Binh Duong, Italian region seal technology, education ties

Vietnam’s southern Binh Duong province and Italy’s Emilia Romagna region signed a number of cooperation agreements, covering mainly technology and education, in the Vietnamese locality on September 11.

The move actualised the cooperation programme under the joint statement on increasing bilateral friendship and affiliation inked in October 2013 and the Memorandum of Understanding on embracing economic and trade ties, according to Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Van Nam.

Nam together with Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Cecilia Piccioni witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding on increased cooperation in technology, education and training between the Investment and Industrial Development Corporation (Becamex IDC) and the Emilia Romagna’s Union of Chambers of Commerce, Unimore University, Bonfiglioli Vietnam Co. Ltd, and Eastern International University.

The Binh Duong-based Eastern International University and the Emilia Romagna-based Unimore University signed a separate MoU to develop academic programmes, scientific research, and education-training programmes.

The Italian Ambassador said the cooperation between Binh Duong and Emilia Romagna has opened up new opportunities for the two countries to expand relations.

She promised to do her best to promote the ties in the coming time.

Binh Duong has turned from an agriculture-dominated locality into an industrial hub in the south as 97 percent of its economy is now driven by industries and services, and its annual economic growth has constantly doubled the country’s figure.

The province is home to 28 industrial parks spanning nearly 10,000 hectares. It is one of the most attractive foreign direct investment (FDI) destinations in Vietnam, reeling in over 20 billion USD so far.

Italy is running 7 investment projects worth 56 million USD in the province.

The same day, the Emilia Romagna’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry debuted its representative office in Binh Duong.-VNA