To enhance the appeal for strategic investors, industrial parks (IPs) in Vinh Phuc province prioritize environmental protection and invest in creating green, clean, and attractive spaces. Mr. Vu Kim Thanh, Deputy Director of the Vinh Phuc Industrial Zones Management Board, shared with our reporter regarding the current situation and solutions implemented in these IPs.
Solum Vina Co., Ltd, located in Ba Thien II Industrial Park heavily invests in modern, highly automated production lines across all stages of its manufacturing process
The development of IPs has positively impacted Vinh Phuc's economy, but does it raise concerns about environmental effects?
In recent years, Vinh Phuc has made significant strides in economic and social development, largely due to the contributions of IPs. However, this growth has also led to environmental challenges, particularly with wastewater generated from production, industrial cleaning and daily operations.
Guided by the principle of "not trading off the environment for economic benefits," Vinh Phuc province has committed to ensuring that the development of industrial parks aligns with environmental protection. From the outset, we have prioritized minimizing the environmental impacts of production activities to foster a sustainable investment climate in these parks.
All IPs in Vinh Phuc are equipped with centralized wastewater treatment systems capable of handling 21,800 m³ per day. Additionally, investors have allocated over 20% of the total area for integrated infrastructure, including green spaces and water features, with more than 10% dedicated solely to greenery, ensuring compliance with modern technical standards for high-tech IPs.
Secondary enterprises are responsible for treating wastewater generated from production activities to meet the standards set by the IP infrastructure company before discharging it into the centralized treatment system. Additionally, all solid and hazardous industrial waste must be classified by waste source owners, who are required to contract with authorized units for compliant collection and transportation in accordance with environmental regulations.
Guided by the principle of "not trading off the environment for economic benefits," how have you implemented environmental management?
We have actively urged and monitored investors in IP infrastructure to enhance technical facilities for environmental protection and to implement tree planting initiatives. Additionally, we have focused on promoting and disseminating environmental protection laws to raise awareness among enterprises and investors within the IPs. We regularly urge, inspect, and closely monitor enterprises to ensure compliance with environmental protection measures and effective response to environmental incidents in IPs. We also recommend prompt and strict actions against any violations of environmental laws in these areas.
In the first nine months of 2024, we implemented a comprehensive plan that included tree planting in IPs, enhanced waste collection and treatment protocols, and measures to ensure food safety during the Lunar New Year and Spring Festival. We managed and protected water resources as directed by the Provincial People's Committee and launched the tree planting festival for the New Year. Additionally, we strengthened food safety in collective kitchens, evaluated environmental protection outcomes for 2023, and consulted with relevant departments on potential industries for Ba Thien Industrial Park to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. We also verified wastewater discharge practices in Tam Duong II Industrial Park and provided data for the national environmental status report in 2024. Furthermore, we participated in the Environmental Impact Assessment Council for 11 projects, collaborated with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to grant environmental licenses for seven projects, engaged in the Provincial Environmental License Appraisal Council for 38 projects, and provided consultation on the environmental impact assessment process for 11 projects.
Vinh Phuc's industrial parks have successfully embraced sustainable development. What key activities will you focus on to further enhance environmental management effectiveness?
To enhance the effectiveness of environmental management in the province's IPs, we will prioritize several key activities moving forward. We will review IP planning to ensure alignment with socio-economic development and land use plans. Future planning processes will incorporate environmental pollution factors and propose solutions to minimize and protect the environment. Additionally, the establishment and development of IPs must adhere to the approved planning guidelines.
Attracting investment in IPs will prioritize clean, low-pollution industries that align with local realities and economic sectors. We will focus on targeted development to facilitate factory placement and enhance environmental protection plans. Developers of IPs must fully implement commitments outlined in their environmental impact assessment reports, ensuring the construction and proper functioning of centralized wastewater treatment systems that are designed for actual conditions and maintained for stable, effective operation throughout the life of the park.
All enterprises in the IP must pre-treat their wastewater to meet the input standards of the centralized wastewater treatment system before discharging it into the park's wastewater collection system.
Enterprises generating emissions must implement treatment systems that comply with Vietnamese standards before discharge. Those producing hazardous waste are required to contract with authorized units for proper collection and treatment. We will promote environmental laws to raise awareness among enterprises, particularly regarding site clearance and the construction of waste treatment facilities.
Efforts will focus on enhancing inspection and supervision in environmental matters, with strict penalties for violations and a prohibition on permits for projects that pose pollution risks. We will also establish an environmental information system and database for the province's IPs, collaborating with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to monitor waste discharge activities, especially those involving chemicals, to prevent environmental pollution. Additionally, we will encourage emulation and reward programs to recognize enterprises excelling in environmental protection efforts.
Thank you very much!
By Duy Anh, Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
