PM halts new industrial zones
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked local authorities to suspend the licensing of new industrial zones, export-processing zones and economic zones nationwide, in a move designed to strengthen the Government's efforts to improve the management and efficiency of existing zones.
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| Wood shavings are loaded at the Korean-invested Haviha paper mill in Ha Tinh's Vung Ang Industrial Zone. The Prime Minister has suspended licensing of new industrial and economic zones, aiming at strengthening the management of existing zones. |
According to Dung's instructions, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) would work closely with ministries, agencies and localities to assess the planning, establishment and operation of industrial zones (IZs), export-processing zones (EPZs) and economic zones (EZs) and then propose punitive measures for those that are operating ineffectively or causing environmental damage.
The MPI would also review and adjust IZ and EZ development plans through 2020 and submit the revisions to the Government in the fourth quarter.
"The development of IZs, EPZs and EZs has revealed shortcomings in planning, policies and mechanisms, low technology levels and difficulties in land clearance and infrastructure development, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Van Trung told a recent conference.
Dung has also asked local authorities to take drastic measures on ineffective projects within zones, including revocation of licences of slow-moving projects. They would also be responsible for finding new sources of capital to develop zone infrastructure and target key sectors to invest in the zones.
According to MPI figures, the country is now home to 267 IZs and EPZs which together attract a total of about 40 per cent of the foreign direct investment (FDI) registered in Viet Nam. By the end of last year, the zones had attracted over 4,100 foreign-invested projects, with registered capital totalling US$59.6 billion. FDI disbursement in the zones has totalled $27 billion, a 45-per-cent rate over the past 20 years.
The zones also generate over 30 per cent of the nation's total industrial production and 20 per cent of its export value. Nationwide, they cover an estimated area of 76,000ha, of which about 46,000ha have been leased.
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