Ben Tre - the 'coconut land' is growing

In the first 6 months of 2025, Ben Tre made its mark with outstanding achievements, from industry, trade to tourism.

Investment destination

In the first 6 months of 2025, the industrial production value in industrial parks (IPs) and industrial clusters (ICs) in Ben Tre reached 12,706 billion VND, up 6.24% over the same period and completing 52.94% of the 2025 plan. In June 2025 alone, the industrial production value in the area reached 2,484 billion VND, demonstrating stability and strong economic growth potential.

Industrial parks such as Giao Long and An Hiep have achieved 100% occupancy rate. Meanwhile, Long Phuoc industrial parks and industrial clusters have 62 valid secondary investment projects, of which 46 projects have come into operation. The total registered investment capital is 17,939.9 billion VND (converted), including 34 domestic projects (8,231.88 billion VND) and 28 FDI projects (496.06 million USD).

In particular, in June 2025 alone, Phu Thuan Industrial Park attracted great attention when 8 investors came to explore cooperation opportunities, focusing on coconut processing, textiles and activated carbon. Even 2 investors proposed to rent the entire infrastructure of this Industrial Park, demonstrating the attractiveness of Ben Tre .

In addition to attracting investment, the province also focuses on improving industrial park infrastructure, from maintaining drainage systems to operating wastewater treatment plants. Regular inspections at large enterprises ensure compliance with environmental regulations, contributing to building the image of a sustainable locality. The focus on environmental protection with emission monitoring and wastewater treatment programs at industrial parks demonstrates Ben Tre's commitment to economic development in parallel with nature protection.

Photo: Dong Khoi Newspaper

Along with that, the province's import-export activities also recorded significant progress. In the first 6 months of the year, the total export turnover reached 624.11 million USD, up 19.65% over the same period, completing 62.41% of the yearly plan. Products processed from coconut - the symbol of Ben Tre - achieved high export value, affirming its position in the international market.

Domestic trade was equally vibrant, with total retail sales of consumer goods and services estimated at VND36,410 billion, up 10.07% over the same period. Promotional programs during holidays and Tet stimulated consumption, providing a rich supply of goods at reasonable prices to serve the people.

With more than 1.5 million visitors to Ben Tre in the first 6 months of the year, an increase of 18.67% compared to 2024, Ben Tre tourism continues to be a bright spot. Notably, the number of international visitors reached 542,080, contributing to total tourism revenue of up to VND 2,037 billion. Cultural events such as the "Delicious and Safe Fruits" festival or the "Ben Tre Uprising Day" celebration have highlighted local identity, attracting tourists with the beauty of the river and garden and unique experiences such as visiting the coconut village and enjoying traditional cuisine .

Aiming for comprehensive development

With the target of 8% economic growth in 2025, Ben Tre is implementing synchronous solutions, from accelerating the disbursement of public investment capital to administrative reform and focused investment promotion. The completion of infrastructure in industrial parks such as An Nhon, Phu Thuan and Giao Hoa, along with the plan to merge the Industrial Park Management Board with Tra Vinh and Vinh Long, promises to create a strongly linked economic zone, attracting a new wave of investment.

Ben Tre also promotes links with Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces. Trade, tourism and foreign affairs promotion events are organized systematically, contributing to promoting the image of the "coconut land". The province has set comprehensive development goals, focusing on the following strategies:

First, industrial expansion. With Phu Thuan Industrial Park coming into operation in 2025, Ben Tre aims to attract 550 new enterprises, with registered capital of VND4,600 billion, along with USD400 million in FDI capital and VND8,000 billion from domestic sources. This promises to create thousands of jobs and boost economic growth.

Second, develop sustainable tourism. The province continues to invest in tourism infrastructure, promote eco-tourism and cultural products, such as coconut village tours and local cuisine, to attract more international visitors and increase tourism revenue.

Third, modernize agriculture and fisheries. Ben Tre aims to expand the area of ​​high-tech shrimp to 4,000 hectares and build 5-6 more seafood processing plants, focusing on shrimp and high-value products. The marine economy is expected to account for 30% of GRDP by 2030, with sustainability standards such as VietGAP and GlobalGAP.

Fourth, improve infrastructure and regional connectivity. Projects such as Thanh Phu Marine Economic Zone and transport and seaport works will be promoted, helping Ben Tre better connect with Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces, creating favorable conditions for trade and investment.

Fifth, improve the quality of human resources. The province will invest in training, support businesses to improve labor productivity and promote entrepreneurship, in order to build a high-quality workforce to meet the needs of modern industries.

Sixth, green development. Ben Tre is committed to protecting the environment through strict regulations on waste treatment and applying advanced technology in production, ensuring economic growth does not harm natural resources.

Cao Hoang

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/ben-tre-xu-dua-vuon-minh-tang-truong-kinh-te-thu-hut-dau-tu-2414573.html