Phu Tho Province - Proactive, flexible, effective socio-economic development
Since the 19th National Conference on Local Diplomacy in 2018, together with localities nation-wide, Phu Tho has focused on implementing external affairs in the direction of being proactive, flexible, focused, fit to the reality, effectively serving the province’s socio-economic development, contributing to the overall success of Viet Nam’s diplomacy.
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To consistently pursue the Party and State’s policy of international integration, Phu Tho has continuously maintained the traditional friendship, solidarity and cooperation with Luongnamtha province, strengthened collaboration with the provinces of Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Phongsaly, and Huaphanh of Lao PDR, through exchanging delegations, training human resources, developing medical infrastructure, supporting COVID-19 prevention and control, etc.
At the same time, the province continues to consolidate, gradually deepen the cooperation in the fields of investment, trade and culture with Hwaseong city (South Korea), Nara province (Japan), and Shanxi province (China), achieving substantial results, creating a stable relationship framework, making practical contributions to serving socio-economic development goals.
Economic diplomacy for development has been enhanced. Phu Tho is looking for a breakthrough in improving, creating a favorable, transparent, equal and open investment and business environment, reducing costs for organizations and individuals, increasing the attractiveness of its investment and business environment, effectively mobilizing and using resources for comprehensive and solid development. Since August 2018, 234 delegations of 1,968 people have come to Phu Tho to look for investment, trade, tourism and implementation of programs and projects.
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| The delegation of South Korean Embassy and enterprises visited Hanyang Digitech Vina Company, Phu Ha Industrial Park, Phu Tho. |
International trade and investment promotion activities are implemented directly by selecting key partners suitable to the province’s potential and needs. The province also closely coordinates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries and branches.
From 2019, Phu Tho has organized delegations to study and promote cooperation in Israel, Turkey, UAE, Russia, the UK, etc. The province actively expanded, established relationships and worked directly with many diplomatic missions in Viet Nam, international organizations, and potential investors. Phu Tho also took advantage of opportunities to interact and work with international partners on the sideline of external events, such as Meet Japan, Meet Korea, Meet the UK, forums on trade and investment, etc., actively supported businesses in the area to boost trade, promote products, expand export markets, and strengthen investment cooperation.
Though facing multiple difficulties, especially the impacts of COVID-19, Phu Tho’s economic diplomacy still achieved positive results. Export value increased from 2.4 billion USD in 2019 to 7.8 billion USD in 2021, ranking Phu Tho 12 out of 63 localities with the highest export turnover.
So far, it has attracted 47 FDI projects with a total investment of more than 800 million USD. In the first ten months of 2021, there have been 12 FDI projects with registered capital of 436 million USD, ranking 14th in terms of FDI attraction. It has also received 13 ODA projects with a total investment of nearly 88 million USD and mobilized 99 foreign non-governmental programs and projects with a total funding value of greater than 1.6 million USD.
Cultural diplomacy, people-to-people diplomacy and foreign information activities were renewed and improved by strengthening information channels for online exchanges, taking advantage of social networks to improve effectiveness and promotional effects.
Cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges are integrated with critical foreign affairs programs of the province, such as festivals, art performances, cultural and religious exchanges, tours, etc. The province focuses on showing the characteristics, cultural identity of the ancestral land of Viet Nam and the Vietnamese tradition of humanity, loyalty, peace and friendship. It combines these factors with economic diplomacy to enhance cooperation, understanding and trust of international friends, creating favorable conditions for attracting and promoting trade, investment and tourism cooperation.
One of the special activities of foreign information is that, in 2020, Phu Tho coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organize a delegation of press attachés from embassies and foreign reporters to visit the province.
Looking back at the results that Phu Tho’s foreign affairs have achieved since the 19th National External Affairs Conference, it can be affirmed that these achievements made crucial contributions to the country’s foreign affairs. Given the world, the region and the country are witnessing momentous changes that come with new challenges and opportunities, especially the COVID-19 pandemic is predicted to be more and more complex. In the coming time, Phu Tho’s foreign affairs will focus on the critical tasks as follows:
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| Chairman of Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee Bui Van Quang presented a photo of Long Coc Tea Hill to Mr. Kinoshita Tadahiro, General Director of Sojitz Vietnam Company, a member of Japan Sojitz Group. |
First, to actively and proactively deepen ties with local foreign partners, especially neighboring countries and traditional friends; to strengthen cooperation opportunities in the economy - trade, investment, science and technology, education and training, conservation and promotion of cultural heritage, etc.
Second, to continue to review and re-evaluate to perfect the unified management mechanism for external activities; to ensure the unity and harmony between political diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and economic diplomacy, creating strength and efficiency in implementing the province’s foreign affairs.
Third, to drastically improve the investment and business environment, perfect mechanisms and policies. In 2022, the province will strive to attract around 50 new investment projects in the fields of the infrastructure of industrial parks, urban centers, and services; hi-tech agriculture, supporting industries; mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic assembly; automotive components and engines; textile raw materials; the processing of agricultural products and food; culture, education and training; prioritize investment promotion in Japan, Korea, and some European countries.
Fourth, to continue to diversify foreign communication, renew and improve the quality of local promotional materials and bolster investment and business according to international standards.
With the motto “diplomacy to serve development, with the people, the locality and business at the center”, Phu Tho hopes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to accompany and closely coordinate with the province in effectively enhancing foreign affairs, cooperation and international integration, contribute to building the Ancestral Land to become more beautiful and sustainable.
Chairman of the provincial People's Committee of Phu Tho
