Quang Tri strengthens management of industrial clusters

Quang Tri strengthens management of industrial clusters Investment in infrastructure and business operations within industrial clusters is facing significant challenges, necessitating increased support from government regulatory agencies.

Local industrial clusters are facing significant challenges, primarily due to a lack of capital for infrastructure development and difficulties attracting capable enterprises to participate in these projects. Most infrastructure funding relies on the state budget, and many clusters have yet to establish centralized wastewater treatment systems. Clusters such as Dong Ai Tu, Hai Thuong, Cua Tung, Cam Thanh, and Hai Le are currently working on developing wastewater treatment systems, while facilities in Ai Tu and Huong Tan have become inactive.

Several clusters also face land clearance and leveling issues, which are impacting project timelines. Although many industrial clusters have evolved over time, they are now deteriorating. Additionally, many projects experience delays post-approval due to the small scale and limited financial and management capabilities of the enterprises involved.

Recent changes in the Investment Law, Environmental Protection Law, and particularly fire safety regulations have posed further challenges for project developers within industrial clusters.

The Department of Industry and Trade will continue to assist the provincial government in managing these clusters effectively. This includes facilitating quick resolution of investment permits and land allocation, as well as promoting business development within the clusters. The department will also coordinate with relevant agencies to monitor investment and production activities in these areas.

Furthermore, it will advise the provincial government on revising the infrastructure usage fee schedule for industrial clusters to ensure competitiveness and fairness between state-managed and privately-managed technical infrastructure, thereby alleviating the budget burden.

Industrial clusters contribute to local economic growth

By the end of 2024, the total investment for infrastructure development in industrial clusters is projected to reach approximately VND247.2 billion ($9.8 million).

Local governments have proactively allocated matching funds alongside provincial budget allocations and other sources to enhance industrial cluster infrastructure. Hai Lang District has allocated VND3.5 billion ($138,126) for wastewater pipeline construction in the Dien Sanh Industrial Cluster, as well as VND3 billion ($118,429) for road and drainage system improvements in the Hai Chanh Industrial Cluster. The Dong Ha City government has invested about VND4 billion($157,906) in the infrastructure of the National Highway 9D Industrial Cluster, while Cam Lo District has set aside VND397 million ($15,674) for the Cam Thanh Industrial Cluster.

The Project Management Board for land development in Cam Lo and Hai Lang districts is continuing to implement plans for infrastructure usage fees in the Cam Thanh and DienSanhclusters to support maintenance and repairs. Efforts to encourage private investment in industrial cluster infrastructure are ongoing.

In 2024, industrial clusters attracted eight investment projects worth VND694.5 billion ($27.4 million). To date, 176 investment projects have been secured across 16 clusters, achieving an average occupancy rate of 69.2% with total registered capital of approximately VND4.9 trillion ($193.4 million). Actual investment is around VND2.3 trillion ($90.8 million), with 93 projects already in operation, 15 under construction, and 39 in the process of completing necessary permits. The total revenue of enterprises operating in industrial clusters is estimated at about VND3.4 trillion ($134 million), providing jobs for 5,564 workers and contributing nearlyVND107.3 billion ($4.2 million) to the state budget.

Ngoc Trang – Khanh Khanh