FDI News

Binh Duong selected to host 20th World Technopolis Association

A series of events to celebrate the 20th anniversary of World Technopolis Association (WTA) will be held in Binh Duong from October 10 to 12, 2018.

The events will welcome over 1,000 government officials, scholars, and business representatives from more than 50 countries and territories. Binh Duong is selected as the host of the WTA 2018 Summit right after becoming WTA’s official member, adding to the international status of the province.

Enhancing science cities worldwide

WTA is a multilateral international organisation created with the purpose of connecting the advancement of science and technology with local development, to achieve a shared development through cooperation and exchanges among science cities. The development of science and technology leads directly to the welfare and prosperity of mankind.

The first General Assembly of WTA was held in South Korea’s Daejeon city in September 1998, marking the official launch of the organisation with the 23 founding members from 10 countries, including the International Association of Science Parks (IASP) and other related organisations. The members discussed international cooperation and exchange for science and technology park development.

At the first assembly, they also proclaimed WTA’s vision of sustainable technopolis development. WTA has a triangular approach known as the Triple helix model (state – academia – businesses).

Since 1998, the General Assembly of WTA has been held every two years and has been promoting mutual cooperation and exchange among member cities.

WTA has now 106 members from 48 countries and territories. In addition to Binh Duong, there are four Southeast Asian nations in this association, including Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, and Cambodia (Cambodian Royal Institute).

Binh Duong recognised for outstanding efforts

In recent years, Binh Duong has made great strides in the strategy of creating a socioeconomic breakthrough and smart city development based on the Triple helix model.

Over the past 10 years, the relationship between Binh Duong province and South Korea’s Daejeon city has reached a new height, with links to scientific research-technology, expert exchange, and strategic economic cooperation. From here, Daejeon introduced Binh Duong and cooperated with the province during its accession to the WTA, as well as supported it to host the upcoming WTA 2018 Summit.

On the occasion of the visit of the delegation of Binh Duong leaders to Daejeon city in August 2018, Her Tae Jeong, the new Mayor of Daejeon city cum chairman of WTA, officially presented Binh Duong the certificate of WTA membership.

Tran Thanh Liem, Chairman of the Binh Duong People's Committee, said that the official membership in WTA will open great opportunities for the province in international cooperation, as well as promote the province and attract foreign direct investment.

In particular, this will be a foundation for Binh Duong to promote exchanges with scientific cities worldwide, exchange human resources, improve management capacity and scientific-technical level, transfer technology, as well as share development strategies with other members. This will make a significant contribution to the socioeconomic development of Binh Duong towards becoming a smart, dynamic, and innovative urban centre with high-tech and service-based economy.

International science cities convene in Binh Duong

The 2018 WTA Summit in Binh Duong is a very special event for both WTA and Binh Duong. On this occasion, WTA will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Under the plan, Binh Duong will welcome UNESCO leaders along with more than 100 representatives of WTA members from more than 50 countries and territories around the world.

At the conference, the parties will discuss, share experiences, and vision on governance and sustainable development of science and technology cities in the world with the theme of "Smart city as a driving force for innovation and sustainable development," thereby making important connections in the process of globalisation.

To set out good preparation for the important event, the provincial People’s Committee has recently issued Decision No.1704/QD-UBND on the establishment of the steering committee and conference organisation board for the 11th General Assembly of WTA.

As of now, provincial leaders, local departments, the Smart City Office, and Becamex IDC are preparing all tasks for the WTA 2018 Summit, keeping to a rigorous schedule.

WTA 2018 will be held in Binh Duong Administration Centre with a series of major events