Challenges to industrial clusters

After years of implementation, the industrial cluster (IC) model in Dong Nai still faces numerous bottlenecks, including inadequate infrastructure, environmental issues, and limited appeal to secondary investors. Of the 31 ICs planned across the province, only 12 have become operational, with just 4 considered to have relatively complete infrastructure. Even fewer—only 5 clusters—have centralized wastewater treatment systems, resulting in environmental pollution and improper handling of industrial waste in many areas.

Despite being envisioned as ideal spaces for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—which make up the majority of businesses in Dong Nai—many ICs have failed to meet practical needs. Numerous facilities are forced to operate in scattered locations within residential areas, falling short of environmental and occupational safety standards. A 2023 survey by the Dong Nai Young Entrepreneurs Association found that dozens of member businesses were in urgent need of production space within industrial parks or clusters. However, incomplete infrastructure, complicated administrative procedures, and limited access to information remain significant obstacles.

In this context, the province is treating the transition to eco-industrial clusters as a strategic move to improve the quality of rural industrial development and promote sustainable, eco-friendly production.

Laying the foundation for eco-industrial clusters

Aiming for sustainable growth, Dong Nai is piloting several eco-industrial clusters, including Quang Trung, Quang Trung 2 (Thong Nhat commune), and Hang Gon (Long Khanh city). These clusters are being designed to prioritize clean technologies, low waste generation, renewable energy systems, wastewater recycling, and industrial symbiosis.

Trinh Tien Dung, Chairman of the Board at Dai Dung Construction and Trading Mechanical JSC—the investor in Quang Trung IC—said construction is expected to begin in August 2025, with infrastructure completion targeted for mid-2026. The project will follow green standards, incorporating rooftop solar panels, circular wastewater treatment technologies, and industrial symbiosis in waste management.

According to Van Huu Dong, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Industry and Trade, developing eco-industrial clusters must be accompanied by specific incentive policies to attract infrastructure investors. “The province will support investors in land clearance, IC establishment procedures, and infrastructure investment—particularly environmental infrastructure. Local authorities also need to closely coordinate with investors to ensure clear commitments and implementation schedules,” Dong emphasized.

In tandem with this shift in the IC model, Dong Nai’s industrial promotion program plays a key role in helping rural industrial facilities adopt advanced technology, improve production processes, and gradually meet green criteria. In recent years, the provincial Department of Industry and Trade has implemented numerous initiatives supporting rural businesses in acquiring modern machinery, building technical demonstration models, transferring new technologies, and providing consulting and training on cleaner production.

Van Huu Dong also highlighted that industrial promotion funding is now focused on supporting technological innovation, emission reduction, and improved production efficiency. In the near future, the province will integrate “green” criteria into the selection process for supported projects. This is a critical preparatory step for piloting eco-industrial clusters in line with sustainable development goals.

By 2030, Dong Nai will retain 20 industrial clusters out of those previously planned. At the same time, localities across the province have proposed an additional 11 areas for new IC development to meet rising demand for production space from local businesses.