC and work with Binh Phuoc province to have directions for investment and construction.

Mr. Vo Van Minh – Chairman of the PPC delivers a speech at the meeting

Through the opinions of departments and branches, Mr. Vo Van Minh - Chairman of the PPC clarified some contents related to the allocation of capital sources, development orientations of Phu Giao district in the coming time, site clearance, land arrangement for resettlement projects, etc.

Speaking to conclude the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Van Loi – Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee highly appreciated the achievements in socio-economic development, security - national defense, and building the Party and political system in Phu Giao district.

Mr. Nguyen Van Loi – Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee delivered a speech to conclude the meeting

The Secretary emphasized that in the coming time, Phu Giao must focus on economic development and remove difficulties for businesses. At the same time, the district must develop in the fields of agriculture, industry, urban areas, services, and tourism. It is necessary to balance regular expenditure and investment expenditure for fields. In addition, the district focuses on creating resources from land use, compensation, and clearance work and allocates capital in order of priority to key projects to accelerate the progress of construction and projects in the district.

Businesses are continuously invited to invest in developing infrastructure of industrial zones and clusters and in production and business development in the district. It is necessary to closely coordinate with VSIP Joint Venture Company Limited to complete investment procedures for VSIP 4 in Tam Lap commune and determine to consolidate and maintain the results of communes meeting new rural and advanced rural standards. Urban beautification of Phuoc Vinh needs to be promoted and protect a bright, green, clean, and beautiful environment in communes. Continue to build, consolidate, and perfect the administrative apparatus from districts to communes and towns. Besides, it needs to promote administrative procedure reform and digital transformation, and complete investment in the Intelligent Operation Center (IOC) of the district in June 2024.

Regarding the district's requests, the Secretary requested departments and branches to research, consider, and advise on solutions to remove difficulties, create momentum to develop Phu Giao, and prepare conditions to become a town soon.

The meeting was attended by Vice Chairmen of the PPC, members of the PPC, and leaders of departments and localities.​​

Contents that were considered and given opinions include a Draft Decision stipulating criteria for estimating development costs and other factors that form development revenue of land plots and land areas for project implementation in determining specific land prices according to the surplus method in the province; Policy of changing to land leasing with a one-time payment for the entire lease term of land-using enterprises; Draft Official Dispatch on agreement on 110 kV and 22 kV power lines related to green land in industrial parks, industrial clusters, and residential areas; Plans to handle difficulties and problems regarding norms and methods of estimating total investment for projects without construction components; Decision approving the investment policy adjustment of Hoang Ha My Housing Area project and Hoa Phu social housing project.

Overview of the meeting.

Regarding the Policy of changing to land leasing with a one-time payment for the entire lease term of land-using enterprises, according to the Department of the Natural Resources and Environment, the business' proposal to change from the form of State leasing land with annual payments to the form of a one-time payment for the entire lease term is appropriate according to the provisions of Article 172 of the 2013 Land Law.

On January 18, 2024, the National Assembly passed the Land Law 2024 (effective from January 1, 2025), accordingly, Clause 2, Article 120 of the Land Law 2024 specifically stipulates cases where the State leases the land with a one-time payment for the entire lease terms.

Based on the actual circumstances, the Department of the Natural Resources and Environment suggested the PPC not approve the cases where there are dossiers requesting to change to land leasing with a one-time payment for the entire lease term originating from land previously directly managed by the State.

Delegates discuss contents at the Meeting.

For cases where the application for changing to land leasing with a one-time payment of land rent for the entire lease term originates from previous land of households or individuals and the application is made before the Land Law 2024 is approved by the National Assembly, the Department proposed the PPC to consider and decide the land lease by the State to change from the form of annual land rent collection to the form of one-time payment for the entire lease term.

The Department also suggested the PPC not consider cases requesting to change to the form of land leasing with the one-time payment of land rent for the entire lease period after the date the 2024 Land Law is approved by the National Assembly for cases not belonging to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 120, Land Law 2024.

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The Chairman of the PPC Vo Van Minh concludes the meeting.

Concluding the meeting, the Chairman of the PPC Vo Van Minh agreed with the proposed contents. He said that the Standing Committee of the PPC and the Party Committee of the PPC highly agreed on the Draft Decision stipulating criteria for estimating development costs and other factors that form development revenue of land plots and land areas for project implementation in determining specific land prices according to the surplus method in the province; the promulgated land price index will remove obstacles in land projects, creating a favorable environment for attracting investment.

Regarding the Draft Official Dispatch on the agreement on 110 kV and 22 kV power lines related to green land in industrial parks, industrial clusters, and residential areas, he requested the Industry and Trade Department, Constructions Department, and Binh Duong Electricity Company research and coordinate to remove difficulties for electrical projects and works, ensuring both urban aesthetics and meeting electrical standards and safety.

​Accordingly, in the 4^th week (April 22 - 26, 2024), the PPC will approve the Report on the management direction of the PPC and the economic - social, defense - security situation in April 2024; draft Decision promulgating unit prices for environmental monitoring and analysis activities in Binh Duong province; draft Proposal and Resolution stipulating spending tasks on environmental protection in Binh Duong province.

At the same time, the PPC will approve the contents proposed to the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Council for approval of the policy presented at the mid-2024 meeting: Regulating specific spending amount for compensation, support, resettlement, and enforcement of counting and enforcement of land recovery when the State recovers land in Binh Duong province; regulating the spending content and amount of implementing the Project "Building a learning society for the 2021 – 2030 period" in Binh Duong province; regulating training cost support and food support for students in elementary-level vocational training less than 3 months in Binh Duong province; regulating award expenses of the Nguyen Van Tiet Press Award of Binh Duong province; regulating policies and regimes to support drug prevention and combat in Binh Duong province.

​The conference was attended by Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh – Deputy Director General of Binh Duong Customs Department and representatives of businesses in the province.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh – Deputy Director General of Binh Duong Customs Department delivered a speech at the conference

Giving an opening speech at the conference, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh said that many countries like Japan and China have applied a model of long-term aviation warehouses. The warehouses help to reduce the time to make customs procedures and speed up the transportation of international goods. It also reduces congestion at the airport. Therefore, the conference aimed to inform businesses about activities and implementation steps as well as advantages and monitoring procedures of goods entering and existing long-term aviation warehouses. From that, businesses will have an overview for more effective production and business activities.

Representative of Tan Cang Express Joint Stock Company introduced services of long-term aviation warehouses

Binh Duong Customs Department deployed the content "procedures for monitoring export and import goods, goods coming in and out long-term aviation warehouses"

At the conference, Binh Duong Customs Department deployed the content "procedures for monitoring export and import goods, goods coming in and out long-term aviation warehouses". Tan Cang Express Joint Stock Company introduced services of long-term aviation warehouses.

According to logistics businesses, the application of long-term aviation warehouses helps reduce the load at the airport and meets the needs of import and export businesses. This application also helps save the time and costs of transporting goods to the airport and facilitates the collection and packaging of goods. In addition, the time for weighing and measuring goods, security screening, and customs procedures will be shortened to promote the socialization of aviation services.

Representatives of businesses asked questions related to activities of long-term aviation warehouses

The organizing committee answered questions

The conference also discussed transportation services of long-term aviation warehouses including time and risks of export and import goods, customs procedures related to the transportation of import and export goods at long-term aviation warehouses, etc.

It was attended by Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha – Vice Chairman of the Binh Duong PPC; Mr. Nguyen Dang Thang - Consul General of Viet Nam in New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia; Mr. Nguyen Phu Hoa - Deputy Consul General in Sydney, Head of Viet Nam Trade Office in Australia; Ms. Karla Lampe – International Engagement and Market Development Director of NSW Treasury; Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuan - CEO of Becamex IDC Corp.; and representatives of business associations, investors and businesses of Viet Nam and Australia.

Overview of the Seminar.

Sharing with the delegates, Consul General Nguyen Dang Thang introduced Binh Duong as a leading province in Viet Nam in terms of foreign investment attraction, which is also one of the most dynamic localities in the country. He believed that Binh Duong would be a "good land" for Australian investors to come and do business.

At the Seminar, Ms. Karla Lampe – International Engagement and Market Development Director of NSW Treasury affirmed that the relationship between Vietnamese localities and New South Wales state has been rapidly developed and increasingly consolidated. Particularly, the state of New South Wales has been very interested in promoting trade and investment development with Viet Nam. She said that the state has a world-class education system, which is one of the strongest pillars of the Australian economy. The number of Vietnamese students ranks fifth in the state. Therefore, she believed that educational cooperation between New South Wales and Vietnamese localities would have a lot of room for development in the future. Besides, she said that the New South Wales state had also been interested in deeper cooperation with Viet Nam in particular, and ASEAN in general, on energy security issues.

Mr. Nguyen Dang Thang - Nguyen Dang Thang - Consul General of Viet Nam to New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia speaks at the Seminar.

Having similar opinions, Mr. David Harding - Executive Director at Business NSW claimed that Viet Nam and Australia were both located in the most dynamic region of the world. Australia is striving to diversify its trade and economic relationships, especially after lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical changes around the world. Meanwhile, Viet Nam has an abundant and highly skilled labor force. Moreover, the relationship between Viet Nam and Australia has grown stronger and closer than ever, especially when there is much potential for the two countries to share in the fields of trade and investment. Therefore, their businesses should take advantage of this opportunity to promote cooperation, aiming for a bright future together.

Regarding the interest of Australian investors in Viet Nam in general and Binh Duong province in particular, speaking at the Seminar, Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha - Vice Chairman of Binh Duong PPC introduced the strengths, potential, and investment opportunities of Binh Duong province as well as the province's preferential policies for foreign investors. The leaders of Binh Duong province affirmed that the province would accompany investors, determining that investors' success is also the province's success and committed to creating the most favorable conditions for them.

Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha – Vice Chairman of the PPC speaks at the Seminar.

Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha said that Binh Duong is a leading manufacturing center with a diverse supply chain as well as an innovative science and technology region. Therefore, he encouraged Australian businesses and investors to invest in the fields that Binh Duong is interested in such as high-tech industries, supporting industries, information technology, high-tech agriculture using renewable, environmentally friendly energy as well as invest in trade and service development, in construction, infrastructure development, in training and developing high-quality human resource, etc. He highly appreciated the potential of Australian investors. He also understood the needs, listened to, and answered questions of investors in this Oceania country.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen The Duy - Regional Marketing Director of Becamex IDC Corp. said that Binh Duong Province aims to become an innovation and science region with new development projects such as science and education park, information technology park, e-commerce park, business park, etc. Besides, Binh Duong has been cooperating with the World Bank to build industrial parks following the Eco-industrial park model with the application of green energy, solar power, water circulation, operation management according to the Smart Operation Center, etc.

Representative speaks at the Seminar.

The representatives of Australian trade offices and businesses were impressed by the development of Viet Nam and Binh Duong Province over the past time. They affirmed that Viet Nam would continue to be Australia's important trade and investment partner in the region. They would like to strengthen cooperation and deepen the relationship between the two countries in the fields of trade and investment.

In the framework of the working trip, on the morning of March 25, the Binh Duong province's delegation of trade and investment promotion led by Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha - Vice Chairman of the PPC had a working visit to Mr. Mohamed Hage – Chairman of the Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry NSW and Mr. Dean Kirkwood – General Manager of Resource Industry Network, Mackay City (Queensland State). They worked together and studied their need for cooperation in the coming time.

In general, Australian organizations and business communities highly appreciated the Delegation's activities. At the same time, they proposed many initiatives to expand cooperation with Binh Duong province in strong areas that both sides are interested in and prioritize.

​​​Receiving and working with the delegation were the Chairman of the PPC Vo Van Minh, the Vice Chairman of the PPC Nguyen Loc Ha, representatives of leaders of departments, branches, districts, towns, cities, universities, and telecommunications businesses in the province.

Focus resources on digital transformation

Reporting to the Delegation, Mr. Le Tuan Anh – Director of the Information and Communications Department of Binh Duong Province said that, up to now, the province has developed digital infrastructure with fiber optic cable coverage to neighborhoods and hamlets; 100% of communes, wards and towns have specialized data transmission networks; 3,666 base transceiver stations (BTS) broadcasting 4G cover 100% of the province, serving 4 million subscribers.

The province currently has 100% of records processed online, 1.2 million people have activated level 2 identification accounts, and 70% of social security subjects are paid through accounts. The information system for handling administrative procedures in the province provides 1,586 out of 1,887 online administrative procedures. The rate of online applications reached 76%, and 100% of eForm has been deployed. The province has about 65,000 businesses, of which over 45,000 businesses are using digital platforms. There are more than 6,500 businesses that provide and trade electricity - electronics, information technology, and digital technology.

Mr. Le Tuan Anh - Director of the Information and Communications Department reports on the digital transformation situation in the province.

Moreover, the proportion of the adult population with smartphones is over 92%; the proportion of the population aged 15 and over with transaction accounts reached 75%, and the proportion of households covered by fiber optic broadband Internet reached 86.3%, etc.

Becamex IDC representative presents the centralized Information Technology Park model.

In the coming time, Binh Duong Province will coordinate with the MIC to review, evaluate, and complete the province's administrative procedure handling system, connecting the whole process with databases and professional software, providing 65% of online public services throughout the process with simplified procedures to create convenience for people and businesses to use, and expanding the data warehouse to store digital records for people and businesses. The province will also focus on deploying surveillance camera systems, traffic management, security and order, and handling administrative violations at the provincial and district levels and projects on smart urban areas and digital transformation. Moreover, it will implement a centralized IT park in Binh Duong to develop the information and communications technology (ICT) industry and coordinate with the MIC to implement the Project to build an industrial and information technology dynamic region in Dong Nai Province, Binh Duong Province, and Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province.

Mr. Vo Van Minh – Chairman of the PPC speaks at the working session.

At the working session, Mr. Vo Van Minh – Chairman of the Binh Duong PPC proposed the MIC to support the province in the process of preparing documents for appraisal and approval of the Centralized IT Park project, building a supply chain database model to serve the process of socio-economic management and economic development in the province; and coordinate with the province to develop a program and deploy training, retraining to improve digital skills for workers at businesses in industrial zones and clusters, etc.

Solutions to promote digital transformation and IT industry

From the reports and recommendations of the Binh Duong PPC, members of the Delegation shared solutions for Binh Duong to achieve its set goals in digital transformation and IT industry development. According to Mr. Ho Duc Thang - Acting Director of the National Digital Transformation Department, MIC, Binh Duong has achieved remarkable results in digital transformation, typically the indexes related to IT and digital transformation are among the top in Viet Nam. Mr. Ho Duc Thang proposed that Binh Duong promote the implementation of online public services; diversify public service delivery channels to serve people and businesses in carrying out administrative procedures; train human resources to serve the province's digital transformation work; and popularize digital skills for people and workers in industrial zones and clusters through the online learning platform, and instructions at home or in industrial zones. He also suggested Binh Duong consider developing overall and comprehensive content in smart urban development, ensuring environmental factors, closely linked with green growth. He said that the MIC and the Ministry of Construction are coordinating to develop a set of overall assessment criteria for smart cities, expected to be issued in the second quarter of 2024. He proposed that Binh Duong be the first locality to apply this Evaluation Criteria Set when it is issued.

Mr. Tran Minh Tuan - Director of the Department of Digital Economy and Digital Society, MIC, exchanges information at the working session.

Discussing solutions to promote the digital economy and digital society in the province, Mr. Tran Minh Tuan - Director of the Department of Digital Economy and Digital Society, MIC, said that Binh Duong needed to promote digital transformation in the logistics field, such as logistics automation and warehousing, to reduce at least 50% of all costs and improve the quality of logistics activities; investing in the construction of electronic industrial parks, electronic assembly, and data centers (DC); and comprehensive digital transformation of industrial zones, clusters and factories to bring revenue growth of 5-25%.

Mr. Tran Minh Tuan also said that the digital transformation of businesses needed to focus on the following industries: wood processing; food production and processing, prefabricated metal products, chemical production, etc. At the same time, it is necessary to establish a Digital Transformation Support Center for businesses; and pay attention to investing in digital platforms instead of investing in discrete IT applications because digital platforms will have a growth rate of about 5.52% compared to businesses investing in IT applications (only 0.56%). Regarding digital society, Binh Duong needs to pilot 100% online public services; 100% of electronic school records and electronic health books use digital signatures. The province also needs to coordinate with the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs to pilot the electronic labor contract platform so that 100% of labor contracts are signed digitally.

Recommendations to the province on building an IT Park, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tuyen - Deputy Director of the Department of Information Technology and Communications, MIC, said that Binh Duong needed to reserve land funds for construction on a synchronous and modern scale, identify businesses to attract investment in the IT Park and train human resources to meet the labor needs of businesses.

Regarding electronic authentication in the network environment, Ms. To Thi Thu Huong - Director of the National Electronic Authentication Center assessed that Binh Duong has shown interest in investing in digital certificates and electronic signatures in electronic transactions. She said that the Electronic Transactions Law 2023 will take effect from July 1, 2024, which stipulates that all documents are digitally signed and have the same value as handwritten signatures. To implement this Law, the MIC will soon issue specific instructions for the Law to come into practice. Ms. To Thi Thu Huong also said that Binh Duong has a large number of workers who need to deploy electronic contracts at businesses. The MIC will encourage units providing support services for people to perform digital signing.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuan - General Director of Becamex IDC Corporation, speaks at the meeting.

Sharing with the Delegation, Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuan - General Director of Becamex IDC Corporation stated some difficulties when implementing digital transformation in businesses. He said that the province is implementing solutions to support businesses in implementing digital transformation, but the rate of participating businesses is still limited due to many inadequacies in policies and regulations, especially those related to start-up businesses. He proposed that the Government consider amending regulations related to implementing policies to support start-up businesses in implementing digital transformation.

Ms. Phan Thi Khanh Duyen - Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade said that the Department has implemented activities to support the development of e-commerce, but there are still some difficulties and obstacles that need guidance from the MIC for digital economic development, including e-commerce development.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Pham Duc Long concludes the meeting.

From the opinions of members of the Delegation and localities, Deputy Minister Pham Duc Long proposed that Binh Duong province immediately implement steps to build IT Park infrastructure and research proposals from members of the delegation to apply them in accordance with local reality. Regarding the province's recommendations, the Ministry notes and will coordinate with agencies to have solutions. The MIC is committed to accompanying the province in implementing digital transformation and developing the IT industry in the province.