Local external affairs: A foundation for Bac Ninh's growth breakthrough
WVR - In the first half of 2026, amidst the complex global economic and political fluctuations, Bac Ninh's economy surged ahead robustly, affirming its position as a crucial growth pillar of the Capital region and the Red River Delta.
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| The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism awarded UNESCO's certificate recognizing Dong Ho folk painting as an intangible cultural heritage in urgent need of safeguarding. (Source: Bac Ninh Newspaper) |
The Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth rate for the first six months of 2026 in the province is estimated at 10.56%, placing Bac Ninh sixth nationwide and among the nine localities achieving double-digit growth. Notably, as the "capital" of the electronics industry, the province's total import-export turnover for six months is estimated at over USD 104.5 billion (up 31% year-on-year), with export value estimated at USD 51 billion, maintaining its leading position nationwide. The total converted investment capital attracted exceeded USD 9.86 billion. Cumulatively, the province has attracted over 3,600 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with total registered capital surpassing 50.4 billion USD (ranking second nationwide, only after Ho Chi Minh City).
These breakthrough socio-economic achievements are a solid foundation, affirming the effectiveness of the province's decisive leadership and management, especially the comprehensive, flexible, and proactive implementation of local diplomacy.
Highlights of local external affairs
In the first half of the year, Bac Ninh's external affairs work was led, directed comprehensively, tightly, and flexibly by the Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee, closely following important central directives such as the Politburo's Regulation No. 392-QD/TW on unified management of foreign activities and Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW on implementing the foreign policy of the 14th National Party Congress. A notable highlight is the effective implementation of the Provincial Party Standing Committee's Project No. 06-DA/TU dated February 5, 2026, on enhancing the quality and effectiveness of Bac Ninh's external affairs for the 2026-2030 period, ensuring that foreign activities meet the unified coordination requirements between provincial and communal levels after restructuring local administrative apparatus.
The province has smoothly operated all three pillars: Party diplomacy, state diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy. In managing outbound and inbound delegations, the province has implemented strict, economical measures while ensuring set objectives. By June 2026, the province approved 399 delegations with 791 individuals for overseas travel. Conversely, the province received 62 delegations with 645 international guests for working visits, investment environment surveys, and cooperation opportunities exploration.
A significant highlight is the signing and implementation of international agreements. Bac Ninh signed four new international agreements with foreign localities including Hua Phan and Xay Som Bun provinces (Laos), Gyeongsangbuk province (Republic of Korea), and Cheb City (Czech Republic). The cooperation focuses on socio-economic development, human resource training, technical assistance, and people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, the province successfully organized five major international conferences and seminars (a 100% increase compared to the same period in 2025).
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| Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Viet Oanh and the working delegation witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between Canby City Council, USA, and Bac Ninh Department of Industry and Trade. (Source: Bac Ninh Department of Industry and Trade) |
Cultural diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy continue to affirm the "soft power" of the Kinh Bac region. Bac Ninh successfully organized the "Back to Bac Ninh Heritage 2026" Festival, attracting a large number of international friends. The province is actively preparing a dossier to honour historical and cultural figure Ly Cong Uan on the 1000th anniversary of his passing (1028-2028), while promoting unique cultural and historical cooperation with Bonghwa County (Republic of Korea) on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the Ly Hoa Son clan's settlement in Korea.
Comprehensive and deep International Integration
Bac Ninh's international integration efforts have gone beyond traditional diplomatic activities, delving deeper into economic cooperation and technology development as the central breakthrough. To create a competitive advantage, the province continues to effectively apply the "Green Lane" mechanism, committing to processing within 24 hours for key projects with total investment capital from USD 10 million (domestic) and over USD 20 million (FDI), while reducing 60% of administrative processing time related to construction permits, land, environment, fire prevention, and customs clearance.
Since the beginning of the year, Bac Ninh has granted new licenses to 151 FDI projects with total investment capital of USD 567.63 million and adjusted capital increases for 123 projects with additional capital of USD 1.34 billion, maintaining its leading position nationwide in attracting foreign capital. Currently, the province has investments from 44 countries and territories, with Republic of Korea leading in registered capital scale and China leading in the total number of projects. The presence of global technology giants such as Samsung, Canon, Goertek, Hana Micron... has helped Bac Ninh become a crucial link in the global semiconductor and electronics value chain.
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| The Bac Ninh provincial delegation visited and held working session with the Vietnamese Mission to the United Nations in New York, USA, in July 2026. (Source: Bac Ninh Newspaper) |
In the field of technology diplomacy and digital transformation, the province is actively finalizing the draft proposal for establishing the Bac Ninh Innovation Center, aiming to form a specialized R&D and technology incubator ecosystem. Concurrently, it is swiftly completing the Resolution on semiconductor industry development policy, implementing a pilot project for low-space economic development, and supporting FDI enterprises in transferring modern technology.
Efforts regarding overseas Vietnamese and people-to-people diplomacy have also made significant progress. The province issued Official Document No. 3372/UBND-NgV to promote the "bridge" role of over 32,300 Bac Ninh expatriates abroad in promoting, consuming hometown products, and connecting investments. The proactive approach in expatriate affairs and people-to-people exchanges has strengthened solidarity and friendship, maximizing international intellectual and financial resources for local development.
Investment attraction potential in the new era
Entering a new development phase, the global high-tech supply chain shift continues to present historic opportunities for localities with ready infrastructure and high economic openness like Bac Ninh. In terms of development potential, Bac Ninh holds tremendous advantages. The province currently has 39 industrial parks with a total area of over 11,600 hectares, with a new occupancy rate of about 53%.
This means that the available clean land and industrial infrastructure are still vast, capable of accommodating mega high-tech projects, supporting industries, smart logistics, and clean energy. Bac Ninh's transformation journey from a "manufacturing workshop" to a "centre of innovation, R&D, and semiconductors" in the region is unfolding more vigorously than ever.
To realize the goal of GRDP growth of 12.5% or more in 2026 and set the momentum for the 2026-2030 period, in the last six months of 2026, Bac Ninh focuses on implementing the following key tasks:
First, complete the institutional framework and foreign policy mechanisms. Issue an Action Program to implement the Politburo's Resolution 06-NQ/TW; review and issue Resolutions of the Provincial People's Council on foreign affairs expenditure norms, support policies for Lao students, and mechanisms to attract overseas Vietnamese experts and intellectuals.
Second, elevate multilateral economic diplomacy. Continue to innovate investment promotion methods, proactively approach multinational corporations from the USA, EU, Japan, Republic of Korea, while expanding to potential markets like the Middle East (Halal industry). Maximize the benefits from new-generation Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to boost exports of key products.
Third, ensure a secure and safe environment for integration. Enhance state management effectiveness for over 49,000 foreigners residing and working in the province. Strengthen consular work, citizen protection, transnational high-tech crime prevention, maintaining social order and safety to ensure Bac Ninh remains a "safe, reliable destination" for international investors.
Fourth, promote cultural diplomacy and multimedia external information. Utilize digital platforms, international media channels, and the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strongly disseminate the image of the civilized, dynamic, and culturally rich Kinh Bac region to global friends.
Effectively exploiting development potential, proactively integrating internationally with innovative thinking and strategic vision demonstrates Bac Ninh's determination to affirm its position as a high-tech industrial center, contributing positively to the country's overall development in the new era.
