Bình Dương authorities meet with foreign investors on Tuesday to listen to problems they face. – VNS Photo Thu Ngân

BÌNH DƯƠNG — The southern province of Bình Dương reported an 81 per cent jump in foreign direct investment in the first nine months to US$2.42 billion.

Nguyễn Thanh Trúc, director of the province Department of Planning and Investment, said the investments are from 34 countries and territories.

“Bình Dương ranks second in attracting FDI in Việt Nam with more than 3,670 projects with total registered capital of over $34.7 billion.”

Of the investments this year, $1.23 billion is in new 164 projects.

In 2016, Bình Dương decided to revamp its development model, and has achieved a breakthrough in attracting investment.

“Strategies for becoming a smart city in recent years have achieved positive results. The Bình Dương smart region was in fact honoured in 2019 for having among the most outstanding strategies for a smart city in the world.”

Bình Dương is currently carrying out a revamped programme for FDI in 2016-20, putting more effort in attracting FDI from potential economic partners and large global companies.

Besides its focus on developed markets and FDI projects that use advanced technologies, involve high value addition, are less labour-intensive, and environmentally friendly, the province is also seeking to attract projects to its industrial parks and industrial clusters.

To create a better investment climate, Bình Dương regularly organises meetings with investors to hear and resolve their difficulties.

On Tuesday, provincial leaders met with representatives of foreign companies, who complained about human resources, infrastructure and investment procedures.

“Bình Dương is always ready to listen to opinions, resolve difficulties and respond in a timely manner to the requirements of foreign investors,” Trúc said. — VNS