According to the Haiphong Economic Zone Authority, the port city is currently home to 14 industrial parks (IPs) covering around 6,100 hectares (ha) in area, of which three IPs came into being in the period from 1993 to 2007; nine were founded between 2008 and 2013; and the remaining two IPs were set up in the last three years.

The city also hosts one economic zone covering 22,540ha that was established in 2008.

The city’s IPs boast 688 projects with a total capital of more than $36 billion, including 473 foreign-invested projects worth over $22 billion, and 216 domestic projects valued at nearly $14 billion.

In the first eight months of this year, Haiphong attracted more than $2.15 billion in foreign investment capital with more than $2 billion coming to local IPs, helping the city to hit its investment target for the whole year early.

“In assessing Haiphong's allure, many experts assume that factors such as its favourable geographical location, solid infrastructure connectivity, and open policies are the reasons, but what really helps Haiphong maintain its appeal is the city's ability to be at the forefront of capital flow trends,” said Nguyen Thanh Phuong, general director of Sao Do Group.

One of these trends is the construction of environmentally friendly IPs to welcome the next-generation of foreign investors.

The development of 'eco-IPs' is of special interest and has been included in Haiphong Party Committee's Resolution No.06/NQ-TU, to promote the development and management of IPs in the city.

Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park

Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park, operated by Sao Do Group, is considered to be of great appeal to investors with its prime location in the only economic zone in Haiphong. Nam Dinh Vu is the only IP in Vietnam that is home to four functional areas, and is highly regarded for its modern infrastructure network.

“When we were planning the park's subdivisions, we designed them with supply chains in mind. The output of one area will be the input of another,” said Phuong. “For example, the gas import division provides raw materials for the production area, and the logistics and port area provides services to export businesses located in the park. As a result, our tenants can make huge time-and-cost savings.”

Nam Dinh Vu International Seaport

Businesses at the park must also strictly comply with regulations concerning green corridors and environmental protection, as issued by Sao Do Group

For example, tenants must reserve at least 20 per cent of their plot area for trees. The trees are grown in functional areas and along the roads, creating shady green spaces that are ideal resting and leisure points for workers after working hours. Many other requirements related to solid waste and noise are also clearly stipulated in the park's rules.

Nam Dinh Vu has two wastewater treatment stations with a total daily capacity of 37,000 cubic metres to meet wastewater treatment demands from businesses in the park, while solid waste is collected and transported to the treatment site. The results of wastewater monitoring are updated periodically and publicised on the park's website in accordance with regulations.

Furthermore, Sao Do Group has formed strategic cooperation agreements with several energy groups to install rooftop solar panels at the park to help reach Vietnam's goal of becoming net-zero by 2050, as committed by the government at COP26.

“Sao Do Group is set to become one of the top IP developers in Haiphong for renewable energy investment and development,” said Phuong.