​The FTA Index serves as a metric to evaluate the implementation capacity of commitments within FTAs across 63 provinces and cities.

The FTA Index is structured upon four key pillars: dissemination and communication of FTAs; implementation of legal regulations related to FTAs; policies supporting enhanced competitiveness; and the execution of sustainable development commitments.

The total score for each locality is calculated based on a 10-point scale for each component indicator, culminating in a maximum total score of 40.

The top 10 leading localities nationwide in terms of the 2024 FTA Index scores are as follows: Ca Mau (34.90 points), Thanh Hoa (34.13 points), Binh Duong (34.02 points), Khanh Hoa (32.92 points), Tra Vinh (32.74 points), Long An (32.50 points), Ha Giang (32.46 points), Bac Lieu (32.43 points), Ninh Binh (31.74 points), and Dien Bien (31.72 points).

Top 10 localities leading the nation in FTA Index scores for 2024

At the ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presented Certificates of Merit to five provinces and cities for their achievements in evaluating the results of the FTA Index 2024, including Ca Mau, Thanh Hoa, Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong City.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presented Certificates of Merit to 5 provinces and cities for their outstanding achievements in evaluating the results of the FTA Index 2024. Photo: Tran Hai/Nhan Dan Newspaper.

The development of the FTA Index is not merely a ranking exercise, but also a strategic step in measuring the effectiveness of international integration at the local level – the place where FTA commitments are directly implemented for businesses.

Through this set of indicators, the Government will gain a clearer understanding of the implementation of support for businesses in utilizing FTAs by localities, thereby enabling it to provide guidance and oversight on the implementation of FTAs at the local level. Simultaneously, it allows for timely solutions and support to address difficulties, thus helping businesses to have sustainable development orientations, meet integration standards, and contribute to the successful realization of Viet Nam's economic growth, investment, and trade objectives.​

​Accordingly, the Department of Agriculture and Environment is authorized to appraise and approve the appraisal results of environmental impact assessment reports, environmental restoration and rehabilitation plans in mineral exploitation activities, and issue Environmental Permits for investment projects located outside industrial parks and those within industrial parks exempt from wastewater connection under the jurisdiction of the Provincial People's Committee.

Specifically: Receiving dossiers and organizing the appraisal and approval of appraisal results of environmental impact assessment reports; environmental restoration and rehabilitation plans in mineral exploitation activities; receiving dossiers and organizing the inspection, appraisal, and issuance, renewal, adjustment, and reissuance of Environmental Permits; and revoking the right to use and reclaiming issued Environmental Permits.

Simultaneously, receiving and responding to annual periodic environmental protection work reports; conducting inspection and supervision of the implementation of the contents of the Decision approving the appraisal results of environmental impact assessment reports, environmental restoration and rehabilitation plans, and Environmental Permits.

The Decision takes effect from March 27, 2025, and replaces Decisions No. 975/QD-UBND dated April 26, 2022, and No. 2171/QD-UBND dated September 9, 2022, of the Provincial People's Committee.

Authorization period: From March 27, 2025, to December 31, 2025. During the implementation process, if the Central Government issues new regulations, the Department of Agriculture and Environment will advise the Provincial People's Committee to amend, supplement, or replace them accordingly.

Decision No. 900/QD-UBND.

​Representatives from various departments and agencies of the province also joined the meeting.

Overview of the meeting

At the meeting, Mr. Trinh Hoang Tuan Anh - Deputy Director of the Department of Finance briefly introduced socio-economic of the province.

Binh Duong currently has 4,430 investment projects from 65 countries and territories, with a total registered capital of 42.5 billion USD. Among them, China leads with 1,806 projects, totaling over 11.2 billion USD in investment capital.

In the coming time, Binh Duong will prioritize attracting investment in high-tech industries, the semiconductor industry, green energy, green economy, and the circular economy.

Mr. Liang Te - Director of the Foreign Trade Department, Qinghai Provincial Department of Commerce (China), highly praised Binh Duong's economic achievements and development strategy. He also provided a brief overview of Qinghai Province's geographical location and economic development.

Accordingly, Qinghai Province has the largest freshwater lake in China and is the origin of major rivers, playing an important role in China's ecosystem.

Currently, the province is receiving attention from China and increasing investment in infrastructure development to protect local ecological resources, develop green energy sources such as wind power and solar power, and promote tourism. The province also has a developed chemical industrial manufacturing sector.

Mr. Liang Te stated that Qinghai and Binh Duong provinces share many similarities in economic development strategies. Therefore, Qinghai Province hopes to have more opportunities to promote trade and investment cooperation with Binh Duong in the province's key industries.

Representatives of two provinces discuss at the meeting

Mr. Trinh Hoang Tuan Anh expressed his gratitude to the delegation for visiting and exploring trade cooperation opportunities in Binh Duong. He also conveyed his hope that the two provinces would have numerous opportunities for collaboration in the fields of construction materials, green energy, chemical industry, and tourism.

To proceed with cooperation, both parties need to conduct a deeper exploration in each specific area and develop a detailed and suitable cooperation plan.

Mr. Trinh Hoang Tuan Anh – Deputy Director of the Finance Department presents a souvenir to the delegation from the Qinghai Provincial Department of Commerce (China)

Mr. Liang Te - Director of the Foreign Trade Division of the Qinghai Provincial Department of Commerce (China) presents a souvenir to the Deputy Director of the Finance Department

Delegates take a group photo

​Representing Binh Duong Province were Mr. Nguyen Van Loi - Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation; and Mr. Bui Minh Tri - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

At the ceremony, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with leaders from ministries, sectors, and localities of both Viet Nam and Singapore, witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between Sembcorp Development and its joint venture partner Becamex IDC, and various localities. These MOUs pertained to research, cooperation, and development of VSIP projects in the southern region of Binh Duong Province, as well as in the northern regions of Hai Phong City, Hung Yen Province, and Hai Duong Province.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with leaders from ministries, sectors, and localities of both Viet Nam and Singapore, witness Sembcorp Development and its joint venture partner Becamex IDC, together with local authorities, signing MOUs on cooperative research and development of VSIP projects in the Southern and Northern regions.

The MOUs reaffirmed the shared goal of creating an optimal environment within VSIP's industrial parks, equipped with the necessary infrastructure and resources to attract and support high-tech manufacturing activities. The endorsement from the two countries' high-level leadership underscored VSIP's strategic role in bilateral and economic cooperation between Viet Nam and Singapore.

Vietnamese and Singaporean government leaders and delegates performed the groundbreaking ceremony for VSIP in the Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province.

Alongside the MOUs was the groundbreaking ceremony for VSIP Thai Binh's 333-hectare project in the Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province. With its strategic location within the developing industrial ecosystem of Northern Viet Nam, VSIP Thai Binh is positioned to become a key satellite industrial park, supporting the network of major manufacturers and suppliers in high-value sectors such as electronics, precision engineering, and renewable energy.

Established in 1996, VSIP is founded on the joint economic cooperation platform of the Vietnamese and Singaporean governments. VSIP projects are implemented through a joint venture between Viet Nam's Becamex IDC and Sembcorp Development, a subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries, Singapore. VSIP Group is currently developing 20 urban, industrial, and service zones across Viet Nam with a total area of 12,000 hectares. VSIP supports over 1,000 customers from 30 countries and territories with a total investment of 23.4 billion USD.

​During the meeting, Mr. Yoo Chang-sik stated that Wintec Glovis is a leading Korean enterprise specializing in the production of filtration equipment and activated carbon regeneration using superheated steam regeneration technology, which helps absorb and filter pollutants in clean water, wastewater, domestic water, etc. With advanced water and waste gas treatment technology, it helps save significant costs, contributing to sustainable development for the locality. He expressed his desire to have the opportunity to cooperate with Binh Duong Province in the field of wastewater treatment and provide advanced, modern, and environmentally friendly solutions to help Binh Duong develop sustainably.

Overview of the meeting

Welcoming the delegation to visit and work in Binh Duong, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Toan provided a summary of the province's socio-economic development and foreign investment attractions. Accordingly, as of February 15, 2025, the province has 4,430 investment projects from 65 countries and territories with a total registered capital of 42.5 billion USD. Binh Duong currently ranks second nationwide in attracting foreign investment, only after Ho Chi Minh City. South Korea ranks fifth among the 65 countries and territories investing in Binh Duong with 776 projects and a total investment capital of 3.45 billion USD. Over the past time, the province has paid great attention to environmental protection, especially in the field of wastewater and exhaust gas treatment. Currently, wastewater treatment projects in the province are being implemented by BIWASE in Thu Dau Mot City and Thuan An City. He expressed his hope that Wintec Glovis Company will coordinate with departments, agencies, and BIWASE Company to research and implement wastewater treatment projects in the province.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Toan - Director of the Finance Department discusses with Mr. Yoo Chang-sik - Chairman of Wintec Glovis Co., Ltd.

At the working session, Wintec Glovis Co., Ltd. and Binh Duong Water - Environment Joint Stock Company (BIWASE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in wastewater treatment and environmental protection in the coming time.

Wintec Glovis Co., Ltd. and Binh Duong Water - Environment Joint Stock Company (BIWASE) sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in wastewater treatment and environmental protection in the coming time.

​From Binh Duong province, Mr. Bui Minh Tri - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, along with leaders of provincial departments and agencies, attended the meeting

07 Solution groups for Binh Duong to achieve 10.5% growth

The working session focused on the key tasks and solutions for localities to strive to achieve the growth target in 2025.

Mr. Bui Minh Tri - Vice Chairman of Binh Duong Provincial People's Committee, stated that the province has proactively developed a growth scenario with the target of achieving a GRDP growth rate of 10.5%, a GRDP per capita of over 198 million VND/person, a total budget revenue increase of over 13% compared to the same period in 2024, and a target of increasing import-export turnover by over 10% per year...

Accordingly, the province has outlined 02 groups of solutions: Short-term solutions with broad spillover effects to achieve immediate growth targets, and long-term solutions with in-depth impact to help the province develop stably and sustainably in the coming years.

There are 04 key tasks that need to be urgently implemented in the immediate future to have a rapid and strong impact, including focusing on directing and managing, maximizing economic stability, and drastically implementing 03 breakthroughs: Breakthrough in mobilizing all investment resources with the motto of public investment leading private investment; breakthrough in investing in regional and intra-regional transportation infrastructure; breakthrough in the organization of implementing assigned tasks with clear personnel, clear tasks, clear implementation time, clear results, and enhanced inspection and supervision.

Attract foreign direct investment (FDI) with the target of attracting over 3 billion USD, with an FDI disbursement rate of over 70%.

Overview of the working session

The public investment task group will lead private investment. In 2025, the province will allocate approximately 36,000 billion VND of public investment capital (2.25 times higher than in 2024), focusing on compensation, site clearance, and construction of key infrastructure projects to connect the region from the early months of the year, such as Ring Road 3, Tan Van intersection, Ring Road 4, Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh expressway, National Highway 13 expansion, etc. Urgently prepare investment for projects such as the Saigon riverside road, Tay Ninh connecting road, Song Than intersection upgrade, cargo railway projects, urban railway projects, etc., to accelerate implementation in the 2026-2030 period.

Regarding the task group on business development and creating a favorable business environment, the province aims to have 8,000 - 10,000 newly established enterprises; promote information technology applications, and expedite business registration procedures to enable businesses to quickly enter the market.

Promote solutions to support FDI and private enterprises, address difficulties in licensing related to businesses, investment, environment, construction materials, fire prevention and fighting, etc., to enable businesses to operate early and create development space for the economy. Strive to reduce licensing time by 50-70% for key projects and 30% for other projects, etc.

Mr. Bui Minh Tri – Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee speaks at the working session

For long-term solutions, there are 03 key tasks to promote Binh Duong's stable, sustainable, and long-term development. Specifically, the task group on comprehensive and sustainable market development: Continue to implement new economic growth solutions aimed at sustainability, coupled with social progress, equity, and ecological environment protection. Effectively organize the implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW in a number of key areas of Binh Duong. Promote cross-border trade activities, and diversify potential export markets such as the Middle East, Halal, Latin America, Africa... to effectively exploit opportunities from the FTAs that Vietnam has signed.

The task group on attracting investment resources: the province focuses on directing sectors to urgently complete procedures for establishing 5-8 industrial parks, 5-7 specialized industrial clusters in accordance with the province's development orientation and planning. Focus on attracting investment to complete 3 logistics centers and 8 major commercial centers to sustainably increase the value of the service industry.

Finally, the task group on human resource training, improving people's quality of life, attracting, and developing an education and training system for industries serving the development of the semiconductor industry, automation, training a highly skilled workforce according to the needs of enterprises, creating advantages for the transformation of new economic models and attracting investment.

Removing bottlenecks and barriers to accelerate development

At the working session, leaders of the 03 provinces of Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Tien Giang presented difficulties and obstacles, and proposed that the Government and ministries remove bottlenecks, clear obstacles, and create growth momentum for the localities and the region.

Mr. Bui Minh Tri - Vice Chairman of Binh Duong Provincial People's Committee said that during the implementation of the Central Conclusions, the Politburo, Government Resolutions, and the Prime Minister's directions, there are still many difficulties such as: The legal corridor framework system still limits the authority of the localities, investment resources for the province's socio-economic infrastructure are limited because Binh Duong is one of 18 provinces and cities with a relatively low percentage of local budget regulation compared to the province's actual development needs... In addition, the implementation of models applying high economic efficiency science and technology to production and business activities is still limited and not widespread.

Representatives from ministries and sectors respond to the recommendations of local authorities.

To address the aforementioned issues, Binh Duong Province proposes that the Government review and consider issuing specific mechanisms, creating "green corridors" within these mechanisms, to enable localities to capitalize on existing opportunities and promptly pursue the clear goals and orientations set forth by the Politburo in Conclusion No. 123-KL/TW and Government Resolution No. 25/NQ-CP regarding growth targets for industries, sectors, and localities, ensuring the national growth target of 8% or higher in 2025. Additionally, it is necessary to adjust the budget allocation ratio for Binh Duong Province to exceed 40%, and to increase investment in provinces within the Region in general and Binh Duong in particular, especially in transportation infrastructure, healthcare, education, and human resource training. Furthermore, mechanisms and resources should be supplemented to support businesses and investors in relocating and repurposing existing industrial parks and clusters in the southern districts of the province to the northern districts, creating new spaces for development. The Government is also urged to finalize the policy framework for encouraging social investment.

In response to Binh Duong's proposal regarding the complex and prolonged procedures for investment, construction, and sale of social housing, where social housing projects are exempt from land use fees but still required to undergo land use fee calculation procedures for exemption, a representative from the Ministry of Construction stated that a detailed report has been submitted. The pilot resolution includes provisions that simplify procedures compared to the time-consuming procedures for typical investment and construction projects. This pilot plan also anticipates integrating and streamlining several procedures. The Ministry of Construction has compiled feedback from localities to develop the Resolution. The Ministry will propose six policy mechanisms to simplify social housing investment procedures, which are expected to be approved by the National Assembly in the near future.

Mr. Tran Hong Minh – Minister of the Construction Ministry speaks at the working session

Concluding the working session, Mr. Tran Hong Minh - Minister of the Construction Ministry highly praised the direction and administration, as well as the implementation of the socio-economic development tasks of the three provinces.

The Minister of Construction emphasized that public investment disbursement is crucial to achieving growth targets. Therefore, the provinces need to focus on removing difficulties and accelerating capital disbursement. In addition, they should concentrate on boosting exports, paying attention to public investment, FDI investment, improving the investment environment, and removing bottlenecks, obstacles, and roadblocks to promote investment attraction and expand production. Simultaneously, they should enact mechanisms and policies to motivate businesses to develop in digital transformation, high-quality human resource training, science and technology industrial parks, and propose the establishment of free trade zones.

Regarding the proposals of the three provinces, the Minister of Construction Ministry requested the Ministries and sectors to take note, propose solutions, and remove difficulties for the localities.

In attendance were Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha - Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Vo Van Minh - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; members of the Provincial Party Committee Executive Board and Standing Committee, and representatives of leaders from provincial departments, agencies, and organizations.  

At the conference, provincial leaders presented the Decision of the Party Central Committee Secretariat approving the participation of Mr. Nguyen Van Minh - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, and Secretary of Thuan An City Party Committee, and Ms. Nguyen Thi My Hang - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, and Head of the Provincial Internal Affairs Committee, in the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee for the 2020-2025 term; and Ms. Vo Thi Bach Yen - Chairwoman of the Provincial Women's Union, in the Provincial Party Committee Executive Board. And presenting the Decision of the Prime Minister approving the election results for the position of Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for the 2021-2026 term to Mr. Bui Minh Tri - Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of Tan Uyen City Party Committee.

Provincial leaders present the Central Party Secretariat's Decision approving participation in the Standing Committee and the Executive Committee of the Provincial Party Committee for the 2020-2025 term, and the Prime Minister's Decision approving the election results for the post of Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for the 2021-2026 term to the officials.

The conference announced and presented the Decisions of the Ministry of Finance, and Viet Nam Social Security on personnel work. Accordingly, Mr. Nguyen Van Cong - Director of Binh Duong Provincial Tax Department, was appointed as Regional Tax Department XVI; Mr. Nguyen Tran Hieu - Director of Binh Duong Customs Department, was appointed as Head of Regional Customs Department XVI; Mr. Do Trung Phuong - Director of Binh Phuoc Provincial State Treasury, was appointed as Director of Regional State Treasury XVI; Mr. Dang Hong Tuan - Director of An Giang Provincial Social Security, was appointed as Director of Regional Social Security IV.

Provincial leaders present the Decisions of the Ministry of Finance, and Viet Nam Social Security to appoint the Head of the Regional Tax Department XVI, the Head of the Regional Customs Department XVI, the Director of the Regional State Treasury XVI, and the Director of the Regional Social Insurance IV.

Provincial leaders presented Decisions to officials retiring before the designated age.

Provincial leaders also presented early retirement decisions to Ms. Le Thi Mong Diem - Deputy Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda and Popularization Department; Ms. Tran Thi Kim Lan - Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee; Ms. Doan Thi Hong Thom - Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Health; and Ms. Le Minh Ly - Director of the Provincial Social Insurance.

Mr. Nguyen Van Loi- Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee speaks at the conference

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Nguyen Van Loi – Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee congratulated the newly appointed comrades and acknowledged the contributions of the retiring comrades. The Provincial Party Secretary expressed his hope that the newly appointed comrades would continue to leverage their capabilities, maintain collective solidarity, and fulfill their assigned tasks effectively. He wished the retiring comrades good health and continued contributions to the local development.​

​The conference was attended by Mr. Pham Hung Thai - Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Tay Ninh Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Tran Van Mi - Vice Chairman of the Binh Phuoc Provincial People's Committee; and Mr. Nguyen Van Tho - Director of the Customs Department.

At the conference, a representative of the Customs Department announced Decision No. 966/QD-BTC dated March 5, 2025, of the Minister of Finance on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Regional Customs Branch under the Customs Department, and announced the Customs Department's decision on the organizational structure of the XVI Regional Customs Branch, including: the Office, divisions, teams, and border/non-border customs offices.

​Mr. Nguyen Van Tho - Director of the Customs Department presents the decisions on the temporary transfer and appointment of 5 Deputy Directors of the XVI Regional Customs Branch.

Following the reorganization, the Customs Department now has 20 regional customs branches nationwide. Among them, the XVI Regional Customs Branch is headquartered in Binh Duong, managing the territory of 03 provinces: Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, and Tay Ninh. The XVI Regional Customs Branch has 08 Offices, Divisions, Teams, and 16 Border/Non-Border Customs Units. Mr. Nguyen Tran Hieu - Director of Binh Duong Customs Department, holds the position of Head of the XVI Regional Customs Branch.

The conference also announced the decision of the Director of the Customs Department on the term-based transfer and appointment of 05 Deputy Heads of the XVI Regional Customs Branch from March 15, 2025, including: Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh (Deputy Director of Binh Duong Customs Department), Mr. Tong Quoc Thinh (Deputy Director of Binh Duong Customs Department), Mr. Vo Thanh Ngoan (Deputy Director of Tay Ninh Customs Department), Mr. Phan Van Dung (Deputy Director of Binh Phuoc Customs Department), and Mr. Nguyen Van Ngan (Deputy Director of Binh Phuoc Customs Department).

Mr. Nguyen Van Tho - Director of the Customs Department presents the decisions on the temporary transfer and appointment of 5 Deputy Directors of the XVI Regional Customs Branch.

At the same time, the decisions of the Director-General of the Customs Department regarding the transfer and appointment of Heads of Divisions, Team Leaders, and equivalents under the Sub-Department of Customs Region XVI for 23 civil servants, effective from March 15, 2025, were announced.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tho - Director of the Customs Department presents flowers to congratulate the inauguration of the XVI Regional Customs Branch.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Nguyen Van Tho - Director of the Customs Department, congratulated the relocated and appointed comrades. He emphasized that the XVI Regional Customs Branch operates under a new model with a very large scale and area, including industrial parks and numerous international land border gates with a long borderline. Therefore, he requested the Sub-Department to quickly stabilize its apparatus and facilitate customs clearance for businesses. To review administrative procedures, especially those related to specialized inspections, to propose amendments, creating favorable conditions for businesses in trade activities and attracting investment to the area. Simultaneously, to arrange the apparatus and personnel appropriately to perform tasks well, avoid disruption; maintain discipline and order in the sector, strengthen solidarity, sharing common difficulties to successfully complete assigned tasks. To focus on implementing budget collection, combating smuggling and trade fraud; striving to successfully complete all assigned tasks in 2025.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tho - Director of the Customs Department speaks at the conference

Following the guidance of the Customs Department, Mr. Nguyen Tran Hieu - Head of the XVI Regional Customs Branch, stated that on the first day of operation under the new model (as of 12:00 PM on March 15th), more than 2,000 declarations had been smoothly and conveniently cleared. In the near future, the Department of Customs Region XVI will focus on developing key plans and tasks related to budget revenue collection, combating trade fraud, and customs reform and modernization, in order to successfully fulfill its assigned responsibilities.

​Changing Mindsets and Strategies

According to the Department of Finance's report, the 2019-2024 period marked an impressive development path for Binh Duong in attracting FDI, with total FDI capital reaching over 14.3 billion USD, of which newly registered capital accounted for 6.8 billion USD (equivalent to 47.7% of the total capital). FDI capital has become a key driving force promoting the comprehensive and sustainable development of Binh Duong.

To consolidate Binh Duong's "brand" in attracting FDI, the province has made significant changes in the industry structure and the origin of investment partners, contributing to shaping a more balanced and sustainable economic development strategy. Since 2021, the province has strongly shifted towards prioritizing the attraction of projects in the fields of high technology, supporting industries, and logistics. These fields not only align with global trends but also reduce dependence on labor-intensive industries, while increasing production value and competitiveness in the international market. This shift is evidenced by the implementation of major projects such as: Denmark's first carbon-neutral Lego factory in Viet Nam at Viet Nam - Singapore III Industrial Park with an investment of over 1 billion USD; high-tech equipment manufacturing plants and logistics projects serving the global supply chain. In the field of high technology, Binh Duong not only attracts new projects but also encourages existing investors to increase capital to expand production scale and improve technology.

In November 2022, Lego Group commenced the construction of its 1.36 billion USD factory project in VSIP III Industrial Park. After two years of construction, Lego Group has initiated trial operations of its production line. Image: Leaders of Binh Duong Province and Lego Group conduct the trial operation ceremony of the production line.

Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China (Taiwan) continue to be strategic partners, maintaining a strong presence in the fields of processing and manufacturing industries and real estate. Notably, Japan and South Korea are not only investing in manufacturing but also expanding into research and development (R&D) projects, contributing to enhancing the province's technological capabilities. Meanwhile, the participation of investors from Europe and North America has also significantly increased, as evidenced by prominent projects from Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States in the fields of manufacturing and high technology, bringing advanced technologies and modern management methods.

Japan, South Korea, and China (Taiwan) continue to be strategic partners, maintaining a strong presence in the fields of processing and manufacturing industries, and real estate. Photo: Electronics manufacturing plant of a Japanese enterprise at Viet Nam - Singapore Industrial Park II.

Sharing experiences in attracting FDI, Mr. Vo Van Minh - Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, stated: "Over the past period, Binh Duong has implemented breakthrough solutions to accelerate FDI attraction. The province has consistently taken the initiative to improve the investment environment, enhance policy transparency, and strengthen international connectivity. In 2024, Binh Duong attracted over 2 billion USD in FDI, exceeding the set target and ranking second nationwide, only after Ho Chi Minh City. This is the result of a development strategy focused on green industrial parks and new-generation industries, laying the foundation for attracting quality investors in the fields of high technology, digital economy, and artificial intelligence. A prime example is the Lego Factory project of the Lego Group (Denmark), which is expected to open a new chapter in Binh Duong's FDI attraction and initiate a wave of greener and higher-quality investments from European enterprises into the province."

Sustainable Investment Attraction

2025 marks a special year for Binh Duong as the province is determined to achieve double-digit growth and continue to be a leading destination for investment attraction, innovation, science and technology development, and to create a fair and safe business environment for enterprises and investors. The focus is on attracting strategic investment projects, particularly in green industries, supporting industries, and renewable energy.

An optimistic signal to start the new year with expectations of achieving many positive results was the issuance of investment certificates by the Provincial People's Committee on February 1, 2025, for 07 FDI projects with a total investment of nearly 1 billion USD. Notable projects include the Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Park Joint Venture Co., Ltd. (VSIP) with the VSIP III infrastructure investment project; the new urban area project of VSIP Binh Duong Housing Development Co., Ltd.; the Timotion Viet Nam Manufacturing Plant project; and the Axman (Viet Nam) Co., Ltd. project at VSIP III. Additionally, due to favorable business performance, many FDI enterprises operating in Binh Duong have adjusted to increase their investment capital, such as the Cheng Loong Binh Duong Paper Co., Ltd. project at the Protrade Industrial Park expanding by 50 million USD; the Deneast Viet Nam Co., Ltd. project at VSIP IIA increasing by 40.2 million USD; and the Dongil Rubber Belt Viet Nam Co., Ltd. project at Bau Bang Industrial Park investing an additional 15 million USD.

Binh Duong issues investment certificates to FDI projects. Photo: Government leaders and representatives from ministries, sectors, and Binh Duong Province take a group photo with investors.

Mr. Gu Jung Pin - General Director of Cheng Loong Binh Duong Paper Co., Ltd., stated: "Sustainable development is the company's strategy and operational goal. We start by recycling waste paper as raw material to produce recycled paper and packaging products. Reusable materials generated during the production process, including wastewater from paper production and biogas from wastewater, are all recovered by the factory's boiler and then put back into the production process. At the same time, we build a complete and advanced wastewater and exhaust gas treatment system to ensure no environmental pollution. Therefore, the Company's factory is an industry that ensures a circular economy and is environmentally friendly."

To continue being a destination for domestic and foreign investors, Binh Duong is making efforts to implement regional connectivity infrastructure projects, plan industrial parks and clusters, redesign development space, and attract high-quality investment; while promoting digital transformation, green economy, and circular economy in line with the province's sustainable development goals. Specifically, the province has planned approximately 16,000 hectares of new industrial land to form a new generation industrial belt along Ring Road 4, Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh Expressway, Ho Chi Minh Road (section through Binh Phuoc - Binh Duong - Tay Ninh - Long An provinces). As a result, nearly 200 km of expressways will pass through Binh Duong, connecting airports and seaports, thereby creating new momentum and development space for the locality. The plan includes economic, industrial, urban, and service corridors, connected with inter-regional transport corridors such as Ring Road 3, Ring Road 4 of Ho Chi Minh City and national highways. Industrial parks will develop according to a model linked to transport rings for convenient transportation and inter-regional connectivity, creating economic development momentum not only for Binh Duong but also for the entire Southeast region. The industrial park system will be located along the main ring roads and transport corridors, especially the area along Ring Road 4 and expressways connecting to seaports and international airports, helping to enhance transportation and logistics connectivity.

Government Leaders, Ministries, Sectors, and Localities Conduct Groundbreaking Ceremony for Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh Expressway

Alongside the promotion of infrastructure investment, Binh Duong continues to reform administrative procedures, simplifying and digitizing investment licensing and business registration processes, thereby saving time and costs for businesses in implementing administrative procedures.

Speaking at the Conference to meet with Industry Associations, Business Associations, and Foreign Investment Associations in early 2025, Mr. Vo Van Minh - Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, stated that in the current phase, Binh Duong is accelerating digital transformation to build a digital government, digital economy, and digital society, creating a new ecosystem to promote development. Binh Duong's investment attraction policy has shifted towards selective attraction of businesses with high technology and added value, environmentally friendly practices, and a focus on the digital and green economy, aiming to create harmony between socio-economic development and green growth, contributing to building a smart city of Binh Duong with international reach. Binh Duong is becoming a production destination for many high-quality projects.

Strategically oriented towards the development of the information technology industry, Binh Duong is establishing a centralized information technology park and data center to attract investment in electronic products, semiconductor microchip industry, IoT, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, contributing to the formation of a high-tech driving region connecting with Dong Nai and Ba Ria - Vung Tau provinces.

"With a strong commitment to improving the investment environment, enhancing the quality of public services, and always accompanying the business community, Binh Duong will continue to be an attractive destination for domestic and foreign investors," affirmed Mr. Vo Van Minh - Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

​Also receiving was Mr. Vo Van Minh – Deputy Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Committee, and representatives from departments, agencies.

At the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Van Loi – Secretary of the Provincial Party expressed his pleasure in welcoming the Pacific Construction Group and Mr. Yan Jiehe to visit and explore the investment environment in Binh Duong Province. He also shared some of the province's socio-economic development achievements and results in 2024, with its GRDP per capita ranking 1st in the country; import and export turnover reaching 59 billion USD, accounting for about 10% of the national total. To date, the province has attracted nearly 42.5 billion USD in foreign direct investment. Currently, China ranks 1st among the 65 countries and territories investing in Binh Duong, with over 1,800 projects and a total capital of 11.5 billion USD.

Overview of the meeting

The Secretary of the Provincial Party also shared with the delegation the development orientations, key tasks, and strategic breakthroughs of the province in the coming time; expressing the desire for the Group to invest in urban development, industrial, and transportation infrastructure projects in Binh Duong. These are areas where the Group has extensive experience.

Mr. Nguyen Van Loi – Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee (right side) receives the Pacific Construction Group (China), led by Mr. Yan Jiehe - Founder, Chairman of the Group

Mr. Yan Jiehe expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the provincial leaders to the delegation and commended Binh Duong Province for its impressive socio-economic achievements. With the business philosophy of "ensuring the fastest, cheapest, and highest quality", the Group is ready to invest and establish a branch office in Binh Duong Province in the near future. He expressed his hope that the two sides would collaborate and support each other for mutual and sustainable development.

​Mr. Nguyen Van Loi – Secretary of the Provincial Party presents a souvenir to Mr. Yan Jiehe - Founder, Chairman of the Pacific Construction Group

Mr. Vo Van Minh – Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee presents a souvenir to Mr. Yan Jiehe - Founder, Chairman of the Pacific Construction Group

Provincial leaders present flowers to female delegates on the occasion of International Women's Day, March 8^th

Delegates take a group photo

Established in 1995, Pacific Construction Group has grown into a leading Chinese enterprise with hundreds of subsidiaries, ranking 75th among the world's 500 largest enterprises. The Group operates in various sectors, including highway construction, urban development, water conservancy projects, and architecture. In 2024, the Group's revenue reached nearly 80 billion USD, with profits exceeding 5 billion USD.

​At the meeting, both sides discussed the procedures for signing the loan agreement and the progress of implementing the Binh Duong Water Environment Improvement Project (WEIP Project). The project involves the construction of a sewer collection system and wastewater treatment plant for Tan Uyen City, and the upgrade of the collection system and wastewater treatment plants for Thuan An and Di An cities.

Ms. Maria Angelica SotoMayor stated that the project aligns with Binh Duong Province's orientation towards circular, green, and sustainable economic development. The project's technical design has taken into account future climate scenarios, ensuring long-term resilient and adaptive infrastructure, including the selection of energy-saving and greenhouse gas emission reduction technical solutions.

She highly appreciated Binh Duong's efforts in improving the urban environment and affirmed that the World Bank will continue to provide technical support and monitor progress. She expressed her desire for Binh Duong Province to coordinate with Central Ministries and Agencies to expedite the signing of the Loan Agreement in April 2025. Additionally, she urged continued efforts to address obstacles and difficulties in compensation for households affected by the project.

Mr. Bui Minh Thanh – Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee presents souvenir to Ms. Maria Angelica SotoMayor – The World Bank Water Practice Manager, East Asia and Pacific Region.

Mr. Bui Minh Thanh - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee assessed that this project is a significant step in the effort to create a cleaner and healthier environment for Binh Duong Province, contributing to sustainable growth and development. Binh Duong Province will continue to propose to relevant Ministries and Agencies to remove related obstacles in order to expedite loan procedures and mobilize resources to ensure the project is not interrupted.

Delegates take a group photo

​At the meeting, Mr. Bui Minh Tri stated that with a transparent and attractive investment environment, Binh Duong Province has consistently been among the leading provinces and cities nationwide in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in recent years.

Overview of the meeting

Accordingly, as of February 15, 2025, the province has accumulated 4,430 foreign investment projects with a total registered capital of nearly 42.5 billion USD. China ranks 1st among the 65 countries and territories investing in Binh Duong with 1,806 projects totaling over 11.5 billion USD.

Mr. Bui Minh Tri – Vice Chairman of the PPC (right side) receives Mr. Ge Yao Hong – Chairman of the KTK Group

In the coming time, Binh Duong prioritizes attracting investment in high-tech industries, semiconductor chips, green energy, green economy, and circular economy; high-tech, advanced, environmentally friendly, and less labor-intensive sectors that generate high added value; financial services, logistics, and other modern services; supporting industries, high-tech agriculture, especially attracting investment in the Science and Technology Industrial Park.

In addition, the province diversifies foreign investment attraction from potential markets and partners, focusing on the world's leading developed countries and multinational corporations with advanced technology and modern management expertise.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Tri – Vice Chairman of the PPC presents a souvenir to Mr. Ge Yao Hong – Chairman of the KTK Group

Mr. Ge Yao Hong – Chairman of the KTK Group presents a souvenir to Mr. Nguyen Minh Tri – Vice Chairman of the PPC

Mr. Ge Yao Hong - Chairman of KTK Group, congratulated the province on its remarkable development achievements in recent times. He expressed his hope that this survey and exploration trip would help the Group identify opportunities to promote investment activities in various fields such as green energy technology, machinery component manufacturing, unmanned aerial vehicles, and urban railways in Binh Duong in the future.

Mr. Bui Minh Tri – Vice Chairman of the PPC, welcomed the Group's ideas and expressed his desire for both parties to have opportunities for cooperation and development in the coming time.

Delegates take a group photo

​According to the proposal, there are 15 projects under investment preparation, including: the construction of Ring Road 3, Tan Van - Binh Chuan section (coinciding with My Phuoc - Tan Van Road, 15.3km long); the Sai Gon riverside road section through Thuan An City (from Ba Lua canal to An Son port), approximately 3.43km long; An Binh road; Song Than intersection; the connecting section of Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh expressway; the construction of Hieu Liem bridge; DT746 road phase 2; the construction of Chua bridge and Rach Ro bridge on DT746 road; the construction of the railway line from Bau Bang station to An Binh station; the road from Tan Ba market intersection (DT747A, Tan Uyen connecting D21 road, Tan Hanh ward, Bien Hoa city, Dong Nai); the road connecting Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 3 with Bien Hoa airport; National Highway 13c section through Binh Duong province; the investment and construction of parallel roads and connecting roads to the Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 4 complex, the section from Thu Bien bridge - Sai Gon river; Nguyen Chi Thanh intersection.

Overview of the meeting

At the meeting, representatives of departments, agencies, local authorities discussed options, scales, and construction costs, as well as land clearance expenses for the projects; difficulties and obstacles, and proposed solutions to resolve them.

Layout of projects under preparation for investment

Following the opinions of the delegates, Mr. Vo Van Minh - Chairman of the Binh Duong PPC, fundamentally agreed with the proposals; also requested the Provincial Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Board to collaborate with the consulting unit to research and calculate the investment in the construction of projects that are suitable and urgently needed to serve the development of the province and the region. Regarding the Sai Gon river arterial road, he emphasized the need to consider the route planning to minimize the cost of embankment construction.

​Provincial leaders inspected and surveyed the intersection between the Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh expressway and the North Tan Uyen - Phu Giao - Bau Bang Arterial Road (Tan Long commune, Phu Giao district).

The intersection between the Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh expressway and the North Tan Uyen - Phu Giao - Bau Bang Arterial Road

The Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh expressway project, within Binh Duong Province, has a total length of approximately 52km, planned with a scale of 06 expressway lanes and a design speed of 100 km/h.

In phase 1, the project is invested in the form of a public-private partnership (PPP), with a scale of 04 expressway lanes, continuous emergency stopping lanes along the entire route, a roadbed width of 25.5m, a total investment of approximately 17,400 billion VND, including construction costs of over 8,833 billion VND, and a construction period of 36 months from the effective date of the contract; it is expected to be completed in 2027.

This expressway connects from Ho Chi Minh City's Ring Road 3 to Chon Thanh town (Binh Phuoc province), creating a driving force for the development of the Southeast region, expanding urban and industrial space. When the Chon Thanh - Gia Nghia expressway is completed, it will continue to connect to the Central Highlands region, creating regional linkages, promoting socio-economic development, and ensuring national defense and security. The project also contributes to realizing the goal of 5,000 km of expressways set by the Party and Government in the 2021-2030 period.

Mr. Nguyen Van Loi – Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee inspectes the progress of the Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh expressway project

Reporting to the Delegation on the project's progress, a representative of the Binh Duong Provincial Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Board stated that, to implement component project 1 for site clearance of the Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh expressway section passing through Binh Duong Province, the land area to be acquired is 322 hectares; 1,411 individuals and organizations are affected, of which approximately 194 cases require resettlement. Currently, local authorities are compiling land acquisition dossiers, have completed the selection of land valuation consultants, and are conducting surveys, with the expected approval of land prices in March and April 2025. Coordination is underway with Phuoc Hoa Rubber Company to acquire land within the project's acquisition scope, amounting to over 81 hectares.

The Provincial Party Secretary requests localities with the expressway passing through to expedite land recovery and handover of site clearance.

Directing the acceleration of site clearance progress, Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Van Loi proposed that the People's Committees of Phu Giao District, Bac Tan Uyen District, Bau Bang District, and Tan Uyen City direct relevant units to complete the approval of land compensation unit prices as soon as possible. He requested that the unit prices for the entire route be submitted by March 15th, and at the same time, accelerate the preparation of land recovery dossiers and handover of construction sites. Specifically, for Phu Giao District, where the project route spans 22.5km, the Secretary urged the district leaders to focus on quickly and efficiently completing site clearance, creating consensus among the people. The Provincial Party Secretary requested Phuoc Hoa Rubber Company to coordinate in completing site handover procedures and arranging resettlement for the people. He demanded that the new accommodation meet or exceed the quality of the old accommodation for the people. The units and localities are to focus on implementing the tasks and strive to complete and put the expressway into operation in December 2026 as directed by the Prime Minister.

​The Resolution stipulates the land rent exemption preference for land-using projects for production and business purposes in the investment incentive sectors (investment incentive industries and occupations) in Binh Duong Province, as prescribed in Point a, Clause 1, Article 157 of the Land Law, meeting one of the two conditions: The project is on the list of types, size criteria, and socialization standards decided by the Prime Minister; or the project is non-profit.

Accordingly, land rent exemption is granted after the land rent exemption period for basic construction as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 39 of Decree No. 103/2024/ND-CP dated July 30, 2024, of the Government for the regulated project.

Specifically, the northern region (Dau Tieng, Bau Bang, Phu Giao, Bac Tan Uyen): Land rental exemption for the entire land lease period.

The southern region (Thu Dau Mot, Thuan An, Di An, Ben Cat, Tan Uyen): Land rental exemption for the entire land lease period for: general education institutions achieving international standards; environmental projects (excluding crematoriums and electric crematoriums). A 50% land rental exemption for the lease period for remaining projects within the scope of regulation, and crematoriums and electric crematoriums in the environmental sector.

For the following industries and occupations: centralized waste collection, treatment, recycling, and reuse; hazardous waste treatment, hazardous waste co-processing; centralized domestic wastewater treatment with a designed capacity of 2,500m³/day (24 hours) or more for urban areas of grade IV and above; centralized common solid waste collection, transportation, and treatment; production of compliant gasoline, diesel fuel, and certified biofuels; biochar; energy from wind power, solar power, tidal power, geothermal energy, and other forms of renewable energy: The preferential treatment regime specified in this Resolution shall not apply.