From environmental control to eco-industrial parks

With 98% of industrial parks (IPs) having completed investment in centralized wastewater treatment systems and 100% of IPs with stable wastewater output equipped with automatic monitoring systems, Dong Nai is now taking the lead nationwide in industrial environmental management.

This positive outcome in environmental protection serves as the basis for the province to transition toward eco-industrial parks, thereby realizing its goals of low emissions and green industrial development.

100% of IPs equipped with automatic environmental monitoring

Dong Nai is one of the country’s leading localities in IP development and investment attraction. To date, the province has established 57 IPs, one economic zone and one hi-tech park, attracting more than 2,700 domestic projects and investors from 45 countries and territories.

Export garment production at Saitex International Dong Nai Co., Ltd., Amata IP, Long Binh ward. Photo: Hoang Loc

Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment (DoAE) Nguyen Tuan Anh said that by the end of 2025, Dong Nai will have 98% of IPs completing investment in centralized wastewater treatment systems with a total design capacity of nearly 297,000 m³ per day. Notably, 100% of IPs with stable wastewater output have installed automatic wastewater monitoring systems that transmit data directly to relevant authorities for supervision as required.

According to the DoAE’s leader, these results stem from a wide range of coordinated measures. These include stepping up communication to raise awareness among enterprises about environmental responsibilities; providing financial support for IP infrastructure and wastewater treatment technologies; strengthening inspections, supervision and monitoring; and promptly reminding enterprises to comply with regulations. The province has also prioritized selecting investors with strong capacity, experience and environmental commitment from the design phase to operation.

Since the implementation of the two-tier local government model, the department has also enhanced training, legal dissemination and guidance on environmental procedures for 95 wards and communes, enabling them to be more proactive in handling administrative dossiers and monitoring production activities.

In practice, environmental monitoring results in 2025 show that soil and groundwater quality across the province remain within permissible limits, with no signs of severe pollution. Surface water quality in major rivers meets requirements for domestic use and other purposes. Air quality continues to remain stable. Importantly, the province has tightened control over major emission sources, applied technology for sudden wastewater monitoring, and maintained inspection and enforcement against facilities violating environmental regulations.

Sharing the same viewpoint, Pham Viet Phuong, Acting Deputy Head of the Dong Nai Economic and Industrial Zones Authority, noted that 42 out of 43 operational IPs have completed centralized wastewater treatment systems. Only the Chon Thanh II IP has yet to proceed due to the absence of an infrastructure investor.

In addition, the province has worked with long-established IPs to encourage enterprises to upgrade technologies, invest in in-depth development, enhance working conditions and strengthen environmental protection. For new IPs, Dong Nai has oriented investment attraction toward specialized industries and selected investors based on criteria such as technology, financial capacity, socio-economic efficiency, and the ability to form regional and sectoral linkages and participate in value chains.

Greening the province’s key economic sector

Entering a new phase of development, Dong Nai aims to transition strongly toward eco-industrial parks where enterprises adopt cleaner production practices, use resources efficiently, develop industrial symbiosis and reduce emissions.

Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Ho Van Ha said that Dong Nai has consistently pursued a green and sustainable development orientation for years. The province prioritizes converting existing IPs and developing new ones based on eco-friendly, green and high-tech criteria. Dong Nai is cooperating with several domestic and international organizations to study low-carbon industrial models, promote renewable energy, advance energy efficiency and develop a practical roadmap for transitioning to eco-industrial parks.

Industrial production at Jason Furniture Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Kuka Home Vietnam), Dong Xoai III IP, Binh Phuoc ward. Photo: Nhu Nam

Through international cooperation programs, stakeholders are discussing technical, legal and financial solutions for implementation, identifying challenges to propose recommendations for the central government to address them. The province is also promoting projects on green technology applications in wastewater treatment and emission reduction, moving toward the national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 as committed at COP26.

Dong Nai currently has 57 IPs, one economic zone and one hi-tech park. Under the approved planning, by 2030, the province will have 81 IPs along with one economic zone and one hi-tech park, becoming one of the major industrial centers of the Southeast region and the country.

 

The Resolution of the 11th Provincial Party Congress for the 2026–2030 term, together with the Provincial Action Program and implementation plans of the Provincial People’s Committee, sets clear goals: becoming a leading locality in high-tech industrial development; developing industry along a high-tech and eco-friendly path; and building a prosperous, green, civilized and modern Dong Nai. The province targets 100% hazardous waste to be collected and treated, and 100% of operational IPs to have centralized wastewater treatment systems meeting environmental standards.

According to the DoAE, the province will continue to pursue a selective investment attraction strategy, prioritizing high-tech enterprises, circular economy models and energy-efficient production. Dong Nai will allocate land and resources to help enterprises innovate, enhance competitiveness and create added value; and promote innovation while raising awareness about the benefits of eco-industrial parks and eco-enterprises.

In addition, the department will complete plans to implement specific environmental targets, prioritizing key environmental tasks; provide guidance to address challenges in the two-tier local government model; and effectively carry out the province’s Carbon emission reduction project through 2030 with a vision to 2050.

By Hoang Loc – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha