Bac Ninh continues to improve land access and PGI indicators

According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Land Access Index is one of the key components of the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI). It reflects how easy, transparent, and fair it is for businesses to access and use land at the local level.

As such, improving this index is a practical step for localities to build a professional investment environment, support enterprises, and promote sustainable development.

Land Access: Removing Bottlenecks – Opening Doors for Investment

In practice, Bac Ninh has implemented a range of practical and comprehensive solutions. According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment – the lead agency in land management – the province has proactively coordinated with localities to resolve obstacles in compensation, resettlement support, and site clearance. This has helped speed up the progress of major investment projects, minimizing delays in procedures and investor waiting times.

In addition, procedures for issuing land use rights certificates for businesses have been significantly streamlined by standardizing administrative processes in land management. The shortened processing time not only demonstrates the province’s strong administrative reform efforts but also significantly increases investors’ opportunity costs and boosts business satisfaction with local authorities.

Another notable improvement is in the transparency of land-use and planning information. Planning documents are widely published on official portals, online platforms, and at the Public Administration Service Center, ensuring all businesses and investors have equal access to land information.

“Bac Ninh is determined to create a fair and transparent investment environment for all investors and types of businesses. The principle of equality among economic sectors is strictly observed and enforced – a fundamental condition for establishing a healthy industrial real estate market,” said Mr. Ho Nguyen Hong, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment.

Notably, to address bottlenecks in land and site clearance, Bac Ninh is developing breakthrough solutions such as digitizing land data integrated with planning, land valuation, and resource management systems; and strengthening regular dialogue between enterprises and authorities.

All of these efforts aim at a common goal: minimizing risks and uncertainties in land access, thereby reinforcing investor confidence and driving the province’s socio-economic development.

Thuận Thành III Industrial Park: A Model for Clean and Green Development

Thuận Thành III Industrial Park, developed by Trung Quy Bac Ninh Investment JSC, aims to be an environmentally friendly and “clean” industrial zone. Mr. Do Hoai Trung, Project Director of Zone B of the park, noted that thanks to the active involvement of the Party Committee, authorities, and local organizations, site clearance has progressed smoothly. To date, around 260 hectares have been cleared, with approximately 240 hectares allocated by the province and 204 hectares certified for land use rights. Most affected households have received compensation and relocated to facilitate project implementation.

Strategically located with strong road and air transport links, the industrial park is expected to contribute to the economic and social development of Thuan Thanh Town and Bac Ninh Province, as it prepares to attract new investment waves.

Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Duc Quang, Deputy General Director of HCD Investment Production and Trading JSC, investor of the HCDWOOD outdoor composite wood factory project in Khai Son Thuan Thanh Industrial Park, commented that the investment climate has seen significant positive changes. Provincial leaders and departments frequently engage with and support businesses.

However, Mr. Quang also pointed out some early-stage challenges, even though the project is located in a planned industrial zone with basic infrastructure. Issues remain regarding the timely handover of clean land and completion of certain technical infrastructure such as internal roads, drainage, and power substations, which have affected factory construction schedules. The company is currently working closely with the industrial park management board to resolve these issues and speed up infrastructure completion.

Moreover, frequent changes in tax, environmental, fire safety policies, regional planning adjustments, and variations in legal implementation across localities have impacted initial investment planning and cost estimates.

“In response, we continuously monitor policy developments and build flexible response strategies to minimize risks and ensure effective and stable project implementation,” Mr. Quang stated.

Enhancing the Provincial Green Index (PGI): Creating a Sustainable Development Environment

Alongside administrative reforms and investment environment improvements, Bac Ninh is also a pioneer in enhancing the Provincial Green Index (PGI) – a new but critical indicator that reflects the environmental friendliness of local economic governance.

According to VCCI’s 2024 announcement, Bac Ninh ranked 4th nationwide, following Hai Phong, Vinh Long, and Ha Nam – a significant leap from its 2023 position. This rise clearly reflects the province’s persistent efforts to green its investment environment.

Mr. Nguyen Duy Ha, Acting Director of the Bac Ninh Institute for Socio-Economic Development, attributed this progress to a series of concrete policies that have been rigorously implemented over the years.

For example, under Plan No. 342/KH-UBND dated October 17, 2023, on implementing the provincial Green Growth Strategy through 2030, with a vision to 2050, Bac Ninh set ambitious goals: reduce greenhouse gas emission intensity per GRDP by 38–43% by 2030; ensure 100% of new industrial zones have centralized wastewater treatment systems; 90% of production and business establishments meet environmental standards; achieve 25% green public transportation; and ensure 100% of urban residents have access to clean water and sanitation.

The province has also adopted standout policies to support green business practices. Enterprises are encouraged to access green financing, guided on clean production processes, and supported in waste treatment technologies. Eco-industrial zones are being planned with integrated green infrastructure, smart grids, environmentally friendly transport, and closed-loop wastewater treatment systems.

Looking ahead, Bac Ninh will further boost its PGI by accelerating digital transformation in environmental management, promoting urban and industrial greening, and enhancing monitoring and communication to raise awareness among communities and businesses.

The province also emphasizes public outreach campaigns, promoting the “3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” expanding eco-labeling, encouraging green consumption, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. All these efforts are aligned with the Government’s National Green Growth Strategy for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050.