In terms of its economy and fundamental advantages, East Flanders is a vibrant, knowledge-based economic center that is a major force behind the expansion of both the Flanders area and the Kingdom of Belgium. The province has developed a solid international reputation thanks to its outstanding smart port logistics infrastructure and innovation-driven economy. It is strategically located within Europe's interconnected network. A top-notch labor market and a sophisticated industrial service ecosystem underpin East Flanders' highly integrated and sustainably developed economic structure. Strong high-tech agriculture, cutting-edge biotechnology used for post-harvest preservation, clean chemical industries, innovation, renewable energy, and circular green supply chain management targeted at maximizing international value-added initiatives are among the province's main industries and unique strengths.
Ho Chi Minh City and the Flanders Region of Belgium cooperate to develop the Green Economy in 2023 - Photo: Vietstock
In the areas of commerce and investment, high-tech agriculture, and environmental protection, the two communities' collaborative accomplishments have proven to be extremely significant and influential throughout time. The implementation of urban infrastructure renovation plans and the attraction of direct investment flows from Belgian businesses to Ho Chi Minh City have further enhanced the bilateral connection. A substantial incentive to assist both communities in transferring cutting-edge technology, digitizing tourism services, and exchanging operational experiences in sustainable emission reduction models has been created by recent practical projects that have continued to reach noteworthy milestones.
With an eye toward a sustainable future, especially in the context of the FD 2026 Forum, Ho Chi Minh City is growing its networks of partners in order to draw in direct investment and establish strategic partnerships with East Flanders Province partners in four important areas:
1. High-Tech Agriculture and Food Safety: Encouraging collaborative research and high-tech transfers in agriculture, with an emphasis on advanced processing systems, intelligent, low-emission farming solutions, and European-compliant food safety management.
2. Digital Logistics and Green Port Planning: collaborating on investments to maximize logistics and warehousing facilities, putting smart port solutions into place, and strengthening transnational supply chains' management capabilities.
3. Innovation and Technology Transfer: To assist the digital startup environment, deep connections between East Flanders' R&D facilities and the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park should be strengthened.
4. Green Transition and Circular Economy: Working together to advance the tangible roadmap toward net-zero growth, post-harvest preservation biotechnology, clean chemical industries, and the deployment of renewable energy solutions.