To create better conditions for domestic and foreign investors in sectors where the province has strengths, such as high-tech agriculture, processing, and logistics, Dong Thap province has been developing a raft of industrial zones (IZs) and economic zones (EZs).

Dong Thap excited to hail investors to industrial zones

Currently, the locality is home to three operational IZs: Sa Dec in Sa Dec city, Tran Quoc Toan in Cao Lanh city, and Song Hau in Lai Vung district. To date, these zones have enticed 66 projects worth a total of $504 million, including 12 foreign ventures with a registered capital of $232 million. The average occupancy rate in the operational IZs stands at 92 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Tan Kieu IZ in Thap Muoi district has completed the construction of facilities under component 1. Component 2 has completed mine clearance, sand supply, and ground levelling, and the remaining tasks will proceed once the policy adjustments are finalised. The IZ is expected to be fully completed in 2025.

At Dong Thap Border Gate Economic Zone, five projects are currently operational, with an average occupancy rate approximating 39 per cent. Dong Thap is executing the third phase of technical infrastructure development for the zone, as well as infrastructure for the Thuong Phuoc international border gate and the Moc Ra border gate, which are part of Dong Thap Border Gate EZ.

Additionally, Dong Thap has 13 operational industrial clusters with a combined area of 443 hectares.

Such facilities have made significant contributions to the province’s socioeconomic development, helping to foster the growth of the local processing industry, raise export value, and create jobs.

According to Dong Thap EZ Management Authority, in the first 10 months of 2024, businesses based in these zones raked in revenues of $839 million, with export value reaching $194 million.

For the whole year, the figure is expected to surpass $1 billion, with export value reaching $236 million, creating employment for nearly 13,000 workers.

According to Dong Thap’s planning towards 2030, the province aims to establish five new IZs. From 2030 to 2050, three additional IZs will be formed, and four existing complexes will be expanded.

At Dong Thap Border Gate EZ, three new IZs will be established, encompassing Thuong Phuoc in Hong Ngu district, Binh Thanh in Hong Ngu city, and Dinh Ba in Tan Hong district.

Dong Thap also plans to establish 19 new clusters by 2030, raising the total number to 32. These will be located near transportation hubs and raw material sources, ensuring technical infrastructure, environmental protection measures, and worker-friendly services.

The province aims to develop its border EZ into a multi-sectoral development hub encompassing Thuong Phuoc and Dinh Ba international border gates and five auxiliary gates. The EZ will serve as a critical link with Cambodia and other countries in the Mekong subregion, local leaders have said.

Meanwhile, the province has been working on plans for Hoa Tan, Song Hau 2, and Cao Lanh III zones. Once regulatory requirements are met, Dong Thap will submit a proposal for the approval of their planning schemes.

For Ba Sao IZ in Cao Lanh district, the detailed planning was completed and announced at the end of 2022, and the province is calling for infrastructure funding for the zone. Additionally, planning for other IZs will proceed based on practical development needs, serving as a foundation for future related infrastructure schemes aligned with the provincial planning.

Photo: Sa Dec Industrial Zone Dong Thap

Dong Thap is focusing on mobilising resources to develop infrastructure for new IZs and continues working on border gate EZ’s revised general planning. The province is also intensifying efforts to draw money into infrastructure development for new IZs, as well as completing its border gate EZ infrastructure.

Simultaneously, efforts are being geared towards attracting business and manufacturing ventures to fill newly established IZs quickly, helping to bolster the province’s industrial production and boost border trade activities.

Moreover, the province supports businesses in market research, trade promotion, and participation in domestic and international exhibitions and fairs.

Dong Thap’s EZ and IZs boast strong road and waterway connectivity, with abundant agricultural and water resources. The province excels in rice and fisheries, and grows fruit such as Cao Lanh mangoes, Chau Thanh longans, and Lai Vung tangerines.

Recent activities in major transportation works, such as the Cao Lanh-An Huu expressway, and the first-phrase My An-Cao Lanh expressway set to begin at the end of 2025, all aim to enhance regional connectivity, consolidating the province’s appeal as an investment destination.

Pham Tan Xieu, head of Dong Thap EZ Management Authority, noted that the zones will boost multi-sector growth.

“They will emphasise high-tech and environmentally friendly clean industries, availing of local materials for deep processing to enhance development in the province,” Xieu said.

“Priority sectors for investment attraction include cattle feed production, agricultural and aquatic product processing, light and supporting industries, logistics services, and goods transshipment services,” he continued.