Bac Ninh urges Heads of Vietnamese representative missions to attract high-tech investment
WVR - On the afternoon of December 16, Secretary of the Bac Ninh Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Anh Tuan held a meeting with a delegation of Heads of Vietnamese representative missions abroad appointed for 2024, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang.
Latest
 |
| On the afternoon of December 16, Secretary of the Bac Ninh Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Anh Tuan held a meeting with a delegation of Heads of Vietnamese representative missions appointed for 2024, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang. (Photo: Anh Son) |
Attending the meeting were also Chairman of Bac Ninh Provincial People's Committee Vuong Quoc Tuan along with leaders of provincial departments, agencies, and sectors. From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Ministers Do Hung Viet and Pham Thanh Binh were present, along with the Heads of Vietnamese representative missions abroad appointed for 2024.
Bac Ninh Sets High-Tech Investment as a Priority
At the working session, Secretary of the Bac Ninh Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Anh Tuan congratulated the Heads of Vietnamese representative missions abroad on their appointments by the Party and State leaders. He also noted that Bac Ninh has made significant efforts to overcome challenges and achieve commendable economic growth in 2024.
The province's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) for 2024 is estimated at VND 232.8 trillion, representing a growth rate of 6.03% compared to 2023. Of the 17 key targets set for the year, 4 have exceeded expectations, and 13 have been achieved as planned.
A standout achievement is Bac Ninh's success in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), reaching $4.8 billion—an increase of 2.9% in newly licensed projects and a remarkable 70.7% increase in registered capital compared to the same period last year. The province also reported a 14.8% rise in average per capita income, a positive shift in economic structure, and a 5.7% increase in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). Moreover, Bac Ninh continues to lead the nation in both specialized and general education quality, reaffirming its top-tier position in the country.
 |
| Overview of the meeting. (Photo: Anh Son) |
Bac Ninh has implemented social policies that go beyond and set higher standards than those established at the central level. The province has effectively eradicated poverty, and its near-poverty criteria exceed national standards. Additionally, residents aged 60 and older receive healthcare support, contributing to an impressive health insurance coverage rate of nearly 99%.
Social welfare policies have received significant attention, with the province nearly completing its program to eliminate temporary and dilapidated housing. Bac Ninh is also actively supporting other localities facing challenges in implementing these policies.
On this occasion, Secretary of the Bac Ninh Provincial Party Committee expressed high appreciation for the support provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, and the Heads of representative missions. Their collaboration has greatly contributed to Bac Ninh's local external affairs initiatives and efforts to preserve and promote the province’s cultural heritage.
Bac Ninh Seeks Continued Support for Economic and Cultural Diplomacy
In the coming period, Bac Ninh hopes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to support its local diplomatic activities, particularly in advancing economic diplomacy and mobilizing external resources to drive socio-economic development. The province aims to attract investment in five key focus areas, which are: High-tech industries, electronics and semiconductor chips; Emerging technologies, such as microbiology, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics; Energy transition and storage technologies, renewable energy and batteries; Infrastructure development, including urban railways, highways, and transforming Gia Binh Airport into a specilized airport; Smart urban development.
Additionally, Bac Ninh seeks support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representative missions in cultural diplomacy activities, including cultural preservation, promoting tourism, and especially preparing the nomination dossier for UNESCO recognition of "Dong Ho Folk Painting" as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The province is willing to showcase Dong Ho paintings and Quan Ho folk singing at events organized by Vietnamese representative missions.
During the working session, Deputy Foreign Minister Hang shared that the newly appointed Ambassadors and Consuls General will be posted across four continents. These diplomats are experienced professionals with many years of expertise in foreign affairs.
 |
| Delegates take a group photo. (Photo: Anh Son) |
Through today’s meeting with Bac Ninh, the Ambassadors and Heads of representative missions will gain a deeper understanding of the province’s socio-economic situation, strengths, and potential. They will also take note of Bac Ninh’s needs, expectations, proposals, and specific “requests” related to their respective assignment, which will serve as the basis for developing action plans for their upcoming terms.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Stands with Localities
Deputy Foreign Minister Hang affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to its pioneering role in mobilizing external resources for socio-economic development. Economic diplomacy in service of development is a core and ongoing mission. For localities, the Ministry's leadership has consistently emphasized the principle of “putting the people, localities, and businesses at the center of service,” with the national interest always taking precedence.
Quoting Party General Secretary To Lam, the Deputy Foreign Minister highlighted that the world is entering a new phase of development—the era of smart technology. Similarly, Vietnam is entering a transformative era for national growth. Ambassadors and Heads of representative missions must clearly understand the opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges in seizing these development prospects to attract external resources for the country’s socio-economic progress.
The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that Heads of representative missions deeply understand that behind them stands the nation and its people. With the spirit of serving the country and its citizens, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Heads of missions look forward to learning from localities, exchanging ideas, and responding to specific requests. In this context, Bac Ninh’s proposals, as outlined by the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, will guide the Ambassadors and Heads of Vietnamese representative missions in driving initiatives forward, particularly those aligned with the province’s priorities.
 |
| The delegates enjoyed the sweet and profound melodies of Quan Ho folk songs. (Photo: Anh Son) |
On this occasion, Deputy Foreign Minister Minh Hang expressed gratitude to Bac Ninh for its support in cultural diplomacy, including performances of Quan Ho folk songs and the provision of Dong Ho paintings.
With regards to the province’s proposals, the Deputy Foreign Minister noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on improving the infrastructure of Vietnamese representative missions abroad. One of the Ministry’s aspirations is to establish spaces for showcasing Vietnamese culture, including Dong Ho paintings.
The Ministry and its representative missions are actively collaborating with localities in cultural preservation, with a particular focus on enhancing the added value of cultural heritage. The Ministry is also committed to supporting Bac Ninh in preparing the nomination dossier for UNESCO recognition of "Dong Ho Folk Painting" as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Deputy Foreign Minister said.
During the session, delegation discussed and exchanged ideas on strengthening cooperation, particularly in measures to attract investment and assist Bac Ninh in developing the UNESCO nomination dossier.
 |
| The delegates had the opportunity to experience the art of printing Dong Ho folk paintings. (Photo: Anh Son) |
As part of the visit, Bac Ninh invited the delegation to tour the Quan Ho Folk Song Theater in the homeland of Quan Ho’s ancestors, Diem Village (Viem Xa, Hoa Long Ward, Bac Ninh City). There, the delegates enjoyed the sweet and profound melodies of Quan Ho folk songs and had the opportunity to experience the art of printing Dong Ho folk paintings.
