Dong Nai – A strategic link in sustainable industrial supply chains

Currently, the competitive advantage of countries and localities is no longer measured solely by the number of industrial parks or the scale of foreign direct investment. Equally important is their ability to develop green industrial ecosystems, modern logistics infrastructure, and sustainable production linkages.

Nestlé has applied modern production management practices for many years to reduce carbon emissions. Photo: Tra My

Building on its position as one of Vietnam's leading industrial centres and its commitment to developing eco-industrial parks, Dong Nai is steadily establishing itself as a strategic link in sustainable industrial supply chains across southern Vietnam and nationwide.

Integrating into global supply chains

Speaking at the forum “Developing Smart - Eco Industrial Parks – a Driving Force for Investment Attraction and Green Economic Development in the Southeast Region”, jointly organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Dong Nai People's Committee on July 28, Chairman of the City People's Committee Nguyen Van Ut said green transformation and the development of eco-industrial parks are no longer optional but have become an imperative.

As one of Vietnam's largest industrial centres, Dong Nai has identified smart and eco-industrial parks as the foundation of a modern manufacturing ecosystem, contributing to the city's green growth goals and those of the Southeast region.

This vision also reflects a shift in Dong Nai's industrial development strategy. Pham Viet Phuong, Acting Deputy Head of the Dong Nai Economic and Industrial Zones Authority, said the real challenge is no longer how much investment the city can attract, but how it positions itself in modern and sustainable supply chains. This is a strategic issue for Dong Nai.

According to Phuong, Dong Nai's advantage lies not only in its industrial scale but also in its connectivity. The city currently has 44 operational industrial parks, which have attracted nearly 2,000 FDI projects from 45 countries and territories, with a total registered capital of US$38.18 billion, along with 847 domestic investment projects. Notably, Dong Nai is one of the few localities in Vietnam to have all five modes of transport: road, rail, inland waterways, maritime transport and aviation. With Long Thanh International Airport, Phuoc An Port, Hoa Lu International Border Gate and its expressway network, Dong Nai is emerging as a large-scale logistics and cargo transshipment hub for the Southern Key Economic Region.

Building on these advantages, Dong Nai aims not only to become a major manufacturing centre but also to play a greater role in facilitating the flow of raw materials, components, goods and logistics services while fostering innovation across the region. The city will continue restructuring its industrial landscape by promoting high-tech and eco-industrial parks, the logistics sector, the circular economy and supporting industries, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of regional supply chains. Its investment strategy is also shifting from prioritising scale to fostering a high-quality industrial ecosystem, in line with the shifting trends in next-generation FDI and the growing emphasis on sustainable development.

Green transformation enhances competitiveness

While strategic infrastructure and geographical advantages position Dong Nai as a key supply chain hub, the transition to eco-industrial parks will be key to enhancing the quality of growth and attracting next-generation FDI.

Dong Nai is pursuing a new-generation industrial development model centred on the Long Thanh Airport urban area, logistics, innovation and high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and digital technologies. As infrastructure continues to improve and green transformation accelerates, the city is expected not only to maintain its position as one of Vietnam's leading industrial centres but also to strengthen its position as a strategic link in the country's sustainable industrial supply chain.

VCCI Chairman Ho Sy Hung said eco-industrial parks are not merely a solution to environmental challenges but also a strategy for building highly competitive industrial clusters. He noted that the model could increase labour productivity by 15–25% through the adoption of technology, more efficient resource utilisation and improved working conditions. More importantly, it enables businesses to deepen their participation in global value chains.

Vietnam currently has around 425 industrial parks, yet only 1–2% have been converted into eco-industrial parks. This highlights the enormous potential for further development while underscoring the need to improve institutional frameworks, strengthen linkages among businesses, expand access to green finance, and accelerate technological innovation to enhance industrial competitiveness.

In Dong Nai, these strategic directions are gradually taking shape. Amata Industrial Park is one of the first three industrial parks in Vietnam selected to pilot the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme. After nearly four years of implementation, its compliance with eco-industrial park criteria has risen from 41% to 86%. Green transformation in industrial parks not only delivers environmental benefits but also helps businesses reduce costs, improve production efficiency and better meet international market standards.

Pham Viet Phuong said the city had issued Plan No. 76/KH-UBND, dated February 9, 2026, to convert existing industrial parks into green and eco-industrial parks. During the 2026–2030 period, Dong Nai aims to have at least two certified eco-industrial parks, with 90% of the city's industrial parks implementing energy-efficiency measures and at least 10% of enterprises adopting cleaner production practices, improving resource efficiency and reducing emissions.

By V.The – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho