According to data from the Economic Zone Management Department of the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, as of July 2024, a total of 431 industrial parks and export processing zones have been established across the country, covering an area of about 132,300 hectares. Of these, 301 industrial parks are operational, attracting substantial domestic and foreign investment.
The Necessity of Transitioning to Ecological Industrial Parks
To fulfill the commitment made at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Vietnam’s traditional industrial park model is transitioning to ecological industrial parks. This transformation is not only an inevitable trend but also a mandatory requirement, as ecological industrial parks promise a hopeful future where economic prosperity and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.
Sustainable Development Trends in Industrial Parks
By July 2024, Vietnam had established 431 industrial parks and export processing zones, covering an area of 132,300 hectares. Of these, 301 parks are operational, contributing significantly to Vietnam’s industrialization, modernization, and economic restructuring. However, in recent years, the development of these parks has exposed shortcomings, particularly in terms of environmental protection and sustainable development.
Vice Director of the Economic Zone Management Department, Wang Thi Minh Xiao, emphasized that sustainable development is no longer just a slogan but has become an inevitable trend, forming the core value of businesses. It helps companies define their vision and strategic direction. Many local governments and industrial park infrastructure investors now recognize that developing parks according to the ecological industrial park model is essential to creating long-term competitive advantages.
International Cooperation and Project Support
The Ministry of Planning and Investment revealed that the Swiss government has committed to continuing its partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to promote the development of ecological industrial parks in Vietnam during 2024-2028. The “Widespread Implementation of Ecological Industrial Parks to Promote Vietnam’s Circular Economy” project, funded by the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs with a total budget of $3.6 million, was approved in August 2024. It will be implemented in eco-industrial parks in provinces such as Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City, and Long An.
In addition to collaborating with Switzerland, Vietnam is also working with the World Bank to support the construction of an eco-industrial park in Binh Duong. The country is also building water recycling networks in industrial parks concentrated with textile factories in provinces such as Hung Yen and Thua Thien-Hue. Furthermore, efforts are being made to improve energy efficiency in industrial parks, following the model of eco-industrial parks in South Korea.
Economic experts believe that Vietnam is at a golden opportunity not only to integrate with global trends but also to become a model for sustainable industrial park development. The key to seizing this opportunity lies in the harmonious integration of technology and policy, as well as public-private partnerships aimed at green growth.
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