Over the past 30 years, since its inception, the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau has emerged to become one of the country’s wealthiest localities. Besides the oil and gas sector, the province has also invested in industry, seaports, tourism, and high-tech agriculture, affirming its important role in the southern key economic region.  Its gross regional domestic product (GRDP) grows year after year. Even at the most difficult time during the COVID-19 pandemic, its GRDP grew 6.1 percent, ranking it third among Vietnam’s 63 cities and provinces. Average GDP per capita stands at 13,000 USD; double the country’s average