The value chain of key coconut products is increasingly developing thanks to many leading enterprises in the province playing a "leading" role.

Spreading the spirit of entrepreneurship

One of the province’s outstanding achievements in the first quarter of 2025 is the continued strong spread of the entrepreneurial spirit in the community. Departments, branches, and socio-political organizations actively implemented communication activities, entrepreneurial education, and support for innovative startups.

Media programs such as the Provincial Women's Union in collaboration with Ben Tre Radio and Television Station to produce the "For Women's Development" program, which is broadcast periodically, or the forum "Improving scientific research capacity" at Ben Tre College have contributed to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit in all classes, especially young people and women.

The 7th “Students with Startup Ideas” contest also achieved positive results with 25 projects recognized at the provincial level, of which 1 project entered the national final round - demonstrating the maturity of the new generation of startups.

In addition, training and development of human resources for startups have also been promoted. The Department of Education and Training has included startup content in the local education program from grades 6 to 12, while vocational training institutions have trained more than 700 students and granted graduation certificates to nearly 230 people in the quarter.

Regarding support policies, the province has disbursed 8 projects and startup ideas with a total amount of 38 million VND, bringing the total number of supported projects from 2021 to present to 20 projects with 72 million VND. At the same time, connecting with organizations and startup advisors, expanding the network of experts and maintaining startup investment promotion organizations at the district and commune levels helps increase cohesion in the entire ecosystem.

Mekong Innovation Hub continues to promote its role as an innovation startup center, supporting 4 projects/enterprises to work regularly and providing more than 60 facilities support, bringing the total number of supported enterprises from 2021 to 25 units.

Promote business development

Production activities at Luong Quoi Coconut Processing Company Limited - one of the leading enterprises in the province.

  As of the first quarter of 2025, the province had 194 newly established enterprises and 99 affiliated units with a total registered capital of more than VND 740 billion, an increase of 73.21% in the number of enterprises and 111.86% in capital compared to the same period last year. This is a positive signal showing that the province's investment and business environment is gradually improving, opening up capital flows and encouraging startups.

During the quarter, the province also recorded 41 start-up enterprises, reaching 30.6% of the yearly plan; 1 business household converted to an enterprise, bringing the total number of households converted from 2021 to present to 180, reaching 12% of the plan.

As of mid-March 2025, the province had 6,818 enterprises, of which more than 4,200 were operating with a total registered capital of nearly VND56 trillion. The outstanding debt of start-up enterprises alone reached VND150 billion, showing that credit is shifting significantly towards this dynamic economic sector.

In particular, Ben Tre is vigorously implementing the plan to build 100 leading enterprises, with 22 enterprises currently identified as the leading group and 50 enterprises in the leading source group. These enterprises play the role of "locomotives", leading the development of the value chain of key products such as coconut, seafood, green-skinned grapefruit, durian, etc.

The province also focuses on trade promotion and brand building support. During the quarter, the province successfully organized fairs and promotion programs in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and Hong Kong; supported the protection of the “Green Coconut” and “Green-Skin Grapefruit” brands in Canada, opening up opportunities to bring Ben Tre agricultural products to the international level.

In addition, the province also recognized 7 more OCOP products with 3 stars or more, bringing the total number of OCOP products meeting the standards to 357 products from 187 entities. This is a testament to the strategy of developing high-value, sustainable agriculture that the province is pursuing.

In parallel, digital transformation and circular economy development programs are also being vigorously implemented. The e-commerce platform Bentretrade.vn has been upgraded to support local businesses in promoting their products, while new businesses are also supported in accessing digital platforms, information technology and e-commerce human resources training.

According to the Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Truc Son, in the second quarter of 2025, the province will continue to promote startup communication, educate the entrepreneurial spirit, and expand regional and international cooperation. Policies to encourage the conversion of business households into enterprises will continue to be implemented, focusing on training in business administration, business skills, and market connections.

With the spirit of "New Dong Khoi", and the consensus from the government to the business community, Ben Tre is gradually affirming its position as a "fertile land" for startups and sustainable development.

Article and photos: Thach Thao

Source: https://baodongkhoi.vn/ket-qua-noi-bat-tu-chuong-trinh-dong-khoi-khoi-nghiep-quy-i-2025-14042025-a145160.html