The provincial People’s Committee vice chairman Cao Van Trong delivered this statement during an investment-trade promotion workshop in Guangzhou on Sunday.

During the event, Trong also lauded Ben Tre’s advantages in terms of geographical location, favourable transport, young and skilled workforce and a transparent investment environment.

China now ranks ninth among foreign investors in the province, with nine projects capitalised at US$8.2 million. These projects mostly focus on processing coconut products. Two-way trade has increased significantly over the years, from $27.6 million in 2005 to $71.5 million in 2011.