Following its merger and the adoption of a two-tier local government model, Dong Nai province has been working to mobilize resources and remove bottlenecks so that industrial promotion can truly fulfill its role as a “midwife” for rural industry, contributing to modern, sustainable industrial development.

Driving force for rural industrial growth

After merging with Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai now covers more than 12,700 square kilometers, with a population exceeding 4.2 million. The province comprises 95 commune-level administrative units and 63 industrial clusters with a total area of more than 3,700 hectares. Seventeen clusters are currently operational, attracting 235 projects, of which 166 are already in production. In the first nine months of 2025, the province’s industrial production index increased by 14.03% year-on-year, thanks in part to industrial promotion programs.

In recent years, diverse support measures have helped unlock local potential, enabling rural industries to innovate, invest in technology, and enhance product quality. The Dong Nai Department of Industry and Trade has proposed and implemented policies tailored to local conditions. Meanwhile, the provincial Center for Industrial Promotion and Industrial Development Consulting has actively coordinated with relevant agencies to carry out projects supporting technological innovation, product development, and competitiveness improvement for rural industrial establishments.

The province has strengthened coordination between the two levels of government in formulating and implementing industrial promotion initiatives, while enhancing training and capacity building for officials, especially at the commune level, where businesses receive direct support. The model of part-time industrial promotion officers has been encouraged to ensure close connection with enterprises and timely response to their practical needs.

A new direction involves applying digital transformation to management and developing comprehensive databases of enterprises and production facilities. This helps provide more focused and effective support, with priority given to businesses applying automation, energy efficiency, and green transformation technologies. The province also assists rural industries in research, technology renewal, brand building, and market expansion through trade promotion activities, linking industrial promotion programs with new rural development and sustainable poverty reduction efforts.

These initiatives have enabled many businesses to expand production, create more rural jobs, and contribute to economic restructuring. Numerous enterprises have built strong reputations, producing high-quality, branded products with growing export potential. Industrial promotion has thus become an essential driver of rural industrialization and modernization.

Refining mechanisms to improve performance

Despite positive results, Dong Nai’s industrial promotion activities continue to face significant challenges following the merger and the transition to a two-tier government model. The expanded administrative area has increased demand for support, while financial and human resources remain limited. The current industrial promotion workforce has yet to fully meet the requirements of digital transformation and technological innovation in the modern industrial era.

Differences in mechanisms and policies between the two former provinces also require time for alignment and adjustment. The merger has necessitated a review of the functions and responsibilities of related agencies. Some outdated legal regulations have slowed the implementation of projects. Moreover, as the two-tier government model continues to be refined, the division of responsibilities between the provincial and commune levels remains unclear, reducing the consistency and effectiveness of coordination.

To address these issues, the Dong Nai Department of Industry and Trade has proposed several solutions to enhance the efficiency of industrial promotion. The province is reviewing and adjusting mechanisms and policies to suit the new development stage, particularly through the implementation of Decree No.235/2025/ND-CP, which amends the government’s Decree No.45/2012/ND-CP on industrial promotion, along with related guiding circulars.

Dong Nai has also called on the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance to promptly revise Circular No 28/2018/TT-BTC (as amended by Circular No.64/2024/TT-BTC) to align with the new provisions of Decree No.235/2025/ND-CP, and to issue new economic - technical norms for industrial promotion activities. These changes would allow localities greater financial autonomy and strengthen the self-reliance of public service units in implementing industrial promotion initiatives.