Atlanta Embraces Vietnam’s Lang Son Province as a New Economic Partner
Atlanta recently welcomed a delegation from Lang Son Province in Vietnam, and the mood was filled with excitement and opportunity. While we often hear about the bustling manufacturing activities in southern Vietnam, this visit shone a spotlight on the untapped potential of northern Vietnam, particularly Lang Son, which is positioned along the Chinese border.
Connecting Cultures and Economies
The forum, hosted at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s 1818 Club, offered a platform for leaders from Lang Son to share their vision for economic development with local investors and partners here in Atlanta. Mr. Ho, the provincial leader, spoke passionately about Lang Son’s plans, emphasizing that they are working hard to develop the infrastructure necessary to become a crucial trade corridor between China and Southeast Asia.
Mr. Ho noted that Lang Son is in the midst of developing a comprehensive high-speed railway and road system aimed at connecting various regions within Vietnam and facilitating smoother trade with major urban centers and important seaports.
Plans for a Bright Future
Part of the plan includes the construction of a Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park, set to span a whopping 600 hectares (or nearly 1,500 acres). This industrial park is just one step toward a larger vision of developing seven such parks by 2050. The future looks bright as Lang Son aims to attract foreign investment, particularly in high-tech and sustainable manufacturing.
Learning from the American Experience
The delegation from Lang Son didn’t just come to share their plans; they were also keen on learning. They were interested in best practices related to clean energy solutions, logistics, and infrastructure management, building a two-way street of knowledge with their American counterparts.
The visit also featured the participation of local Vietnamese business leaders, including representatives from the rubber and transportation sectors. Van Le, an economic counselor from the Vietnamese Embassy, underscored the current boom in U.S.-Vietnam relations, especially as many American companies reevaluate their manufacturing strategies in the wake of shifting global dynamics.
A Bright Spot in Global Economies
Dr. Van captured the essence of the moment in her opening remarks when she emphasized that Vietnam has evolved into a safe and attractive destination for investment. With so many global uncertainties—from inflation to supply chain disruptions—Vietnam offers a reliable alternative, especially for American businesses looking to diversify their risks.
“We are living in a complex and unpredictable period,” Dr. Van stated, highlighting the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. With the emergence of trade agreements like the RCEP and CPTPP, Vietnam provides access to over 60 key global markets, making it a prime location for international business.
Investments and Innovations Ahead
Vietnam’s ambition doesn’t stop at manufacturing; it also includes advancing its energy capabilities. Mr. Ho outlined an array of initiatives scheduled for 2030, such as the development of hydropower, wind power, and projects focused on agriculture and healthcare.
Stella Xu from the Georgia Department of Economic Development wrapped up the forum by sharing that Atlanta’s relationship with Vietnam has seen significant growth, with a remarkable 87% increase in container traffic from Vietnam through Savannah port in just five years. She eagerly expressed interest in fostering even more connections with Vietnamese companies.
Fostering Future Opportunities
The enthusiasm from both sides was palpable, with hopes that partnerships created during this forum could pave the way for economic cooperation not just for Lang Son, but for Vietnam as a whole. These developments set the stage for exciting opportunities in tourism, cultural exchange, and workforce development.
As Lang Son province embraces its role in the global economy, it’s clear that this northern region of Vietnam has a bright future ahead, one that could foster stronger ties with Atlanta and beyond.
For those interested in exploring investment opportunities or learning more about this vibrant region, reaching out to the Lang Son Foreign Affairs Department or the Vietnamese Embassy in the U.S. could be the first step toward a fruitful collaboration.
