Initiatives to achieve sustainable development objectives

Over three decades of industrial advancement, coupled with policies of “rolling out the red carpet to attract investment” and “welcoming talents with open arms,” successive leaders of Binh Duong province have cultivated the Song Be - Binh Duong brand following 50 years of Southern liberation and national unification. To date, Binh Duong has established a green industrial park ecosystem and is exporting the model of green standard industrial parks nationwide. 

Breakthroughs in administrative reforms 

In 1997, following the establishment of the newly separated province, the selection of an appropriate development model was crucial for Binh Duong. Benefiting from its advantageous geographical position adjacent to Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong capitalized on this opportunity by initiating the development of industrial parks (IPs) in areas close to the city, thereby leveraging the existing commercial, service, and social infrastructure. However, to foster industrial growth and expand IPs in other regions of the province, Binh Duong needed to identify a new, more comprehensive model that would not only promote individual industries but also enhance service and urban systems, ultimately creating an attractive and livable environment for investors, residents, and workers.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, former Standing Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Becamex IDC , articulated that by clearly identifying the aforementioned factors, with the Governments of Vietnam and Singapore serving as a bridge and the dynamism and creativity of the provincial leaders at this juncture, the Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Park Joint Venture Company (VSIP) was established between the leading State-owned enterprise of Binh Duong and its Singaporean counterpart. This represents a strategic advancement with a reputable partner, well-versed in executing projects on an international scale, particularly noted for its extensive experience and credibility in attracting and promoting industrial investment globally. This collaboration has enabled Binh Duong to gain insights into Singapore's industrial development methodologies, encompassing not only infrastructure but also trade promotion, thereby enhancing the province's marketing system and global investment outreach.

However, collaboration with international partners to standardize the processes of constructing and managing industrial parks, as well as to enhance investment attraction to Binh Duong, is insufficient. Binh Duong has actively engaged in establishing the nation's inaugural Industrial Park Management Board model. This initiative has yielded immediate effectiveness, resulting in a significant advancement in the reform of administrative procedures. It also embodies the ethos of "dare to think, dare to act," which has contributed to Binh Duong's development of a welcoming image and brand for the government in the eyes of investors.

Collaborative approach strategy 

In 1996, the establishment of VSIP Industrial Park provided Binh Duong with a fresh perspective and a new model, gradually shaping the notion of "development beyond industry." Industrial parks cannot thrive sustainably without the presence of high-quality urban areas to meet the needs of investors, social housing to accommodate low-income workers, and resettlement areas for individuals affected by compensation and clearance. Additionally, Binh Duong boasts a comprehensive system of social services, including healthcare, educational institutions, and various other community services.

Drawing from the experience of the VSIP Industrial Park model, Binh Duong has recognized its suitability for expanding development in areas distant from Ho Chi Minh City while ensuring sustainable growth. This model also contributes to the enhancement and modernization of Binh Duong's urban areas through systematic planning, integrating green-standard industrial parks that support a green economy and sustainable development. "The Industrial-Service-Urban Complex represents a significant innovative concept and a pivotal policy aimed at transforming the approach to attracting and soliciting investment in Binh Duong. This includes a unified strategy for investment management, investment solicitation, and the development of cohesive technical and social infrastructure, gradually establishing an investment attraction strategy centered on creating a comprehensive ecosystem to meet all investor needs," Mr. Nguyen Van Hung elaborated.

Following the establishment of an industrial complex within the Industrial-Service-Urban Complex, a foundation has been laid for the development of new industrial parks in the northern region, including My Phuoc Industrial Parks 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as Bau Bang Industrial Park. Notably, VSIP 3 Industrial Park is recognized as a third-generation industrial park, characterized as a green industrial park that Binh Duong is promoting to attract investments from environmentally conscious manufacturing enterprises. The investment of 1.3 billion USD by the Lego Group (Denmark) serves as a testament to this initiative. Over more than three decades of integration and development, the industrial parks have become a pivotal mechanism for Binh Duong to draw investment and enhance trade and services. VSIP industrial parks adhere to Singaporean standards, prioritize environmental sustainability, attract numerous clean industrial projects, and provide stable employment opportunities for workers both within and outside the province.

Through the strategy of collaboration, Binh Duong has disseminated the VSIP green industrial park model to various regions across the nation. To date, 20 VSIP industrial parks have been established nationwide, accompanied by urban and service areas, encompassing a total area of 12,000 hectares. These parks have attracted over 1,000 enterprises from 30 countries and territories, with total investments exceeding 23 billion USD, thereby generating employment for hundreds of thousands of domestic and foreign workers. Currently, VSIP industrial parks have emerged as a benchmark for the development of green, modern, and environmentally sustainable industrial zones.

Reported by Minh Duy - Thanh Tuyen - Translated by Vi Bao