Environmental Protection in Industrial Parks and Clusters

Phu Tho currently has 58 approved Industrial Parks (IPs) covering over 14,055 hectares, with 17 IPs already in operation, many of which have achieved high occupancy rates. Additionally, the province has established 66 Industrial Clusters (ICs) spanning over 3,075 hectares (out of 140 approved clusters). Among these, 35 clusters are operational, attracting 930 projects and creating jobs for over 37,000 workers.

The centralized wastewater treatment plant at Phu Ha Industrial Park.

The Resolution of the 1st Provincial Party Congress (2025–2030 term) clearly defines the orientation for rapid yet sustainable development: industry must lead the way, but environmental integrity will not be sacrificed for economic growth. Phu Tho is steadfast in transitioning from “brown” to “green” industry, implementing synchronous strategies from planning and infrastructure to raising awareness among businesses and the community.

Next-generation IPs such as Son Loi, Phuc Yen, Nam Binh Xuyen, Ba Thien 2, and Song Lo 2 are all designed as "Green Industrial Parks." Green transformation has become a mandatory criterion in investment attraction, production operations, and growth assessment. The province prioritizes “green, clean, and high-tech” projects while restricting pollution-prone industries.

Recently, Amata Group (Thailand) received investment policy approval for the Doan Hung IP, covering over 475 hectares with a total capital of over 185 million USD. The project aims to attract high-tech, eco-friendly industries with synchronized infrastructure, services, and environmental treatment systems.

Ms. Somhatai Panichewa, CEO of Amata Group, shared: "Amata City Phu Tho is envisioned not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a green industrial ecosystem focused on high technology and innovation. We prioritize projects within high-tech categories, those with green certifications, or those committed to carbon neutrality. We also seek partners who share our vision of social responsibility and environmental friendliness to create lasting value for the community."

Phu Tho has tightened “input” requirements, demanding higher quality in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), increasing the screening of high-risk projects, and strictly enforcing post-inspection protocols. The province has shifted from attracting investment at any cost to meticulous selection, ensuring environmental protection remains a consistent requirement for harmonizing economic development and social welfare.

Currently, 14 out of 17 operational IPs have centralized wastewater treatment plants, reaching a rate of 82.35% with a total capacity of 68,200 m3/day. Mr. Hoang Long Bien, Director of the Provincial Industrial Zones Authority, stated that secondary investors basically utilize circulating wastewater treatment systems, resulting in zero direct discharge into the environment. Regarding solid and industrial waste, all 800+ enterprises across the 17 IPs have signed contracts for collection, transportation, and treatment. Dust and gas emissions are mostly treated by secondary investors under the regular supervision of specialized agencies. For the 35 operational ICs, 18 have centralized treatment stations, with 3 more currently under development.

The province has also installed automated environmental monitoring systems at IPs like Thuy Van, Phu Ha, Ba Thien, and Binh Xuyen. All discharging factories are required to connect and transmit real-time data to the Department of Agriculture and Environment for 24/7 monitoring, enhancing transparency and management efficiency province-wide.

Phu Ha IP, with its North and South subdivisions, is considered a highlight in attracting FDI from major partners. Its infrastructure is developed according to international standards. Notably, its advanced wastewater treatment plant, built in two phases with a capacity of 7,500 m3/day, is fully operational. Analysis indicators are directly linked to the Department of Agriculture and Environment to ensure strict control and compliance before discharge.

To meet the demands of sustainable development and the Law on Environmental Protection, provincial departments and the Industrial Zones Authority have strengthened state management. They coordinate closely with authorities to increase inspections, resolve complaints, and strictly penalize environmental violations while promoting education to raise legal compliance awareness among secondary investors.

Ngoc Tuan