Industrial Development Associated with Environmental Protection

Industrial development is one of the key drivers of economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards. However, the industrialization process also poses significant challenges to environmental protection. Recognizing this, Phu Tho Province has consistently identified industrial development in association with environmental protection as a fundamental requirement, aiming to achieve green growth and sustainable development.

Mr. Phan Trong Tan, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, inspects the wastewater treatment system at Hyunwoo Vina Co., Ltd. in Ba Thien II Industrial Park.

According to the master plan approved by the Prime Minister, Phu Tho Province currently has 57 industrial parks (IPs) included in the national development plan. Of these, 30 industrial parks have been established, covering more than 6,327 hectares, including 17 operational parks and 13 established parks that have not yet commenced operations.

The rapid development of industrial parks has played an important role in economic restructuring, investment attraction, budget revenue generation, and job creation for tens of thousands of workers. However, it has also placed increasing pressure on the environment due to industrial production activities.

According to relevant authorities, industrial facilities generated approximately 22.3 million cubic meters of exhaust emissions per hour in 2025 based on system capacity, while industrial wastewater discharge reached nearly 45,000 cubic meters per day.

The wastewater treatment system at Ba Thien II Industrial Park has been invested in comprehensively and equipped with modern technology.

In response, the Provincial People’s Committee has issued numerous plans and action programs to effectively prevent and address environmental issues. The Department of Agriculture and Environment has been assigned to implement air quality management plans, regularly review and update emission source inventories to support the national emissions database.

Environmental appraisal and licensing procedures for investment projects are strictly implemented. All production facilities are required to construct and operate wastewater and exhaust gas treatment systems that meet technical standards before discharging into the environment.

To date, most operational industrial parks in the province have developed relatively comprehensive environmental protection infrastructure, including rainwater drainage systems, centralized wastewater collection and treatment systems, solid waste storage facilities, automatic wastewater monitoring systems, and environmental incident prevention and response facilities in accordance with regulations.

In addition, green space areas within industrial parks generally comply with planning requirements, contributing to improved landscapes and creating a more environmentally friendly production environment. Infrastructure investors have also established specialized environmental management units responsible for operating wastewater treatment systems and monitoring the discharge activities of secondary enterprises.

Ba Thien II Industrial Park has been developed with synchronized infrastructure, modern equipment, and green spaces in line with planning requirements, contributing to environmental improvement and a more sustainable production environment.

Ba Thien II Industrial Park in Binh Xuyen Commune is one of the province’s leading examples of effective environmental management. Covering more than 308 hectares, including nearly 269 hectares with completed technical infrastructure, the park hosts a wide range of industries, including food processing, textiles and garments, footwear manufacturing, and wood product production.

Notably, 100% of enterprises operating in the park are connected to the centralized wastewater collection and treatment system. Before connection, all enterprises must pre-treat wastewater to meet prescribed standards. The infrastructure investor has completed a centralized wastewater treatment system consisting of three modules with a total capacity of 10,000 cubic meters per day, fully meeting the park’s treatment demand.

The automatic wastewater monitoring system operates continuously 24 hours a day and transmits data directly to state management agencies for supervision and monitoring. All treated wastewater meets environmental standards before being discharged into receiving water bodies.

Mr. Trinh Van Quang, Chief Executive Officer of Vina-CPK Joint Stock Company, stated that to ensure environmental quality within the industrial park, inspections and monitoring of wastewater from secondary enterprises are conducted regularly and on a monthly basis through site inspections, rapid testing, and laboratory analysis.

Whenever wastewater parameters exceed or are suspected of exceeding acceptable limits, the company immediately conducts inspections, records violations, and requires enterprises to take corrective action. Enterprises that fail to meet wastewater quality requirements are temporarily prohibited from discharging into the centralized treatment system until corrective measures are completed. Serious violations or non-compliance with environmental regulations are reported to competent authorities for handling in accordance with the law.

Through synchronized solutions ranging from improving management mechanisms and strengthening pollution source control to investing in environmental infrastructure and enhancing corporate compliance, Phu Tho Province is gradually realizing its goal of developing a green and sustainable industrial sector.

This is not only a requirement of the development process but also a crucial foundation for improving competitiveness, attracting high-tech and environmentally friendly industrial projects, and building an economy that develops in harmony with the environment while ensuring a high quality of life for its people.

Le Minh