Binh Duong Continues Stable Development

Binh Duong Continues Stable Development 

Binh Duong province was re-established on January 1, 1997. During the past eight years, the province has recorded brilliant achievements in socio-economic development. VIB Forum reporter had an interview with Mr Nguyen Hoang Son, Chairman of Binh Duong People’s Committee.

Binh Duong is well-known for high economic growth, what is the cause of this and its impact on society?

It is true that in spite of difficulties Binh Duong has continued its economic growth: GDP increased 14.3 per cent a year (15.5 per cent in 2001-2004). By the end of 2004, industry-construction made up 63 per cent of GDP, service 26.7 per cent and agriculture 10 per cent (in 1997 they were respectively 50.4, 26.8 ands 22.8 per cent).

The industrial value increased 36.4 per cent a year. Although agriculture decreased in scale, its economic value increased 6.4 per cent. While services increased 12.1 per cent a year. Export value increased 27.8 per cent a year. In 2004, it reached USUS$2 billion, up 38.8 per cent compared to 2003. The budget revenue increased 4.5 times that of 1997.

The province has successfully turned poor agricultural land into industrial zones attracting big investments. Since 1997, the province has built 9 more industrial zones (1,700 ha) bringing the total number to 16 IZs and 3,275 ha. Currently, the province is building infrastructure and calling for investment in industry-service centres and Binh Duong urban area with an area of 4,196 ha.

With favourable conditions and simplified formalities, Binh Duong has attracted USUS$4,448 million in foreign investment and VND12,805 billion in domestic investment.

The economic development has boosted culture and social welfare. The power supply increased to 95 per cent of households, water supply to 81 per cent and telephone service with 19 sets for 100 people. The province attained national targets of secondary education in 2003 and of primary education for school-age children. Health programmes has been achieved in leprosy, child polio and tetanus and free health check for children under 6 years old. In the past 8 years, 200,000 jobs have been created and some 20,000 households freed from the poverty line reducing poor households to 1.6 per cent.

 What is your relationship with other provinces ?

As a province in the Southern key economic region, Binh Duong maintains good co-operation with the provinces and cities in the region in planning and preserving natural resources, social security and traffic system. However, there are still certain shortfalls in the protection of environment, marketing and attracting investment. With the establishment of the Steering Committee, I believe that co-operation will be enhanced.

Is it true that industrial production will be expanded to the Northern part of the province ?

In earlier years, the Northern part was without favourable infrastructure. With Highways 13 and 14 upgraded and My Phuoc industrial zone built, the Northern districts have better conditions to develop industry. In 2004, their industrial value increased 3.6 times against 2001, with successful industrial zones as Mai Trung, Viet Huong 2, My Phuoc 1, 2 and 3, Rach Bap, Nam Tan Uyen.

The province has just approved the master plan of socio-economic development to 2015. Accordingly, the Northern districts will be further developed. By 2020, the province will have 25 industrial zones with 9,089 ha and 24 industrial complexes with 3.530 ha. The Northern districts will have 15 industrial zones (6,500 ha) and 16 industrial complexes (3,000 ha). In addition, there will be 6 industrial zones with 1.775 ha in an industry-service centre and Binh Duong urban area. With such a development, Binh Duong will meet the demands of investors.

With fast economic development how can the province solve such issues as pollution, workforce, housing and services?

As an agricultural province, Binh Duong is trying its best to find solutions to all those issues. The province focuses on the planning and implementation of strategic projects concerning infrastructure and human resources, economic development and social welfare meeting ever-increasing demand of investors and local people.

Binh Duong is trying to become a city directly under the central government, can you predict the future of the city?

There remains much to be done. The province will have to develop its infrastructure: road networks, urban areas, and housing development. The industry-service centre and Binh Duong urban area will play an important part in the development of the future city.