Industrial parks and industrial zones play a crucial role in Vietnam’s economic development, particularly amid the shift towards high-tech industries. These areas serve not only as production and innovation hubs but also as focal points for resources, advanced technologies, and a highly skilled workforce. In this article, KTG Industrial will differentiate industrial parks from industrial zones, provide insights into their development strategies, and highlight the potential opportunities they offer to investors and businesses.
Overview of Industrial Parks (IP)
An industrial park is a geographically defined area that is planned and developed specifically for industrial production and the provision of supporting services. According to Clause 16, Article 3 of the Investment Law 2020, industrial parks are concentrated areas for industrial activities, including manufacturing, processing, and distribution [1].
Additionally, industrial parks can be classified into various types, such as:
- Export Processing Zones: Specializing in the production of export goods.
- Supporting Industry Parks: Focusing on manufacturing industrial supporting products.
- Eco-Industrial Parks: Promoting clean production and efficient resource utilization.
- High-Tech Industrial Parks: Attracting investment in high-tech projects, research, and development.
Industrial parks play a vital role in driving economic growth, attracting investment, and generating employment opportunities.
The industrial park contributes to economic development.
There are over 300 industrial parks in Vietnam, covering a total area of more than 70,000 hectares, distributed across the northern, central, and southern regions.
The government supports investors through incentives such as corporate tax exemptions, import tax reductions, and preferential land lease policies.
According to CBRE, by 2023, the average occupancy rate of industrial parks in northern Vietnam reached 80.2%, while industrial parks in the southern regions, including Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong, had an average occupancy rate of 81.9%. Key northern provinces such as Bac Ninh, Hanoi, and Hai Phong continue to be investment hotspots, whereas the central and southern regions attract investors due to their well-developed transportation infrastructure [3].
With an abundant labor force, competitive costs, and a strategic location near international ports, Vietnam’s industrial parks have become a key manufacturing and export hub in Southeast Asia, creating numerous opportunities for businesses.
Overview of Industrial Zones (IZ)
An industrial zone is a large-scale industrial territorial structure that integrates industrial parks, industrial clusters, and industrial centers, with a high degree of specialization in production. Industrial zones play a key role in promoting economic development by fostering specialization and strengthening linkages among businesses through closely interconnected production activities.
There are six industrial zones in Vietnam,with its characteristics, potential, and key industries:
- Northern Midland and Mountainous Region: Comprising 14 provinces, specializing in mineral extraction, processing, and high-tech agriculture.
- Red River Delta: Covering 14 provinces, focusing on processing industries, construction materials production, and strong infrastructure development.
- North Central and Central Coastal Region: Consisting of 10 provinces, known for processing agricultural, forestry, and seafood products. Notably, Du Long Industrial Park (Ninh Thuan) has attracted over VND 1,000 billion in investment.
- Central Highlands: Encompassing four provinces, focusing on hydropower and agricultural and forestry processing industries.
- Southeast Region: Spanning eight provinces, leading the country in GRDP, with strengths in oil and gas extraction and high-tech industries.
- Mekong Delta: Including 13 provinces, specializing in industries utilizing natural gas and aquaculture.
Key Differences Between Industrial Parks and Industrial Zones in Vietnam
An industrial zone (IZ) is a large geographic area that spans multiple provinces or inter-regional areas and can focus on a single industry or encompass multiple industries. Meanwhile, an industrial park (IP) is a smaller, well-planned area located near major urban centers, with more concentrated management and stricter regulatory oversight.
Industrial zones can be categorized into sector-specific zones (focusing on a particular industry) and comprehensive industrial zones (integrating multiple industries). Industrial zones can encompass several industrial parks.
|
Criteria |
Industrial Zones – IZ) |
Industrial Parks ( – IP) |
|
Definition |
A large area integrating industrial sites, clusters, and centers. | A geographically defined area specializing in industrial production and related services. |
|
Scale |
No fixed minimum or maximum size. Covers multiple provinces/cities. | No fixed minimum or maximum size. Typically spans several hundred hectares or more. |
|
Characteristics |
Operates independently while aiming to optimize the entire region. Integrates various industries and supporting sectors. | Focuses on manufacturing businesses and industrial service providers. Has a dedicated management authority. |
|
Role |
Forms the foundation for regional economic development. Optimizes resource utilization for economic efficiency. Contributes to national industrial growth. | Produces goods and provides industrial services. Attracts domestic and foreign investment. Creates jobs and improves infrastructure. |
|
Types |
Six regions: Northern Midland & Mountainous, Red River Delta, North Central & Central Coastal, Southeast, Central Highlands, Mekong Delta. | Five types: Export processing zones, supporting industry parks, eco-industrial parks, high-tech parks. |
|
Development Focus |
Maximizing regional resources, sustainable development aligned with national and local planning strategies. | Prioritizing eco-industrial parks, green supply chains, sustainability, and renewable energy usage. |
|
National Objectives |
Plays a strategic role in regional economic development, promoting industrialization and modernization. | Supports Vietnam’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, contributing to global economic integration. |
Definitions of Industrial Zones and Industrial Parks
- Industrial Zone (IZ): A large-scale area comprising multiple industrial clusters, industrial centers, and production sites. These interconnected components form a production ecosystem, optimizing resources, labor, and support services. Industrial zones may span multiple localities and serve as the foundation for key economic regions.
- Industrial Park (IP): A specifically designated area with clearly defined boundaries dedicated to industrial production. Industrial parks are often strategically located near seaports, highways, or major urban centers to facilitate trade and logistics [15].
In addition to the two previously mentioned concepts, industrial clusters may also be a source of confusion. According to Clause 1, Article 2 of Decree 68/2017/ND-CP, an industrial cluster is an area designated for industrial production and related services, including handicrafts. These clusters have defined geographical boundaries, are non-residential, and are developed to attract and relocate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives, and business partnerships for production and business operations. The size of an industrial cluster ranges from 10 to 75 hectares [13].
The fundamental and most straightforward difference between an industrial park and an industrial cluster lies in scale and business types. While industrial clusters mainly house small and medium-sized enterprises, industrial parks accommodate large-scale industrial manufacturers. By 2025, Vietnam aims to establish 1,704 industrial clusters [14].
Scale: Land Area and Industry Concentration
- Industrial Zones (IZs): Typically cover vast geographic areas that can span multiple provinces or cities. Each industrial park or cluster within an industrial zone represents a smaller component of the larger economic ecosystem. For example, the Southern Industrial Zone includes provinces such as Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Industrial Parks (IPs): Significantly smaller than industrial zones, usually spanning a few hundred hectares or less. These parks often specialize in certain industries, such as high-tech industrial parks or textile and garment industrial parks.
Characteristics: Organization and Management
- Industrial Zones (IZs): Planned as integrated economic regions with unified development policies to maximize economic potential. Although businesses within an industrial zone operate independently, they benefit from shared infrastructure, logistics networks, and synchronized supply chains.
- Industrial Parks (IPs): More structured, with a dedicated management board overseeing operations within the park. This board ensures regulatory compliance, facilitates administrative procedures, and supports infrastructure development tailored to the specific needs of businesses within the park.
Role: Economic Impact at National and Local Levels
- Industrial Zones (IZs): Act as economic growth engines for entire regions or the nation. Large industrial zones, such as Vietnam’s Southern Key Economic Region, not only make significant contributions to national GDP but also promote exports, technology transfer, and foreign direct investment (FDI).
- Industrial Parks (IPs): Play a crucial role in job creation, attracting investment, and modernizing local infrastructure. Additionally, industrial parks drive economic restructuring, transitioning local economies from agriculture to industry and services.
Development Trends: Future Models and Directions
- Industrial Zones (IZs): Develop in alignment with national economic planning, focusing on natural resource utilization, large-scale logistics hubs, and regional connectivity. In the future, industrial zones are expected to transition towards sustainability, emphasizing green industries and minimizing environmental impact.
- Industrial Parks (IPs): Currently evolving towards advanced models such as eco-industrial parks, supporting industry parks, and high-tech parks. These new models not only enhance production efficiency but also contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy conservation.
Investment Benefits: Incentives and Development Opportunities
- Industrial Zones (IZs): Offer macro-level advantages with coordinated policies and interconnected infrastructure. Investors benefit from government incentive programs, such as tax breaks and logistical support across the entire industrial zone.
- Industrial Parks (IPs): Provide more direct benefits tailored to individual investors. Both national and local governments frequently offer specific incentives, such as corporate income tax exemptions in the initial years, reduced land rental costs, and access to a skilled workforce trained at nearby vocational institutions.
Application Scope: Planning and Project Implementation
- Industrial Zones (IZs): A broader concept encompassing multiple interconnected industrial areas developed as part of national economic strategies. Each industrial zone is typically part of a long-term industrialization and modernization plan.
- Industrial Parks (IPs): More specific and localized entities within industrial zones. Each industrial park is planned and developed to cater to specific industries or production activities, optimizing land use and infrastructure efficiency.
Industrial parks have been and continue to create numerous jobs for workers.
Current Status of Industrial Parks and Industrial Zones in Vietnam
As of July 2024, Vietnam has 431 industrial parks (IPs) and export processing zones (EPZs), with 301 already in operation, attracting significant foreign direct investment (FDI). Industrial parks play a crucial role in economic growth and national revenue. The eco-industrial park (EIP) model, aimed at sustainable development, is being implemented in localities such as Hai Phong, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City [5].
Industrial parks and economic zones have become key destinations for major multinational corporations such as Samsung, LG, Canon, Foxconn, and Lego, contributing to job creation, enhancing competitiveness, and accelerating industrialization and modernization [6].
In the first seven months of 2024, FDI in Vietnam’s manufacturing sector increased by 15.7% year-on-year, reaching $12.65 billion. According to VnDirect, the FDI environment will continue to improve due to competitive costs and infrastructure enhancements. The industrial land supply in both the northern and southern regions is expected to meet demand for the next 4–5 years, with major projects such as Tien Thanh Industrial Park, Trang Due 3 (in the North), and Nam Tan Uyen Industrial Park, VSIP 3 (in the South) [7].
These developments highlight the strong growth potential of Vietnam’s industrial parks and industrial zones.
Government Strategy for the Development of Industrial Parks and Industrial Zones in Vietnam
Vietnam’s industrial development strategy through 2035 focuses on sustainable growth, aiming for an annual industrial production value increase of 10.5–12.5%, with high-tech industries contributing over 50% of GDP. Priority sectors include manufacturing and processing, electronics, renewable energy, and green industrial planning, alongside enterprise support and strengthened international cooperation [8].
Vietnam is committed to developing sustainable industrial parks to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050, aligning with the National Green Growth Strategy and international commitments. Net-zero emissions mean balancing emitted greenhouse gases with equivalent absorption, ensuring no overall increase in atmospheric emissions [9].
The Vietnamese government is actively formulating new policies to promote the development of eco-industrial parks (EIPs), offering investment incentives for green projects.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has proposed a new draft law to develop large-scale eco-industrial parks, attracting high-quality investments in digital economy sectors, green industries, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced materials. This draft law includes tax reductions and streamlined administrative procedures [10].
However, the development of EIPs still faces regulatory challenges. Pilot EIP projects have successfully reduced energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, and the government is working to expand these initiatives with international support. The circular economy and sustainable industrial development models will be key priorities between 2024 and 2028.
Additionally, the government is introducing incentives to promote key industries such as electronics, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Orientation towards developing eco-industrial parks with incentives for green investment.
Potential of Industrial Parks and Industrial Zones in Vietnam
Attracting High-Quality FDI in Manufacturing and Processing
The development of industrial parks (IPs) provides significant benefits to the manufacturing and processing industries, particularly through high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI) projects.
Industrial parks offer several advantages, including strategic locations near seaports and raw material sources, preferential policies for new enterprises, and strong support from local authorities.
Additionally, industrial parks play a crucial role in boosting Vietnam’s export growth, particularly in electronics, textiles, footwear, and machinery, helping diversify the country’s export markets.
Moreover, industrial parks are key drivers of Vietnam’s export growth, infrastructure development, foreign investment attraction, and improved living standards for local communities. A notable example is the industrial parks in Ho Chi Minh City, which generate $7 billion in annual exports and provide employment for over 281,000 workers [11].
Enhancing Competitiveness and Innovation in Domestic Industries
Industrial parks and export processing zones play a vital role in improving competitiveness and fostering innovation in Vietnam’s industrial sector. By attracting FDI projects, facilitating technology transfer, and encouraging business collaboration, industrial parks help increase productivity and enhance product quality.
Furthermore, resource-sharing, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among businesses within these zones help optimize costs, improve operational efficiency, and create higher-value products. Thanks to these factors, Vietnam has significantly improved its competitiveness and innovation rankings in recent years, and industrial parks will continue to be key drivers of industrial growth in the future.
Job Creation and Improved Living Standards
Job creation and improved living conditions for workers in industrial parks and export processing zones are top priorities for the Vietnamese government. Support policies such as social housing, low-interest credit loans, and access to cultural and sports services have helped enhance the quality of life for workers [12].
As of now, there are 253 worker housing projects covering approximately 600 hectares of land. Among them, 112 projects have been completed, accounting for 41% of the total land area [12].
However, challenges remain in meeting the infrastructure and social needs of workers, requiring cooperation from businesses, labor unions, and local authorities.
Conclusion
Industrial parks and industrial zones in Vietnam are continuously expanding, becoming key drivers of innovation and economic growth. With strategic development policies and strong government support, these zones have great potential to create attractive investment opportunities and drive the transformation of Vietnam’s industrial sectors in the coming years.
