Strengthening economic diplomacy

BDK - In recent times, based on the Party's guidelines, the State's policies and laws on foreign affairs, the province has focused on directing specialized agencies to closely follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' orientation on foreign affairs and international integration, strengthening management and further improving the effectiveness of the province's foreign affairs activities, ensuring practicality and compliance with current regulations. Foreign affairs are proactive, flexible, appropriate and close to reality on all three pillars: Party foreign affairs, State diplomacy and people's diplomacy, thereby contributing to creating a stable political environment, promoting internal strength, maximizing external strength to promote socio-economic development in the province.

Coconut industry scientific conference attracts the participation of international organizations and foreign experts.

Outstanding results

Regarding investment promotion, in the first 6 months of the year, the province received and worked with 68 investors to learn about investment processes and procedures in the province, reaching 22.7% of the plan; supported 594 investments in investment and business procedures and supported the implementation of investment projects after being granted investment policies, reaching 45.7% of the plan. Issue and implement the Provincial Investment Promotion Program in 2025, the Plan to implement Resolution No. 02/NQ-CP dated January 5, 2024 of the Government on key tasks and solutions to improve the business environment and enhance national competitiveness in 2024 in the province.

Trade promotion activities are focused on key programs, providing practical support for businesses in developing production, promoting and finding markets, improving competitiveness, and exploiting local potentials and advantages. Regularly providing information and supporting businesses in introducing and promoting product brands.

Overseas trade promotion activities are always focused on and implemented through specific activities: Organizing a trade promotion delegation to the Hong Kong market (China) in 2025; receiving and working with the Guangdong Import and Export Association and a number of Chinese enterprises to meet and discuss some contents on investment and trade promotion...; organizing a delegation to participate in the "5th Exhibition of Ho Chi Minh City and friendly provinces and cities in Savannakhet" in 2025, in the Lao People's Democratic Republic...

Import and export activities were maintained, with export turnover estimated at 966.2 million USD, up 21.23%, reaching 50.06% of the plan; some products increased significantly compared to the same period; compared to the annual plan, some products achieved quite good results; export prices of coconut processed products increased significantly compared to the same period last year. Up to now, Ben Tre's goods have been present in more than 120 countries and territories. Import turnover is estimated at 262.6 million USD, up 21.01% over the same period, reaching 47.75% of the plan. Imported goods mainly imported raw materials for production and processing (textiles, electronics, leather bags, labor protection nets, etc.). In the first 6 months of the year, coconuts were imported, so the turnover increased compared to the same period in 2024.

In the first 6 months of the year, the province has newly granted and adjusted 14 projects with a total registered capital of 35.94 million USD, equal to 9% of the 2025 plan, an increase of 295.81% over the same period in 2024. Up to now, there are 71 valid investment projects with a total registered capital of 1,699.31 million USD. The total number of employees working at FDI enterprises inside and outside the industrial park is about 36,280 people. Currently, the province has 2 ODA projects, with a total capital plan assigned in 2025 of over 1,192 billion VND. Ben Tre has 2 enterprises investing in the US market with a total investment capital of 1.95 million USD.

Key tasks

According to the Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Truc Son, in the coming time, the province will promote investment promotion and attraction activities; continue to support investors in implementing projects that have signed MOUs with the province. Monitor and promptly remove difficulties and obstacles for enterprises to stabilize production and business activities; increase support for projects that have been granted investment policy decisions and investment registration certificates to promptly deploy investment and put into operation. Implement cooperation contents according to the memorandum of understanding between the People's Committee of Ben Tre province and Ehime province - Japan.

Effectively implement the Plan to implement the Dong Khoi Program for start-ups and business development in 2025; Plan to organize a series of innovation events in Ben Tre province, Plan to connect start-up consultants and start-up businesses in 2025. Continue to deploy information to businesses, ideas, start-up projects, provide support to individuals and organizations on specific policies to encourage and support business development in the province.

Focus on disseminating and popularizing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to businesses and related parties to raise awareness and take advantage of opportunities from international economic integration commitments. Implement domestic and foreign trade promotion activities according to approved plans, contributing to promoting and boosting the consumption of local products. Timely inform businesses in the province about policies, import and export needs and regulations and warnings of foreign markets. Organize and participate in trade promotion programs abroad such as China, Cambodia, Australia, etc., inform and support businesses in the province to register to participate in international fairs to increase opportunities to access new markets.

Continue to promote and disseminate Free Trade Agreements to businesses and relevant entities to maximize benefits from the Agreements, in order to enhance competitiveness, expand markets, promote exports, etc.

“In the coming time, the province will continue to implement international economic integration activities. Maintain and promote the expansion and diversification of export markets; support the effective implementation of signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Proactively contact and coordinate with ambassadors, trade counselors, and representatives of embassies of Muslim countries to support provincial enterprises in linking and expanding markets for agricultural and aquatic products to Muslim countries...”.

(Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Truc Son)

Article and photos: Phuong Thao

Source: https://baodongkhoi.vn/tang-cuong-cong-tec-ngoai-giao-kinh-te-06062025-a147746.html