In the past eight months, Dong Nai granted investment certificates to 34 enterprises with registered capital of about $600 million. The figures places the southern province third nationally in attracting FDI after Binh Duong province, also in the south, and the northern city of Haiphong.

Among the new projects, two are in high-tech – Belmont Manufacturing specialising in health care equipment and Maspro Vietnam producing satellite television receivers and transmitters and securities equipment.

The remaining projects focus on mechanics, electronic spare parts assembling and food processing.

Meanwhile, 44 valid projects in the province increased their investment capital worth a total of more than $400 million.

Statistics reveal that there are more than 1,000 licensed projects in the province, of which 820 are operating.

FDI projects account for 62 per cent of Dong Nai’s total industrial production and 95 per cent of its export turnover. They also help create 500,000 jobs.

The province’s industrial-zone management board predicts FDI will reach $1.2 billion for the whole year.

According to Thu, the province is upgrading its infrastructure and training skilled labourers to attract more investors.