Bac Ninh and its international cooperation strategy in investment promotion

The province’s recent investment promotion trip to Japan and South Korea has opened a new chapter in its international cooperation strategy. Rather than pursuing broad-based investment attraction, Bac Ninh is demonstrating a breakthrough mindset by selectively targeting high value-added projects, prioritizing semiconductors, green energy, and the digital economy.

Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Nguyễn Hồng Thái and the Bac Ninh delegation visit and work with Samsung (South Korea)

By preparing abundant clean land funds, smart infrastructure, and a strong commitment to a “facilitative government,” Bac Ninh is sending a clear message to strategic investors: the province welcomes investors not only with tax incentives or existing infrastructure, but also with an open-minded spirit, readiness for innovation, and a commitment to accompanying businesses every step of the way. The recent promotion trip is only the beginning of brighter chapters of cooperation in the future.

To better understand these strategic shifts, Diễn đàn Doanh nghiệp spoke with Mr. Nguyễn Văn Phúc, Head of the Management Board of Bac Ninh Industrial Parks.

Mr. Nguyễn Văn Phúc, Head of the Management Board of Bac Ninh Industrial Parks

South Korea and Japan have always been among Bac Ninh’s top strategic partners. Following the recent investment promotion trip, what will Bac Ninh do to meet the evolving needs of investors?

It can be affirmed that South Korea and Japan are not merely partners but have become close companions throughout more than 25 years of Bac Ninh’s industrial development. Through direct meetings with local authorities, associations, and major corporations in both countries, we have observed a very clear shift in investment “appetite.”

Previously, South Korean investors focused mainly on electronics, semiconductors, and supporting industries. Today, they are expanding their interest into areas such as technical infrastructure, real estate, urban development, and especially services supporting workers’ and experts’ daily lives. They no longer only want to build factories but also high-quality living and working ecosystems.

Meanwhile, Japanese partners, traditionally known for precision mechanical manufacturing, are now turning their attention toward clean energy, retail, supermarket systems, and commercial services.

To respond to these changes, Bac Ninh has determined that infrastructure must stay one step ahead and become more diversified. The province currently has 52 industrial parks under planning, covering a total area of 16,000 hectares. Authorities are accelerating the preparation of around 1,000 hectares of clean land by 2026. We are not merely providing industrial land, but a fully integrated infrastructure solution, from renewable energy to cultural institutions and social housing for workers.

Could you elaborate on the criteria for selecting investors and the Management Board’s plans to review industrial parks in the coming period to ensure efficient land use?

This is a very decisive directive from the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People’s Committee. Bac Ninh’s remaining land resources are no longer abundant, so every square meter of industrial land must generate the highest possible added value.

The Bac Ninh delegation visits and works in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (South Korea)

The Management Board is conducting a comprehensive review of industrial park development plans. Our criteria are based on the principle of the “three rights”: the right location, the right sector, and the right timing.

Regarding location: We clearly identify which areas should be prioritized for immediate development, which areas should be reserved as strategic reserves, and which require additional time to complete connecting infrastructure. This helps avoid indiscriminate approvals that leave land unused and waste resources.

Regarding sectors: Bac Ninh prioritizes modern industrial, high-tech, and semiconductor projects, especially those that are energy-efficient and low-emission. We are prepared to reject projects using outdated technology or posing environmental pollution risks, regardless of investment scale.

Regarding efficiency: The province focuses on investment capital efficiency per unit of land area and the number of high-quality workers participating in projects.

Currently, occupancy rates at operational industrial parks stand at around 56%, an ideal level that allows us to selectively choose truly high-quality “secondary investors.” By the end of 2026, with an additional nearly 1,000 hectares of clean land available, we will prioritize leading projects capable of creating global value chains locally and attracting genuine “eagles.”

In the first four months of 2026, Bac Ninh attracted over USD6.1 billion in equivalent investment capital. This included 75 newly licensed domestic investment projects with registered capital totaling VND119.657 trillion, and 121 FDI projects with registered capital of USD395.4 million. Additionally, 30 domestic projects increased capital by VND5.571 trillion, while 93 FDI projects added USD801 million in capital. Bac Ninh ranked fourth nationwide in FDI attraction.

Beyond infrastructure, administrative procedures and human resources are often two major concerns for investors. What breakthrough solutions does the Management Board have to truly accompany and retain investors in Bac Ninh over the long term?

We understand that infrastructure can be built quickly, but investor trust requires time and sincerity. Therefore, administrative reform and workforce development are two strategic “spearheads” of the province.

Regarding administrative procedures: The Board has established and continues to strengthen its Investor Support Team. The new feature is specialization and personalized accountability. We divide support teams according to specific regions and sectors. Every business dossier and difficulty will have a dedicated officer and a clear processing timeline. Our guiding principle is: “Shorten time, minimize costs.” We do not wait for businesses to ask questions; instead, we proactively approach and guide them from the site selection stage until projects enter stable operation.

Bac Ninh Province awards investment registration certificates to two Japanese business projects

Regarding human resources: This is truly the “gold mine” for retaining investors. Following the recent trip, we realized that South Korean and Japanese businesses are highly concerned about the availability of high-quality labor as they transition toward semiconductor and automation technologies.

Bac Ninh will closely coordinate with training institutions to “order” workforce training according to enterprise demand.

Bac Ninh’s appearance in the Top 5 PCI 2025 clearly demonstrates the spirit of a “facilitative government.” In this achievement, the Management Board of Industrial Parks serves as an “extended arm” and a key pillar in attracting investment and improving competitiveness. Could you elaborate?

This supporting role is reflected through three breakthrough aspects:

First, we are pioneers in “simplifying and modernizing procedures.” The Board not only ensures on-time administrative processing but also proactively shortens timelines for investment, planning, and construction procedures. The Investor Support Team operates under a “single focal point” model, helping businesses reduce compliance costs, one of the PCI’s important component indicators. According to the VCCI report, Bac Ninh ranked first nationwide in the Administrative Procedure Compliance Cost Index (8.93 points), reflecting the province’s extraordinary efforts in cutting administrative barriers.

Bac Ninh promotes investment cooperation with AEON Mall (Japan)

Second, the Board acts as a “strategic gatekeeper.” We do not attract investment at all costs, but instead carefully review and select high-tech, low-emission projects. The focus on “clean land” and integrated infrastructure has helped strategic investors such as Samsung, Amkor Technology, and Japanese and South Korean partners place trust in the province’s commitment to sustainable development.

Third, we serve as a “trusted companion.” Through regular dialogue sessions and a 24/7 mechanism for identifying difficulties, the Board promptly resolves bottlenecks related to labor, electricity supply, and logistics. When businesses feel protected and supported, they become the best “ambassadors” for Bac Ninh’s business environment.

In other words, the Management Board of Bac Ninh Industrial Parks is the mechanism that translates the political commitments of provincial leaders into tangible and measurable benefits for investors, thereby strengthening Bac Ninh’s competitiveness on the FDI map.

Thank you very much for these candid and dedicated insights.