This is not only a strategic planning move, but also the starting point for opening up a new development space for the expanded Dong Nai province and the Southeast region in the future.
From major policy to decisive action
Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park, formerly known as Bien Hoa Industrial Complex, was established in 1963. After more than six decades of existence and development, it once played a vital role in the province’s industrialisation process.
However, with shifts in technology, urban planning standards, and increasingly stringent environmental protection requirements, the shortcomings in infrastructure—especially the wastewater treatment system—have become more evident and pressing.
More than 20 years ago, the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee had already initiated a policy to repurpose the industrial park in order to improve urban infrastructure and protect the Dong Nai River’s water resources.
In early 2021, the Prime Minister officially approved the removal of Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park from the national industrial zone development plan, creating a vital legal basis for Dong Nai to begin relocating businesses and repurposing the 335-hectare area situated near the centre of Bien Hoa City.
Trinh Xuan An, a National Assembly deputy from Dong Nai Province, commented: “Relocation is an irreversible trend. If we do not act now, we will pay a high price in terms of the environment, urban management, and land-use efficiency.” His view is widely supported by constituents and businesses operating in the area.
Sharing the same view, Bui Xuan Thong, Deputy Head of Dong Nai’s National Assembly delegation, emphasised: “This project is not only sound in principle but has also received widespread public approval. Repurposing the land will create ample space for developing a green, smart urban zone—especially as Long Thanh International Airport is about to become operational and administrative boundaries have recently been expanded.”
In line with the Party Committee’s directive, a Provincial Steering Group has been established to oversee the relocation and land clearance. The provincial People’s Committee has also set up a special task force, adopting a “special” approach to ensure timely execution.
With the spirit of “only discussing how to do, not whether to do,” Dong Nai’s leadership has sent a clear message: officials will be replaced if they fail to meet targets, and at least 90% of land in the 180-hectare priority zone must be cleared by August 1.
According to Tran Trong Toan, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park currently hosts 78 businesses leasing land, with 33 still active across more than 142 hectares. The province has already allocated new and suitable zoned land to allow these businesses to continue operations after relocation.
Notably, many enterprises have proactively cooperated. Among them, Tan Mai Group—the largest land user in the park—has submitted a commitment to dismantle all facilities and equipment, and terminate lease contracts by July 31, 2025. The company has also proposed relocating to Long Phuoc Commune in Long Thanh District.
On the implementation side, Mai Phong Phu, Director of the Provincial Land Fund Development Centre, said: “We have formed multiple working groups and mobilised maximum human resources to complete asset inventory, valuation, and prepare compensation plans for 17 companies. Consultation with businesses is being conducted in parallel with listing, appraisal, and approval procedures.”
Public consensus, political responsibility
Not only stopping at relocating businesses, site clearance work for more than 250 households is also being urgently deployed. Thanks to the proactive involvement of the entire political system in Bien Hoa City, 170 households have already handed over their land. Communication and mobilisation efforts continue with the remaining households, carried out with persistence, flexibility and close coordination.
At a recent working session with relevant units, a leader of the province noted that land clearance is generally progressing as planned. In the 180-hectare priority zone designated for the Political–Administrative Centre and land auctions, only about 5.2 hectares have not completed the procedures.
With a total area of 335 hectares located right in the center of Bien Hoa city and along the Dong Nai river, Bien Hoa 1 industrial park after conversion will become a large-scale, modern urban-commercial-service area, contributing to creating a vibrant, green, smart and sustainably developed urban space, a new highlight in urban infrastructure and improving the quality of life for people.
The transformation of Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park will also play a pivotal role in establishing the province’s new Political–Administrative Centre, helping to stimulate growth in surrounding areas. Together with the administrative boundary expansion and infrastructure preparations for Long Thanh Airport, Dong Nai is presented with a rare opportunity to break through and become a strategic growth hub for the Southeast region.
Driven by determination, accountability, and the consensus of the public and business community, the Bien Hoa 1 repurposing project is not merely a conventional urban redevelopment initiative. It stands as a symbol of bold thinking, decisive action, and a willingness to take responsibility.
