In attendance were Mr. Shin Choong Il - Consul General of the Republic of Korea (RoK) in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Lee Bong Hee - Senior Vice Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KOCHAM) in Binh Duong and the leaders of departments, branches, and more than 100 Korean businesses operating in the province.

Korean businesses highly appreciate Binh Duong's investment environment

The dialogue provided an opportunity for provincial leaders to gain a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the production and business operations, and the challenges and difficulties foreign investors, particularly Korean enterprises face. This allowed the province to focus on addressing and resolving these issues.  At the same time, Korean businesses were updated on the province's socio-economic situation and orientations of the province in the future, fostering greater understanding, cooperation, and shared responsibility for mutual development.

Overview of the meeting

At the meeting, the Department of Planning and Investment introduced socio-economic development and investment attraction in the first 9 months of 2024. With a transparent and attractive investment environment, Binh Duong has consistently been one of the leading provinces in Viet Nam in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

Since the beginning of the year, the province has attracted over 1.58 billion USD in FDI, including 163 new projects, 131 capital-increased projects, and 105 joint venture projects. To date, the province has a total of 4,356 investment projects from 65 countries and territories with a total registered capital of over 42 billion USD. Among the investing countries in Binh Duong, South Korea ranks fifth with 775 projects and a total investment of over 3.4 billion USD.

Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of PPC speaks at the meeting

Discussing with the Korean enterprises, Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice President of PPC affirmed that Binh Duong would continue to focus on improving the investment environment, simplifying administrative procedures to the maximum extent, and ensuring transparency and timeliness. The province will prioritize resources to continue investing in infrastructure development, firstly in transportation, electricity, water supply, wastewater treatment, environmental treatment, etc. It will also expand and develop industrial zones and clusters, creating clean land funds land to attract investment. At the same time, Binh Duong will train human resources, build social housing and housing for workers, and ensure a sufficient and timely supply of labor for enterprises that come to invest in the province. Binh Duong will also prioritize resources to continue investing in infrastructure development and high-quality services to meet the production and business demands of enterprises.

Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice President of PPC discusses with Korean enterprises

Mr. Shin Choong Il - Consul General of RoK in Ho Chi Minh City highly commended Binh Duong Province's dynamic development and investment environment. Korean investors are deeply impressed by the province's achievements and investment potential. The infrastructure of Binh Duong province, especially the transportation is invested systematically and modernly. Through this dialogue, Korean enterprises have been further reassured by the province's dedicated efforts and determination to build a transparent, fair, and attractive business environment for all investors.

Addressing and resolving problems of enterprises

At the conference, provincial departments and branches addressed businesses' feedback regarding difficulties encountered in value-added tax (VAT) refunds, work permit issuance for foreigners, issues related to fire prevention and fighting regulations, environmental protection within enterprises, the process of registering temporary residence cards for foreigners, and the extension of work permits for foreign workers.

Korean enterprises share their challenges and difficulties with relevant provincial departments.

In response to the question about regulations on fire prevention and fighting for businesses, a representative from the Police Department of Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue, Provincial Public Security explained that according to Article 14 of Decree 136/2020/ND-CP, the responsibility of investors is to organize construction, inspection, and supervision of construction which fire protection design is approved. In cases where the investor cannot carry out construction, inspection, and supervision of fire protection, they must hire a qualified entity (a qualified entity that has been granted a certificate of eligibility to provide fire protection services in accordance with regulations). Businesses providing design consultancy, supervision consultancy, and fire protection construction services that have been granted a certificate of eligibility to provide fire protection services by a competent police agency are permitted to operate in the licensed fields.

The representative from the Police Department of Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue, Provincial Public Security explained the legal regulations related to fire prevention and fighting for businesses

Regarding enterprises' environmental protection cost, Mr. Nguyen The Tung Lam, Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Sub-department under the Department of Natural Resources and Environment said that according to the legal regulations about environment protection laws (2005, 2014, and 2020 Environmental Protection Laws), manufacturing and business establishments must obtain approval from competent authorities include these type of documents: an Environmental Impact Assessment Report/ Environmental Protection Plan/ Environmental Protection Commitment/ Environmental Permit and they are also required to construct waste treatment facilities and implement environmental protection measures prior to official operation.

Mr. Nguyen The Tung Lam, Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Sub-department under the Department of Natural Resources and Environment answers the questions regarding the businesses' environmental protection cost

In case enterprises commence operations without fully complying with environmental protection regulations, the environmental regulatory authority will take administrative actions to address the violations. Concurrently, the enterprises must implement corrective measures to rectify environmental violations and shortcomings as prescribed, such as constructing waste treatment facilities, upgrading waste collection and treatment infrastructure, and conducting regular environmental monitoring. All related costs shall be borne by the enterprises.

The environmental regulatory authorities will only impose administrative penalties in the form of fines on enterprises that violate the law, and no other additional fees will be charged.

​Mr. Pham Van Tuyen - Deputy General Director of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs Department addresses enterprises for the extension of work permits for foreign workers

Regarding the documents of extension of work permits for foreign workers, Mr. Pham Van Tuyen, Deputy General Director of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs Department, requested employers to comply with Article 17 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP (as amended and supplemented by Decree 70/2023/ND-CP). This includes a request for an extension of the work permit from the employer; a valid work permit; a document approving the need to employ foreign workers (except in cases where such approval is not required); a certified copy of the passport or a copy of the passport certified by the employer that is still valid according to law; a health certificate or medical examination certificate as prescribed; and one of the documents specified in Clause 8, Article 9 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP proving that the foreign worker continues to work for the employer according to the granted work permit.

The Resolution was approved by the 10th Binh Duong Provincial People's Council, 18th Session (special session), and has taken effect from October 25, 2024.

Accordingly, bidding will be conducted to select investors for the investment land-used projects for 02 land plots, with a total area of 108.4 hectares, specifically: 01 land plot with an area of 8.4 hectares in Tan Uyen city; 01 land plot with an area of 100 hectares in Ben Cat city.

Resolution No. 35/NQ-HDND​

The meeting was attended by Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha – Vice Chairman of the PPC, members of the PPC, and leaders of departments, branches, districts, and cities.

According to the report, in October of 2024, the PPC would continue to focus on directing and supporting businesses to recover, develop production and business, invest in construction, import, and export. It would solve problems in real estate projects, social housing, production, business, etc.; focus on compensation, site clearance, and speeding up implementation progress and disbursement of public investment capital. Besides, it needs to implement supervision of land management and construction order management. It would also pay attention to administrative reform, digital transformation, Project 06, and smart city.

Overview of the meeting

The socio-economic situation continues to have positive changes. Industrial production, trade, services, and exports continue to grow. Overall, for 10 months, the Industrial Production Index, total retail sales, and consumer service revenue maintained their growth rate over the same period, and State budget revenue ensured the estimate and ability to complete the plan. It is necessary to allocate the budget economically and efficiently and ensure that social security, foreign affairs, and international cooperation are maintained. Security, politics, social order, and safety are maintained.

Specifically, the Industrial Production Index in October 2024 is estimated to increase by 13.63% compared to the same period in 2023, and accumulated 10 months, it would increase by 6.49%. Total retail sales of goods and service revenue are estimated at 31,611 billion VND, up 14.6% over the same period, and accumulated 10 months, up 13.1%.

Export turnover is estimated at 3.1 billion USD, up 16.5% over the same period, and accumulation for 10 months reached 28.5 billion USD, an increase of 13.25%. Import turnover is estimated at 2.2 billion US dollars, up 14.1%, and accumulation for 10 months reached 20.3 billion USD, an increase of 12.6%.

Budget revenue is 61,400 billion VND, an increase of 21%, reaching 85% of the estimate of the Provincial People's Council and 95% of the estimate assigned by the Prime Minister.

The province attracted 1.6 billion USD in foreign investment capital and 62,000 billion VND in domestic business registration capital, etc.

Delegates suggest policy development contents at the meeting

Opinions on the following contents were also given at the meeting: Draft of Individual Authorization Decision on the method of assigning tasks to order or bidding to provide public services using the State budget in the agricultural sector and rural development; Draft of Legal Normative Decision detailing the criteria for awarding the titles "Cultural Family", "Cultural Quarter, Hamlet", "Typical Commune, Ward, Town" in the province; Considering extending the land use term for land-using organizations when the land use term expires; Allocation of land use targets in Binh Duong Provincial Master Plan for the period 2021-2030, vision to 2050, etc.

Mr. Mai Hung Dung – Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC delivers a speech to conclude the meeting

Speaking to conclude the meeting, the Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC Mai Hung Dung basically agreed with the submitted contents and requested the drafting units to supplement and complete the contents based on the delegates' comments. He also asked departments, branches, and localities to focus on implementing the proposed tasks and solutions from now until the end of the year and striving to achieve the highest socio-economic targets in 2024.

At the meeting, the representatives from Binh Duong Province and ABD discussed the urban development projects in Binh Duong, implemented in Thu Dau Mot City, Thuan An City, Ben Cat City, Phu Giao District, and Bau Bang District from 2024 to 2031. The total project investment capital is about USD 317 million, 70.5% of which is preferential loans of the ADB, and 29.5% is the province's counterpart capital.

Overview of the meeting

Ms. Neeta Pokhrel said that ADB agrees with the loan capital proposal and the project scale. At the same time, she expressed ABD's concern about the land fund for building factories, as well as the province's agreement and support in project approvals. ADB commits to work with the Binh Duong PPC to study and discuss to soon agree on project implementation and climate change response.

She highly appreciated the development potential of Viet Nam in general and that of Binh Duong Province in particular. ADB supports not only the field of public investment but also the private sector, significantly the productive cooperation between ADB and Binh Duong Water - Environment Corporation - Joint Stock Company (Biwase).

Mr. Mai Hung Dung – Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC discusses with Ms. Neeta Pokhrel, Chief of the Water Sector Group, ADB.

Mr. Mai Hung Dung – Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC said that Binh Duong welcomes ADB's cooperation and loan provision for the urban development projects in the province. Those projects will contribute to developing sustainable and synchronous urban areas, reducing environmental pollution caused by urban wastewater and flooding, improving traffic quality and safety, protecting public health, and creating a driving force for Binh Duong's socio-economic development.

The Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC requested the department, branches, and localities to review and balance the province's counterpart funds. Besides, they must continue to discuss issues related to ADB to submit to the PPC for consideration and early implementation of the projects' next steps.

On behalf of the Provincial Leaders, he thanked ADB for supporting Binh Duong. He hoped that the two sides would continue effective cooperation in the future.

Mr. Mai Hung Dung – Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC presents a souvenir to Ms. Neeta Pokhrel, Chief of the Water Sector Group, ADB.

The Delegation takes a group photo.

At the meeting, Mr. Kim Jin Pyo said that the Government of RoK had established EDCF on June 1, 1987, with the purpose of promoting economic cooperation between RoK and developing countries. From 1995 to 2015, EDCF supported Viet Nam about 2.36 billion USD in healthcare, construction, environment, etc.

Overview of the meeting

Mr. Kim Jin Pyo hoped to cooperate with Binh Duong in actively promoting public healthcare projects, especially for the disadvantaged, those who suffer from poverty and disease, as well as to carry out educational projects.

Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC welcomes Mr. Kim Jin Pyo - Former Vice Minister of Finance and Economy of RoK

Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC shared with the Delegation that in the past few years, Binh Duong had always been considered one of the leading localities regarding socio-economic development and foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction. The province's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) always achieves a fairly high growth rate compared to the average growth rate of Viet Nam. In 2023, Intelligent Community Forum honored Binh Duong as the Top 1 community with a typical smart city development strategy in the world.

Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC presents a souvenir to Mr. Kim Jin Pyo - Former Vice Minister of Finance and Economy of RoK

Binh Duong is an industrially developed province with an extremely high mechanical population growth rate. It is forecasted that by 2030 the province's population can reach over 3.5 million people. This high population growth rate leads to immense pressure in some sectors, especially health care and education. In order to maintain a sustainable workforce in the health sector and contribute to improving the quality of examination, treatment, and health care for Binh Duong's citizens in the future, it is extremely urgent to train high-quality human resources for this sector. Specialized departments, hospitals, and schools will actively coordinate and support the EDCF to research, invest in, and develop health and medical projects in the province.

At the meeting, Mr. Fukuda Chihiro thanked the Binh Duong Provincial leaders for their hospitality. He said that JICA hoped to learn more about the Binh Duong Provincial Master Plan for the period of 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, especially in the field of transportation infrastructure so that they have a basis to implement projects in accordance with the province's orientation. 

The overview of the meeting.

Standing Vice Chairman of the PPC Mai Hung Dung informed that the Provincial Master Plan aims for Binh Duong to become a centrally-governed city by 2030, and a center for modern industrial and service development, leading in science – technology and innovation, sustainable development, climate change adaptation, and people's life development.

By 2050, Binh Duong aims to become a modern industrial and service center of international stature, a highly competitive locality in the global value chain, improving people's living standards, and attracting talent and high-quality human resources.

Regarding the planning of industrial belts associated with traffic belts, the province has planned about 16,000 hectares of land to construct a new generation industrial belt along Ring Road 4, Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh Expressway, and Ho Chi Minh Road (section through Binh Duong province). There will be nearly 200 km of expressway through Binh Duong, connecting to airports, seaports, etc., thereby creating new momentum and development space for the locality.

Mr. Mai Hung Dung – Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC) welcomes Mr. Fukuda Chihiro – Deputy Chief Representative of the JICA Office in Viet Nam.

Regarding the development of industrial corridors and belts, Binh Duong will plan economic, industrial, urban, and service corridors, connecting with inter-regional traffic corridors such as Ring Road 3, Ring Road 4 of Ho Chi Minh Ci​ty, and national highways. The industrial parks will develop according to a traffic-belt-linked model to facilitate transportation and inter-regional connections, creating an economic development driving force for not only Binh Duong but also the entire Southeast region.

The Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee hoped that JICA would continue to support Binh Duong province in implementing transport projects, contributing to the province's effective implementation of the Provincial Master Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

Also at the meeting, Binh Duong leaders and JICA representatives also specifically discussed about projects to improve public transport infrastructure in Binh Duong province.

Overview of the conference

The economic growth rate has increased by 7.05%

According to the Provincial Party Committee's report, in the first 9 months of 2024, out of 20 socio-economic and Party development targets, 06 targets have met and exceeded the annual plan, 09 targets have reached over 65% of the annual plan, the remaining targets will be evaluated at the end of the year.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Thao – Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee chairs the conference

Notably, the province's economic growth rate in the first 9 months is estimated to increase by 7.05%. The production and business situation of enterprises have changed positively, key export industries have gradually recovered and have had more orders. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in the first 9 months is estimated to increase by 6.31% (in the same period last year, it increased by 4.2%). Total retail sales of goods and service revenue in the first 9 months are estimated to reach 255,099 billion VND, which increased by 12.7% over the same period last year, and higher than that of Viet Nam (8.5%).

Budget revenue was 51,014 billion VND, reaching 71% of the adjusted estimate assigned by the Provincial People's Council and 79% of the estimate assigned by the Prime Minister, increased by 16% over the same period. Total budget expenditure was 11,832 billion VND, reaching 39% of the adjusted estimate assigned by the Provincial People's Council, equivalent to 82% of the same period, of which the disbursement of public investment capital up to October 1, 2024, was 6,621 billion VND, reaching 31.5% of the plan assigned by the Provincial People's Council and 43.3% of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister.

 ​

Import and export activities have positive changes

Import and export activities have many advantages. Specifically, export turnover is estimated to reach more than 25.6 billion USD, up 13.7% over the same period in 2023. Import turnover is estimated at 18.2 billion USD, up 13.4%.

In the first 9 months, Binh Duong attracted 58,988 billion VND in registered domestic capital (85.7% of the same period) and 1.56 billion USD in foreign investment capital (86.86% of the plan, equal to 94.1% of the same period). Up to now, the province has 71,776 domestic enterprises with a total registered capital of 786,000 billion VND and 4,347 foreign-invested projects with a total registered capital of 42 billion USD.

Social security work has been focused on; policies and regimes for meritorious people, policy beneficiaries, social beneficiaries, the underprivileged people, and workers on holidays and Tet are carefully implemented.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Toan – Director of the Department of Industry and Trade discusses the province's economic development in the first 9 months of 2024

Assessing the economic development results of the province, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Toan - Director of the Department of Industry and Trade said that industrial production activities in the first 9 months of the year have improved, and the province's key export industries have gradually recovered. However, some other industries and fields, especially the supporting industry, still have difficulties. For example, the cost of raw materials and transportation is still high and tends to increase, that of imported raw materials has increased slightly, etc. affecting the province's IIP. To maintain and accelerate the IIP and the import and export situation, the Department of Industry and Trade will implement activities to support businesses in promoting domestic and international trade, expanding international markets such as Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and India. The department will also coordinate to support technology transfer, application of advanced machinery, and scientific and technical advances in production.

Striving to rise and affirm the role of economic locomotive

Discussing the tasks that need to be focused on in the rest of 2024, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Mai Hung Dung emphasized that in the context of difficulties and challenges, in order to maintain and promote the achievements in the past 9 months as well as to fulfill the socio-economic development plan for 2024, all sectors and levels must not be negligent or subjective, but must be proactive and determined in directing, operating, supporting production and business, and promoting socio-economic development depends on the situation.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Mai Hung Dung speaks at the conference

Especially, the province must focus on reviewing and removing difficulties for businesses. It should strengthen trade promotion activities, expand export markets, and develop the domestic market to consume products. Moreover, it needs to complete the Project to relocate enterprises from outside industrial parks and clusters in the South to industrial parks and clusters; and set criteria to identify ecological industrial parks and ecological enterprises in the province.

Binh Duong also has to accelerate and complete procedures, site clearance, and construction of key projects, including projects in the Transport sector (i.e. Ring Road 3, BOT National Highway 13, etc.); start construction of Ring Road 4 - Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh Expressway; research and establish an investment project for the Bau Bang - Di An railway line.

Speaking at the conference, Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Van Loi requested the Party Committee and authorities to seriously acknowledge the targets that Binh Duong's rate is lower than the Central Government's, to overcome past mistakes, strive to rise and affirm its role as one of the economic locomotives of Viet Nam.

Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Van Loi directs the conference

Regarding the tasks for the end of the year, the Secretary requested to review the tasks and targets for 2024. We must speed up if the targets are not on schedule. The province should prepare in advance for tasks in 2025 to avoid taking 6 months to complete the documents. It must strive to increase the budget revenue in 2024 by over 10% and the estimate for 2025 by over 12%, equivalent to 80,000 billion VND. The province will make efforts to increase revenue, especially those that 100% of the localities would enjoy. Binh Duong should implement auctions of land use rights, creating revenue from land for development; arrange from 1,000 to 1,500 billion VND for localities to renovate urban areas; and arrange funds for education and health. The investment project for education must ensure the completion of each grade and each level so that students can study 2 sessions/day.

The province would put the 1,500-beds hospital into operation in 2025 and strongly implement digital transformation of electronic health records and national passports. The digital transformation program of the health sector must be strictly implemented, all clinics must be connected to the interconnection axis.

Thu Dau Mot University and Eastern International University should quickly complete the project report on development, land planning, facilities, and human resource training in the field of semiconductor chips and the new generation industry.

Binh Duong would perfect social investment policies for Health, Education, criteria for ecological industrial parks, Resolution on urban beautification, and urban reconstruction of Thuan An, Di An, Thu Dau Mot.

It would also implement the Provincial Planning; develop the Project to upgrade Binh Duong Province to a centrally-governed city by 2030; approve and announce the District Plannings. It would speed up the establishment of the Concentrated Information Technology Park and the 220-hectare High-Tech Park in the Binh Duong New City.

The province would focus on procedures to start construction of Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh Expressway and Ring Road 4; develop a resource mobilization project and a pre-feasibility study report for the Suoi Tien - Binh Duong New City urban railway and the Bau Bang - Di An railway; urgently complete investment procedures for the project to build a standard Provincial Political School at a new location, striving to start construction in 2025.

It would continue to focus on well implementing social security policies, and taking care of policy families, the poor, and workers, especially at the end of the year and the Lunar New Year; improve the quality of education and training at all levels, research and expand the bilingual teaching model in schools. The health sector must ensure that there are enough medicines, equipment, and medical supplies to serve the examination and treatment of people and stop the shortage of medicine.

The dedication of the authorities inspires and gives trust to investors

Binh Duong would strengthen the work of meeting people and handling complaints and denunciations, especially land, housing, and administrative disputes. It would not ignore workers' reflections, and "thoroughly" resolve reflections and recommendations to protect the legitimate rights and interests of workers. The province would grasp the political and ideological situation and public opinion on cyberspace to promptly handle, and maintain security and order, especially in preparation for Party Congresses at all levels and provincial events. Party committees and grassroots Party organizations would urgently focus on preparing for Party Congresses at all levels, completing one month ahead of the Central's regulations. It would focus on preparing to build quality, concise Congress documents that look straight at the truth. Personnel work is a key task, so it is necessary to pay attention to directing and implementing strictly to ensure correct procedures, regulations, and the right people to select cadres who dare to think, know how to do, and work for the common benefit to be in the Executive Committees at all levels in the future.

"In the near future, we must focus on resolving and thoroughly handling the backlog of people and businesses at agencies and units, creating an open investment environment without causing obstacles or inconvenience to people and businesses. The dedication of the authorities would inspire and create trust for investors." - The Provincial Party Secretary emphasized.

The Secretary believed that all levels and sectors would make efforts, unite, and strive to fulfill the targets of the 2024 plan.

Creating an open investment environment, without causing obstacles or inconvenience to people and businesses​

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the leaders of ministries, branches, and central agencies, as well as the leaders of Binh Duong Province and Binh Phuoc Province. 

Delegates listen to a progress report on the Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh expressway project

Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh Expressway Construction Investment Project is the North-South expressway axis of Binh Duong and Binh Phuoc (connecting Ring Road 4, Ring Road 3 leading to Ring Road 2 of Ho Chi Minh City), connecting Gia Nghia (Dak Nong) - Chon Thanh (Binh Phuoc) expressway, connecting to airports and seaports, etc. The section passing through Binh Phuoc province is about 7 km long. The section through Binh Duong province is more than 52 km long, of which the unchanged section according to the current cross-section size is about 6.5 km. The newly built section is about 45.6 km passing through 5 district-level localities. The starting point intersects with Ring Road 3 of Ho Chi Minh City (belonging to Thuan An City), and the ending point is at the border between Binh Duong Province and Binh Phuoc Province.

Mr. Pham Minh Chinh - Prime Minister and leaders of ministries, departments, branches, and leaders of Binh Duong Province and Binh Phuoc Province survey the site clearance area at the intersection of Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh expressway with Bac Tan Uyen - Phu Giao - Bau Bang Route

The total investment is about 17,408 billion VND, and the project implementation period is from 2024 - 2027.

Currently, the Provincial Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Authority is implementing compensation and site clearance work and striving to start the project in November 2024. 

Mr. Pham Minh Chinh - Prime Minister directs to speed up the progress of key and strategically important transportation projects in the Southeast region

After listening to the report from Binh Duong province's leaders and surveying the project clearance area, Mr. Pham Minh Chinh - Prime Minister emphasized that this is a vital route with strategic significance connecting Tay Nguyen, Southeast region, Long Thanh airport, and a series of highways, seaports, etc.

The Prime Minister requested Binh Duong and Binh Phuoc to closely coordinate and support each other to speed up the progress of the project, of which the section passing through Binh Phuoc province is only 7 km in the form of public investment that needs to be urgently deployed and completed early.

The Prime Minister requested to arrange intersections on the expressway appropriately and urgently plan to best exploit the new development space from the expressway. It's a must to develop new-generation industrial, service, and urban parks with elements of science, technology, and innovation, and develop a digital economy, green economy, and circular economy in industrial parks.

The Prime Minister noted that intersections are not made at the same level, with green, clean, and beautiful spaces. Relevant agencies and localities should further research the connection to Tay Ninh so that Tay Ninh has the shortest route to the seaports and airports. 

Mr. Pham Minh Chinh - Prime Minister and leaders of Binh Duong province visit, encourage, and present gifts to workers working at the construction site.

Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha - Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and leaders of relevant departments and branches also attended the meeting.

Overview of the meeting

At the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Van Loi - Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee thanked ICF for their active support of building Binh Duong Smart City. The Secretary affirmed that ICF's official honor of Binh Duong as Top 1 ICF in 2023 was a great honor in the province's development process. This result is considered the first step, and Binh Duong will continue to strive and pursue its goal of building a smart city. Binh Duong will always be an active and responsible member of ICF.

Mr. Nguyen Van Loi - Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee welcomes Mr. John Jung – Co-founder of ICF

Appreciating Binh Duong's warm welcome to the ICF's Delegation, Mr. John Jung expressed his honor to continue to accompany the province in the future. At the same time, he highly appreciated the meaning and importance of the Announcement Ceremony of the Binh Duong Provincial Master Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. He affirmed that, with its role, ICF will quickly globally promote Binh Duong's major orientations expressed in the Master Plan.

The delegates take a group photo

Mr. John Jung shared the same opinion with Secretary Nguyen Van Loi, that Binh Duong's recognition as Top 1 ICF in 2023 as well as the Announcement of the Provincial Master Plan are just the beginning. What needs to be done is to develop specific and detailed plans to implement strategies and orientations with a higher, faster, and more ambitious spirit. Mr. John Jung expressed his honor since ICF could contribute to the realization of the province's big orientation in building the smart city and implementing the Binh Duong Provincial Master Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

​At the meeting, the Vice Chairman of the PPC, Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha, briefly introduced Binh Duong's socio-economic development and investment attraction in the past 9 months.

Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha - Vice Chairman of the PPC, welcomes Mr. Firdauz Bin Othman - Consul General of Malaysia at Ho Chi Minh City

Accordingly, as of September 15^th, 2024, the province has 4,354 foreign investment projects with a total registered capital of nearly 41.8 billion USD. Binh Duong currently ranks third in Viet Nam in terms of foreign investment attraction, coming after Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi. Particularly, Malaysia ranks 13th out of 65 countries and territories with 94 projects and a total investment capital of more than 843 million USD. The main investment fields are property business, wood processing, medical equipment, manufacturing, etc.

Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha - Vice Chairman of the PPC believed that the cooperative relationship between Binh Duong and Malaysian partners would be increasingly strengthened to promote trade, investment, and tourism cooperation in the future.

Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha - Vice Chairman of the PPC, presents a souvenir to Mr. Firdauz Bin Othman - Consul General of Malaysia at Ho Chi Minh City

Mr. Firdauz Bin Othman said that Malaysian businesses investing in the province were very satisfied with Binh Duong's investment environment and some businesses were planning to expand their production and business operations in the future. He thanked the provincial leaders for their constant care and facilitation for Malaysian investors to deploy production and business activities in the province. At the same time, the Consul General also hoped that the provincial government would continue to support businesses to work with peace of mind and contribute positively to the overall development of the province.

Delegates take a group photo

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Nguyen Van Loi - Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation, members of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee, and generations of provincial leaders, leaders of departments, branches, localities, investors, and construction units.

On the Dong Nai province side, attending was Mr. Nguyen Hong Linh - Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Dong Nai Province, and Mr. Vo Tan Duc - Chairman of Dong Nai PPC.

Leaders of Binh Duong Province and Dong Nai Province attend the ceremony

The Bridge Construction Project across the Dong Nai River (Bach Dang 2 Bridge) is a level II traffic project invested by the Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Authority of Binh Duong Province. The project was started at the end of 2021 with a total route length of 945.81m with 4 lanes. Specifically, the bridge part is 401.32m long, and the bridge leading road part is 544.49m long. The total investment is 490,943 billion VND from the budget capital of Binh Duong and Dong Nai.

Delegates perform the inauguration of Bach Dang 2 Bridge

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of Binh Duong PPC emphasized that after being put into use, the project would significantly shorten travel time and reduce transportation costs. Besides, it would help to meet the freight transportation needs of people and businesses and create inter-regional traffic connections between Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and other localities in the region. Moreover, it would create a premise and an important driving force for the two provinces to continue to develop further in the coming time. At the same time, he proposed that the People's Committee of Dong Nai Province would soon deploy investment in the Bien Hoa Ring Road project connecting Bach Dang Bridge to ĐT.768 road to maximize the effectiveness of this project. In addition, relevant departments and branches of the two provinces need to actively and proactively coordinate to survey, study plans, and advise the PPC to soon invest in more bridge projects across the Dong Nai River that have been planned.

Mr. Mai Hung Dung - Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee speaks at the ceremony

Bach Dang Bridge 2 has been officially inaugurated, creating inter-regional traffic connections between Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and other localities in the region.

At the meeting, representatives of Binh Duong Province and Becamex IDC Corp. briefly informed the delegation of the investment attraction in Binh Duong.

Overview of the meeting

Binh Duong Provincial leaders at the meeting

Accordingly, Binh Duong currently ranks third in Viet Nam in attracting foreign investment capital, with over 4,345 investment projects from 65 countries and territories, and a total registered capital of over 41 billion USD. Particularly, there are 550 investment projects from China, with a total capital of over 1.7 billion USD, accounting for 13% of the total number of projects and 4% of the total FDI capital in the province.

Representatives of local government leaders and businesses in Binh Duong's typical industries of wood processing, textiles, footwear, handbags, mechanics, electricity, ceramics, lacquer, sculpture, logistics, renewable energy, import and export, etc., along with enterprises, corporations, companies, law offices, educational organizations of China and nearly 30 enterprises of Anhui province  (China) which are currently investing and manufacturing in Binh Duong also informed, exchanged and asked many questions about opportunities for cooperation and mutual investment.

Mr. Du Yue Quan – Chairman of Guangxi Oupu Science Technology JSC said that over the past few days, the Delegation of Anhui Province had visited many places in Binh Duong and witnessed the province's favorable environment and development. It was an important premise for businesses in Anhui and Binh Duong to have more explore cooperation programs between the business communities of the two provinces; especially in high-tech, semiconductor, green energy, green economy, circular economy, financial services, logistics, and other modern services.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Thao – Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee speaks at the meeting

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Thao – Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee warmly received the business delegation of Anhui Province (China). He highly appreciated the delegation for visiting and exploring the investment cooperation and trade promotion opportunities in Binh Duong province this time. He said that the Binh Duong provincial government was committed to always creating favorable conditions for foreign investment partners, including China, to invest in the locality, especially in the fields that Binh Duong province was interested in.

Average economic growth is about 10% per year

Accordingly, the goal is that Binh Duong will become a centrally governed city in 2030, and it is one of the dynamic and comprehensive development centers of Southeast Asia. It will lead to science-technology and innovation and be a modern service industry center. The socio-economic infrastructure system and urban system are developed synchronously, modernly, smartly, and sustainably according to the green growth model, adapting to climate change, and the ecological environment is protected. Besides, it improves the quality of people's lives, builds a prosperous and modern civilized society, and ensures national defense - security and social order and safety.

The average economic growth rate in the period of 2021-2030 will reach about 10% per year, and the average GRDP per capita in 2030 will reach about 15,800 USD. Economic structure in 2030: industry and construction accounts for 64%, the service industry accounts for 28%, agriculture, forestry, and fishery industry accounts for 2%, product taxes minus product subsidies account for 6%, urbanization rate is 88-90%, and the proportion of digital economy reaches 30% of GRDP.

Binh Duong strives for GRDP per capita in 2030 to reach about 15,800 USD

The population by 2030 will reach 4.04 million people (of which the official population is 3.48 million people, and the converted population is 0.56 million people). The rate of trained workers is over 87%, of which 40% have degrees. The rate of schools meeting national standards is over 80%. The number of doctors per 10,000 people reaches 19 doctors and 35 beds per 10,000 people. The rate of the population participating in health insurance is over 95%. The poverty rate according to the new multidimensional poverty standard is below 1.0%.

The rate of collection and treatment of domestic solid waste in urban areas reaches 99% and in rural areas reaches 95%. Industrial solid waste and hazardous solid waste are collected and treated to ensure 100% environmental standards. The rate of urban wastewater collected and treated reaches 60%. The rate of wastewater collected and treated in industrial zones and clusters reaches 100%. The rate of population supplied with clean water reaches 100% for urban areas and striving to reach 80% for rural areas.

The deployed new-generation mobile network ensures the quality of 4G and 5G coverage in 100% of residential areas and clusters and deploys several next-generation mobile coverage areas. Firmly ensuring national defense and security, maintaining political stability, social order, and safety. Expanding and improving the effectiveness of foreign affairs and international integration activities. Building an orderly, disciplined, secure, safe, and civilized society.

The vision for 2050 is to build Binh Duong into a modern urban, industrial, and service center of regional and international stature. One of the motivations promoting national economic development with the main driving force for growth is industry, services, and innovation with a solid economic base and high competitiveness. Besides, people enjoy a high quality of life with income levels comparable to developed countries.

Development breakthrough

The plan identifies key tasks and strategic breakthroughs.

First of all, it is cooperation in regional development. Specifically, it is necessary to coordinate with national development programs, the Southeast Region, and neighboring localities to expand traffic connections, especially connecting to the seaport (Cai Mep Thi Vai, Can Gio), international airport (Tan Son Nhat, Long Thanh), international border gates (Moc Bai - Tay Ninh, Hoa Lu - Binh Phuoc). Connecting science-technology and human resources to create motivation to transform the new development ecosystem, connecting spatially to develop the southern dynamic space, and cooperating to develop biological urban corridors along the Saigon River and Dong Nai River. Especially the international connection infrastructure system to strengthen its position, participate in the global production and service chain become a favorite destination for global businesses in the fields of industry, high technology, and industrial service.

It is successful in transforming the growth model from breadth to depth through innovation, modern science, and technology, along with widespread digital transformation in production and operations, improving the quality and efficiency of growth.

It needs to develop a new ecosystem focused on innovation with full preparation of land funds, technical infrastructure, and social infrastructure. Focusing on developing industries and fields with high added value, reducing production costs, and proactively producing and exporting goods with high scientific and technological applications, based on fully exploiting the outstanding capabilities and competitive advantages of the province.

Determining the development of regional, provincial, and urban public transport networks according to Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 3 project, section passing through Binh Duong Province at Tan Van intersection

In addition, it is necessary to train to improve the quality of human resources, promote the development of cultural industries, and build breakthrough mechanisms to attract and utilize talent. Building an educational foundation and human resource training linking the State - schools and businesses. Building an ecosystem originating from general education according to modern and advanced educational models and methods. Building a learning environment at high school and university levels associated with the human resource needs of businesses and the market. Knowledge training associated with support for personal development, research, business building, and development of startup and creative ecosystems. Increasing investment in cultural development to become a driving force for economic development and ensure that all people have access to and enjoy advanced and modern cultural and social services.

Green development of the economy (green production, green consumption, green transportation, green infrastructure, green urban areas, green rural areas, environment, etc.) thanks to the guidance of science and technology creating a harmonious economy between humans and nature and society. It needs to develop green urban space and attractive green infrastructure becoming a typical image of Binh Duong urban area. Paying attention to investing in implementing solutions to protect the ecological environment sustainably, developing renewable energy systems, recycling trash, treating wastewater, etc.

The plan also divides the development of the entire province into 03 dynamic areas. Area 1 (including Thuan An City and Di An City): implementing urban reconstruction and renovation; Relocating outdated and environmentally polluted industrial facilities to the North of the province. Using the available space for a new TOD-oriented urban model and adding social infrastructure to turn Thuan An and Di An into a modern urban area with a high quality of life.

Area 2 (including Thu Dau Mot City, Tan Uyen City, Ben Cat City, and Bau Bang District): development based on innovation, advanced technology, regional community services and smart urban areas as a pillar for the province's growth.

Area 3 (including Bac Tan Uyen, Phu Giao, and Dau Tieng Districts): forming new generation industrial parks, attracting the development of urban-industrial-ecological service models. Preserving and developing ecological corridors of Saigon River, Dong Nai River, Thi Tinh River, etc. Increasing green coverage and developing renewable energy.

Developing new urban and service areas in Tan Uyen, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, and Thuan An, creating space to gradually redevelop existing urban areas. Besides, it needs to shift regional logistics activities to areas along Ring Road 4 - Ho Chi Minh City region. Developing new urban areas, complexes, and industrial parks in Bau Bang, Bac Tan Uyen and Phu Giao districts creates conditions for Southern industrial production facilities to move to the North of the province. Developing the province's innovation centers in Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Tan Uyen, Bau Bang, and Ben Cat to create a dynamic space for science and technology, services, and creative culture.

Developing regional, provincial, and urban public transport networks according to Transit–Oriented Development (TOD). Building functional centers such as the Central Business District (CBD), specialized science and technology center, the center of training, research, innovation, cultural and creative arts, centers of tourist, services, entertainment, etc.

Investing in completing technical infrastructure and upgrading existing industrial zones and clusters in the direction of optimizing land use. Besides, thoroughly handling environmental issues, converting to a clean, green, and smart industrial development model with high added value.

 It needs to preserve the ecological functions and biodiversity of the main river and stream spaces (Dong Nai, Saigon, Thi Tinh, Song Be, etc.), and establish water surface protection areas.

Rivers passing through urban areas are optimally exploited ecological landscapes and combined with urban green space networks to form natural ecosystems in urban areas creating optimal efficiency for tourism and service development.

Urban system planning

The planning determines that, by 2030, there will be 03 urban areas meeting the criteria of Class I urban areas (Thu Dau Mot City, Di An City, Thuan An City). 2 urban areas meet the criteria of Class II urban areas (Tan Uyen City, Ben Cat City). 1 urban area meets the criteria of a town - Class IV urban area (Bau Bang District). 3 urban areas meet the criteria of Class IV urban areas (Tan Thanh Town - Bac Tan Uyen District, Phuoc Vinh Town - Phu Giao District, Dau Tieng Town - Dau Tieng District). Some urban areas are newly established in Bac Tan Uyen, Phu Giao, and Dau Tieng Districts, and the urbanization rate reaches about 88-90%.

Linking the development between urban and rural areas and promoting regional connectivity.

 It is necessary to accelerate the speed and improve the quality of urbanization associated with improving urban economic efficiency. Besides, developing urban areas synchronously in terms of economy, society, infrastructure, architecture, housing, quality of life of the people, and friendliness to the environment.

According to the Plan, developing a smart, innovative, and internationally integrated urban area in Binh Duong New City

Developing Binh Duong urban space in association with the central urban area of Ho Chi Minh City according to the urban area model with a synchronous and modern infrastructure framework: The Southern region includes: Di An - Thuan An area transforms into regional service centers for trade and logistics services. Thu Dau Mot area is fully developed into a support service and innovation center. Ben Cat - Tan Uyen area will fully develop a modern industrial and service urban model.

The Northern region (Dau Tieng, Bau Bang, Phu Giao, Bac Tan Uyen) is developed according to the model of ecological industrial urban areas with a synchronous, modern infrastructure system, and a complete and attractive service network. Attracting investment, and labor force, and ensuring a green, clean, and beautiful environment.

To effectively implement planning, it needs to deploy 8 priority action programs including Improving the quality of human resources, transforming industrial development models, urban development in the direction of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), developing green space networks, developing freight transport and logistics networks, developing Bau Bang complex, developing smart urban areas, innovation and international integration in Binh Duong New City, and Southern urban reconstruction.

The planning also specifically identifies development plans for various fields, a list of priority projects for implementation, solutions, and resources to implement the Plan.

For more details of the planning here.

Video of the Binh Duong Planning in term 2021 - 2030, vision to 2050

Attending were Mr. Nguyen Van Danh - Vice Chairman of the PPC and leaders of departments, branches and localities.

Overview of the meeting

The leaders of departments and branches report on the progress of implementing projects: Ring Road 3, Ring Road 4 Ho Chi Minh City; Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh Expressway; the project of upgrading and expanding National Highway 13.

The Ring Road 4 project is invested in the form of public-private partnership (PPP), a BOT contract with a total investment of about 18,247.8 billion VND in phase 1. Up to now, it has been approved to plant site clearance piles for the entire route of 47.5km. The Provincial Traffic Construction Investment Project Management Board is coordinating with the investor to propose to receive site clearance piles in the field, announce the project and prepare a feasibility study report on the site of the land clearance project. For construction and installation projects, the investor's interest has been surveyed and the form of contractor selection has been approved as a wide bidding in the country.

The Department of Planning and Investment is presiding over and coordinating with relevant units to advise the PPC to submit to the Provincial People's Council to adjust the Resolution of the Provincial People's Council on the investment policy of the Ring Road 4 project in Ho Chi Minh City, which passes through Binh Duong province.

Binh Duong always follows and urges to accelerate the progress of key traffic projects

Ho Chi Minh - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh Expressway project has a total investment of about 17,408.39 billion VND, implemented by the PPP method, type of BOT contract. Up to now, 16.65 km/45.747 km has been appraised and approved for site clearance piling. The proposing investor (a joint venture of Becamex IDC Corporation - Technical Infrastructure Development Joint Stock Company - Becamex Binh Duong Technical Infrastructure Development Joint Stock Company - Deo Ca Group Joint Stock Company) is completing the feasibility study report and environmental impact assessment of the project.

Projects to upgrade and expand National Highway 13, Ring Road 3 in Ho Chi Minh City are being built on schedule. Particularly for Ring Road 3, compensation disbursement expenditure is over 6,752 billion VND, reaching about 49% of the total estimate; construction and installation disbursement reached 23.15% of the total estimate. Currently, the PPC is reporting to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Transport on the land clearance plan to build a 4-lane elevated expressway bridge with a section of 15.3 km overlapping My Phuoc - Tan Van Road with a total expected investment of 24,000 billion VND.

At the meeting, the departments reported on the plan to solve problems related to the appraisal of the Ring Road 4 project, Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh Expressway; the planting of land clearance landmarks; resettlement work.

Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Vo Van Minh concluded the meeting

At the end, the Chairman of the PPC Vo Van Minh proposed that the Appraisal Council of the Ring Road 4 project in Ho Chi Minh City through Binh Duong province to complete the project appraisal before July 31^st, 2024. In order to have a basis to help the Department of Planning and Investment advise the PPC to submit to the Provincial People's Council to adjust the Resolution on the investment policy of the Ring Road 4 project in Ho Chi Minh City passes through Binh Duong province, requesting the Department of Transport and the Provincial Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board to provide data to calculate the area of each type of land, the cost of the project's land clearance, completed by August 15^th, 2024 at the latest. Localities with routes passing through must closely lead and direct compensation, clearance and resettlement work. The Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh Expressway is continued to appraise and approve the remaining section landmark planting dossier.

The Chairman of the PPC noted that departments, investors, and construction units closely follow and firmly grasp each project, promptly remove obstacles, difficulties and bottlenecks, and ensure the progress of key traffic projects in the province.

​Accelerating the progress of key projects

Delegates recommended drastic solutions in the disbursement of public investment capital, focusing on increasing capital for projects in the cultural and social fields, and upgrading and expanding National Highway 13, a 1,500-bed Hospital.

Chairman of the PPC Vo Van Minh said that as of July 19, 2024, the province's disbursement value reached 4,547 billion VND, equal to 20.7% of the proposed plan (30% of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister, equal to the national average). Calculating key projects alone, the disbursement value reached 3,001 billion VND, equal to 16.7% of the assigned capital plan.

The main reasons leading to the low disbursement rate are that at the beginning of the year, the Bidding Law 2023 took effect but guiding documents were issued slowly, affecting contractor selection; key projects are allocated large capital but progress is not guaranteed. Many projects still have land problems, affecting construction progress.

To promote the disbursement of public investment capital in the remaining months, striving to reach about 95% of the assigned capital plan, the PPC has directed agencies and localities to focus maximum resources on public investment and implementation, strictly implementing the Central and provincial directions on capital disbursement.

Chairman of the PPC Vo Van Minh explains some issues of interest to voters and delegates

Regarding the National Highway 13 upgrading and expansion project, currently, Thuan An City People's Committee is urgently relocating the power grid and carrying out site clearance in some final cases, striving to complete these two contents in September 2024. The province has directed the Department of Planning and Investment and branches to review and advise on adjusting project policies (additional state capital) as a basis for project appraisal and approval in July 2024.

As for the 1,500-bed Hospital Project, the PPC is finalizing the policy to adjust the hospital equipment project (expected to be approved by the Provincial People's Council at the upcoming thematic meeting). The province has also directed the Provincial Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Authority to urgently handle the termination of contracts with the construction unit of the Central Technical Block and Funeral House project, and organize the selection of new construction contractors with enough capacity and experience to continue implementation. At the same time, urgently deploying the parking lot project, establishing investment preparation procedures for the dormitory block, as well as the remaining component projects, striving to complete the project in the third quarter of 2025.

Regarding outstanding issues in real estate projects leading to complaints and large gatherings of people causing insecurity and disorder, Chairman of the PPC Vo Van Minh said that over the past time, some housing developers have implemented projects behind schedule, real estate transactions without qualified conditions, causing risks for buyers, leading to complaints and large gatherings of people resulting insecurity and order.

To control and stabilize the real estate market and ensure security and order, the province has established a Steering Committee to resolve difficulties and problems for enterprises and real estate projects. Through the review, there are currently 28 housing development projects (mainly concentrated in Thu Dau Mot city, Thuan An city, and Di An city) that are facing difficulties and obstacles during project implementation, leading to delays and lasting many years.

The Steering Committee held 18 meetings, thereby agreeing on solutions for each specific project. At the same time, orienting support and handling of projects that are slow to be implemented in the coming time. For projects that have not been allocated land and have lasted for many years, the PPC will continue to review and consider revoking the project investment policy; and organize project bidding to select capable investors to continue implementation if still consistent with local socio-economic development orientation.

Resolving problems in health and education

Overcrowding in admission to all levels of public schools is also a matter of concern and requires specific solutions to be resolved in the near future.

Accordingly, in Thuan An City, with a rapidly increasing mechanical population, the current population of school age is 107,768, accounting for 20.82% of the entire province. The number of new students enrolled each year is about 30,600. Currently, the city has 60 public schools and centers and 99 private educational establishments. To meet the needs of day-boarding and two-session learning at all levels, the city needs to invest in 823 additional classrooms.

According to the Chairman of the PPC Vo Van Minh, currently, the province has 03 school projects under construction, with an increased scale of 72 classrooms, expected to be completed in 2024. Although the province has paid attention to building schools and classes and investing in facilities, it still cannot meet the learning needs of students, especially in localities with many industrial parks such as Thuan An, Di An, Ben Cat, etc. In the immediate future, to solve this problem, the province has directed the Education and Training branch to implement many solutions such as: Increasing the number of students/classes at the primary and secondary school levels to ensure students go to school; carrying out well the work of streamlining and routing at the beginning of the school level, ensuring not to occur that students without conditions have to study in the private system; allocating budget to invest in school projects according to the priority list and roadmap for the 2021-2025 period and the following years; planning and reserving land funds for education and training to meet the realities of each locality; socializing and encouraging investors to pay attention and invest in the field of education and training.

In addition, the province is completing the Project on "Consolidating, strengthening and developing human resources and facilities of Binh Duong province's Education and Training branch in the 2024-2025 period, with an orientation to 2030" to serve as a basis for planning, investment, and State management of the field of education and training in the coming time. At the same time, urgently removing difficulties and obstacles in procuring tables, chairs and teaching and learning equipment.

To overcome the shortage of drugs and medical supplies for medical examination and treatment, the province's centralized drug procurement unit has purchased most of the drugs for medical facilities. Ensuring enough medicine demand for public health units. Western medicine (Generic) has been supplied according to the bidding results.

In the second quarter of 2024, the shortage of medical supplies has basically been overcome. Currently, most provincial and district hospitals no longer lack medical supplies.

Regarding food safety, the PPC has issued many documents directing, urging and reminding the Health branch and localities to strengthen food safety, prevent and control poisoning, promptly rectify and handle violations to ensure people's health, especially in areas with dense population and workers and at times of festivals and important events.

In the coming time, the province will continue to direct the Health branch and localities to seriously, responsibly and effectively implement tasks and solutions to implement Directive No. 17-CT/TW dated October 21, 2022 of the Secretariat on enhancing security and food safety in the new situation; coordinate with organizations, enterprises, households, and people to raise awareness of responsibility for the community in ensuring food safety, especially in production and business.