Hanoi is prioritizing the expansion of modern industrial zones and clusters to support the sustainable development of the industrial sector and enhance local competitiveness.

Illustrative photo.

As of present, Hanoi has a total of 70 operational industrial clusters and parks in 17 districts and towns, covering a total area of 1,686 hectares and contributing significantly to economic development and social welfare.

These industrial clusters and parks has attracted 3,864 businesses that created 60,000 jobs, and contributed VND1.1 trillion (US$47.28 million) to state coffers.

Among them, 26 industrial clusters have been equipped with sufficient infrastructure system, including Quat Dong expansion, Ngoc Hoi, Tu Liem, Phung village, among others, playing a key role for more specialized and efficient in industrial production and operation of craft villages.

Thuong Tin district, located in southern region of Hanoi, has over 10 industrial clusters and parks, the largest among the districts and communes in Hanoi. They are nearly fully occupied with over 900 enterprises and manufacturers, which provide 7,000 jobs for locals.

However, there have been issues of industrial zones located in residential areas, leading to high risks of environmental pollution and fire accidents. Specifically, 17 industrial clusters are surrounded by residential areas; 27 lack water and waste drainage systems; 44 have no wastewater treatment plant; and 59 have no solid waste storage facility. The most pressing issue is that most of them have not been equipped with a proper fire prevention system.

Under such circumstance, the Hanoi People’s Committee has recently issued Document No.4517 requesting greater efficiency in managing industrial zones in the city.

Director of Hanoi’s Department of Industry and Trade Le Hong Thang said the city has been providing incentive policies for the development of supporting industries, referring to Hanoi Southern Supporting Industrial Park that is subject to land rental period of up to 70 years and preferential loans from banks, among others.

Thang said there has been trend of growing investments in hi-tech, green technologies and sustainable development in industrial zones in Hanoi over the past few years.

Hanoi is scheduled to have a total of 68 industrial zones by 2020, with total investment capital of VND19.16 trillion (US$822.4 million), according to information revealed at the 2018 Hanoi Investment Cooperation Conference.