Binh Phuoc 25 years of re-establishing the province-proudly reaching out to the world

NGUYEN MANH CUONG

Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Binh Phuoc Provincial Party Committee

Binh Phuoc is known for its heroic historical tradition, which is deeply embedded in the hearts of the people in Binh Phuoc as well as those living in other places. Therefore, when mentioning Binh Phuoc, the image of the resilient land will be evoked in everyone's mind. Continuing that tradition, over the past 25 years, generations of cadres, armed forces, and people of Binh Phuoc have been building their homeland's highly developed infrastructure, confidently reaching out to the world. On the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2022, the Year of the Tiger, we review our national roots and the hard, but heroic times of previous generations.

Sharing an aspiration to thrive

At the time of re-establishing Binh Phuoc province in 1997, Vietnam was entering a period of strong innovation and integration, taking opportunities for economic development. While other provinces and cities in the Southeast region, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Dong Nai, and Binh Duong, developed tremendously, especially in the fields of "industry" and "foreign investment" projects, Binh Phuoc was still an agricultural province with a backward economic structure. In particular, the industry-construction sector accounted for only 3%, the trade-service sector was 25.4%, and the agriculture-forestry sector was up to 71.6%. Compared to other provinces and cities, Binh Phuoc's starting point was at a very low level. Due to the presence of seven industrial parks in Binh Duong, an estimated 50.4% of the economy was in the industry, 26.8% in the trade-service sector, and 22.8% in agriculture and forestry. On a national scale, the industry-construction sector accounted for 34%, the agriculture-forestry sector was 26%, and the trade-service sector was 40%.

Faced with that reality, a great aspiration was formed in the minds of the Party committees, authorities, and mass organizations as well as the people of Binh Phuoc, thanks to the orientation of the government, the convenience of the mechanism, and strong budget support. They aspired to thrive and overcome difficulties to develop. All people living in Binh Phuoc province, whether leaders or ordinary people, understood that Binh Phuoc would not be able to thrive and compete with other localities in the region without realizing their aspirations.

During the past 25 years, the aspiration, which had been deeply ingrained in the subconscious of generations of Binh Phuoc cadres and people, was the premise for appropriate guidelines and policies of the province to effectively promote in real life. With the active support of the government, other provinces, and cities, as well as the active response of the people, Binh Phuoc province has gained several great achievements. Specifically, many major roads, such as National Highway 13, National Highway 14, and Provincial Road 741, have been newly opened and upgraded, creating an increasingly complete transport infrastructure and good connectivity in the Southeast region. In addition to forming industrial zones and clusters, provincial leaders have also actively promoted and implemented the most favorable policies to attract investors.

Today, Binh Phuoc has grown into an industrial province, an attractive destination for investors, and a promising land for everyone, after a long journey of striving.

Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong met and discussed with Japanese investors on January 10, 2022, in Hanoi. Photo: Tran The

The 11th Provincial Party Congress set out major goals and orientations for the province's development in the period of 2020–2025, with an orientation to 2030 and a vision for 2050. Identifying breakthrough tasks and Binh Phuoc's key programs and projects, with the aim of transforming it from a "potential reserve" into a growth and development engine for the whole Southeast region, is one of the highlights of the Provincial Party Committee's action program.

Binh Phuoc would form 3 dynamic centers, including Dong Xoai city, Chon Thanh district, and Dong Phu district; 3 development corridors consisting of national highway 13, national highway 14, and road DT741; and 3 urban areas with strong pervasive power, including Dong Xoai city, Binh Long town, and Phuoc Long town.

In addition, Binh Phuoc has also set out a suitable development strategy, promoting its advantages and overcoming difficulties to bring Binh Phuoc strong development. The province's geographical advantages, infrastructure, 15 industrial parks, and a series of industrial clusters, as well as attractive investment attraction policies, have created an ideal investment ecosystem for everyone.

The value of the difference

Transport connections in Binh Phuoc are now much more convenient. Besides national highways and wide provincial roads, two expressways connecting Binh Phuoc to the Central Highlands and Binh Phuoc to Ho Chi Minh City are about to be formed. They will make Binh Phuoc become an important intersection connecting the Southeast and Central Highlands. In the coming years, a Trans-Asia railway connecting the southern key economic region of our country to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam through the Hoa Lu international border gate will also be built.

In 2021, despite the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Binh Phuoc had overcome difficulties and successfully achieved dual goals, including disease prevention and control and socio-economic development, thanks to the right and timely leadership as well as the direction of the provincial leaders, the efforts of agencies and sectors, and the consensus of the entire Party, people, and army.

Binh Phuoc's economic growth in 2021 reached 6.32%, the highest growth rate in the Southeast region and ranking 20th in the country. Budget revenue reached VND 13,675 billion, equaling 180% of the estimate assigned by the Ministry of Finance, reaching 105% of the adjusted estimate approved by the Provincial People's Council, and an increase of 18% compared to 2020. Binh Phuoc has been making an effort to become a locality that can balance the budget on its own. Besides developing new industries, Binh Phuoc continues to consolidate and maintain its position as the largest cashew nut production and processing center in Vietnam as well as the rubber capital of the country.

Although there are still many difficulties and challenges ahead, Binh Phuoc’s renovation and development process will surely achieve new miracles thanks to the efforts and aspirations to constantly thrive, and the solidarity and consensus of the Party Committee, the government, and the people in the whole province.

Binh Phuoc has been confident in attracting investors, both domestic investors and international corporations, to do business and cooperate. Investment promotion conferences with the US, Japan, Korea, etc. held in the past have contributed significantly to building the image of Binh Phuoc as dynamic, friendly, ready to cooperate, and meeting the wishes of investors.