Developing green spaces toward eco-industrial parks

Dong Nai is accelerating the transition of its industrial park (IP) model toward green, ecological and circular development. One of the key evaluation criteria is that the total area for green spaces, transport, technical facilities and shared social infrastructure must reach at least 25%.

The Provincial National Assembly Delegation visits a factory operating under green criteria in Amata IP. Photo: Ban Mai

Therefore, in addition to “greening” production through cleaner inputs, advanced technologies, and waste-reuse practices, IPs are placing greater emphasis on maintaining and expanding green spaces.

Basically meeting the 25% requirement for greenery and infrastructure.

Dong Nai currently has 59 IPs, economic zones and high-tech parks. Under the approved planning, this number will increase to more than 83 by 2030. With this scale, Dong Nai continues to rank among the localities with the largest industrial development space nationwide.

In the Provincial Planning and Resolution of the 1st Provincial Party Congress for the 2025–2030 tenure, Dong Nai identifies the green economy and sustainable growth as a central and consistent objective in its development strategy. As a key driver of the economic structure, industry is prioritized and required to lead the implementation of solutions to realize the green development goal.

Pham Viet Phuong, Deputy Head in charge of Dong Nai Economic and Industrial Zones Authority (DEIZA), said that more enterprises inside IPs are adopting cleaner production and more efficient resource use, while strengthening linkages and cooperation to implement industrial symbiosis.

For IPs, infrastructure developers, beyond complying with legal regulations and providing essential services, also focus on meeting the 25% requirement for green areas, internal roads, technical facilities and shared social infrastructure under eco-IP criteria. Several IPs even include housing areas and cultural and sports facilities for workers.

To date, most IPs across the province have met the required proportion of green space and shared infrastructure. Some IPs, namely Amata, Long Duc, Long Khanh and several newly established parks, have achieved higher ratios than earlier-generation IPs. Consequently, these green spaces not only provide shade and improve landscapes, but also help mitigate dust and noise impacts on neighboring residential areas. In particular, as enterprises increasingly comply with international Environmental – Social – Governance (ESG) standards, the development of environmentally and community-beneficial infrastructure becomes a competitive advantage.

As one of the few IPs nationwide piloting the transition from a traditional to an ecological model, Amata IP in Long Binh ward has identified sustainable development as its core priority. According to Amata City Bien Hoa Joint Stock Company (JSC), the developer has focused on applying clean energy, enhancing resource management, and investing comprehensively in technical and social infrastructure and utilities for investors and workers. In the time ahead, Amata will continue improving landscapes, expanding green areas, prioritizing the use of renewable energy, and enlargement of community-oriented activities, aiming to become a sustainable investment destination for international investors and a model for IP transformation in Dong Nai and Vietnam.

Nguyen Tuan Anh, Deputy General Director of Long Duc 3 IP JSC, said the developer is completing investment procedures for Long Duc 3 IP following eco-IP development principles. In terms of infrastructure, the park will fully meet standards on internal transport, wastewater treatment systems, green areas and worker facilities. In terms of investment attraction, the IP prioritizes high-tech, environmentally friendly industries, particularly high-tech projects, supporting industries and logistics services.

Dong Nai has so far established 57 IPs, one economic zone and one high-tech park, attracting more than 2,700 domestic and foreign-invested projects. Under the Provincial planning approved by the Prime Minister, Dong Nai will have 81 industrial parks, one high-tech park and one economic zone by 2030.

Aiming for a clean, green and well-designed industrial landscape

The eco-IP model is a shared aspiration of infrastructure developers, secondary investors and local authorities. This model not only helps enterprises reduce operating costs, use resources efficiently and meet environmental standards, but also enhances competitiveness in attracting high-quality capital flows. At the same time, developing green IPs contributes to environmental protection, improves workers’ quality of life, and lays the foundation for sustainable growth.

Japanese businesses explore recycled products made from industrial waste in Dong Nai.

However, despite its recognized importance, developing and maintaining green spaces in IPs still faces several barriers. Older parks with limited land reserves may not meet requirements for green areas, environmental safety facilities or worker service buildings. Some IPs still prioritize maximizing land for factories and warehouses, resulting in inadequate green space, transportation areas or shared infrastructure under eco-IP criteria. Likewise, small and medium-sized enterprises with limited capital and land may find it difficult to prioritize green technologies or environmental standards within their premises.

Pham Viet Phuong, Deputy Head in charge of the DEIZA, said that in the coming period, the DEIZA will require infrastructure developers to meet the 25% threshold for green areas, internal roads, technical facilities and shared social infrastructure. Priority will be given to completing both technical and social infrastructure, alongside the development of green transport systems.

For long-established IPs that do not meet the criteria, the DEIZA will review and evaluate secondary enterprises using land inefficiently, revoke land used improperly or ineffectively, and adjust planning accordingly. For newly established IPs, the province encourages their adoption of eco-IP models right from design and construction stages through to operation, as well as more selective investment attraction, prioritizing industries capable of meeting industrial symbiosis standards.

Expanding green areas in IPs and factories is not only about improving landscapes but also a practical solution to reduce pollution, enhance working environments and improve competitiveness. The increase in ecological factors also helps IPs and enterprises attract investment, expand consumer markets and boost exports. Moreover, this contributes significantly to Dong Nai’s goal of building a sustainable, modern and environmentally friendly economy.

Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee Ho Van Ha said that in recent years, Dong Nai has unwaveringly pursued green and sustainable development, particularly focusing on transitioning existing IPs and investing in new ones following ecological, green and high-tech models. The review and identification of opportunities for ecological transformation within IPs are considered essential tasks that create momentum for local economic growth. This also forms an important foundation for the province to develop its socio-economic landscape along green and sustainable lines, contributing to Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).

To achieve this goal, infrastructure developers and enterprises must shape implementation plans for industrial symbiosis, cleaner production and related initiatives based on digital transformation and green transition. These efforts will enhance production efficiency, reduce emissions and contribute to building a green and circular economy in Dong Nai.

By Ban Mai – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha