“Scaling up the eco-industrial park (EIP) model is essential to achieving sustainable industrial growth in Vietnam,” emphasized Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Thị Bích Ngọc at the workshop “Developing Eco-Industrial Parks in Vietnam: Policies and Implementation Solutions” held on September 15.
The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) under the project “Implementation of Eco-Industrial Parks in Vietnam under the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme,” funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The workshop aimed to disseminate new provisions of Decree No. 35/2022/NĐ-CP concerning the conversion and development of eco-industrial parks.
Industrial Parks: A Pillar of Vietnam’s Economic Growth
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Over more than three decades, industrial parks (IPs) and economic zones (EZs) have played a crucial role in Vietnam’s socio-economic development. They contribute significantly to state budget revenues, job creation, technological innovation, and global supply chain integration, while supporting industrialization and modernization.
Vietnam currently has 406 industrial parks, 18 coastal economic zones, and 26 border gate zones, hosting over 21,000 domestic and foreign investment projects with a total registered capital of around USD 340 billion.
Challenges and the Need for Transformation
Despite their contributions, Vietnam’s industrial zones face growing challenges. Extensive development has reached the limits of land, labor, and resource capacity, while productivity and resource efficiency remain low. Moreover, the balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social welfare has yet to be achieved, and traditional tax and land incentives are gradually diminishing.
This reality highlights the need for a new development model—one that combines effective land use, sustainable investment, and innovation aligned with Industry 4.0 principles.
Pilot Success and Measurable Results
Between 2015 and 2019, MPI, in collaboration with UNIDO, SECO, and other partners, piloted the eco-industrial park model in Ninh Bình, Đà Nẵng, and Cần Thơ.
During this pilot phase:
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72 enterprises implemented over 900 cleaner production and energy-saving solutions,
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Saving VND 76 billion per year,
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Mobilizing VND 207 billion in private investment, and
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Cutting 32 tons of CO₂ annually.
These achievements proved the economic, social, and environmental benefits of the eco-industrial park model.
Scaling Up and International Support
From 2020 to 2023, the Swiss Government continued supporting the transition of three industrial parks—located in Ho Chi Minh City, Hải Phòng, and Đồng Nai—toward the international eco-industrial park framework. These projects are expected to lay the groundwork for nationwide expansion in the coming years.
Deputy Minister Nguyễn Thị Bích Ngọc emphasized:
“The initial results show that the eco-industrial park model can only fully demonstrate its positive role in Vietnam’s sustainable development strategy if scaled up nationwide, supported by policies, technology, finance, and strong cooperation among domestic and international organizations.”
Policy and Technical Recommendations
To enhance the EIP model’s effectiveness, the Deputy Minister called for:
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Detailed technical and regulatory guidelines from relevant ministries,
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Expert support from both domestic and international specialists on industrial symbiosis and circular economy networks,
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Preferential financial policies for eco-industrial parks and participating enterprises, including tax and land rent reductions and priority access to green credit sources.
At the workshop, experts and policymakers also discussed the new regulatory framework under Decree 35/2022/NĐ-CP, highlighting the importance of transitioning from traditional industrial zones to eco-industrial ecosystems that foster resource efficiency, innovation, and sustainable competitiveness.