Industrial Parks in Quang Ninh Province Attract Investment
Quang Ninh is a northeastern border province of Vietnam with an area of 6,110.1 square kilometers. The province is often referred to as a “miniature Vietnam” due to its diverse geography, including seas, islands, plains, midlands, mountains, borders, and an airport. Quang Ninh is the only province in Vietnam with both land and sea borders with China, serving as a strategic northeastern corridor connecting Vietnam to China. It is a key center within the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh economic triangle and the northern coastal region, playing a crucial role in creating development opportunities for the country. Additionally, Quang Ninh is Vietnam’s main coal mining region.
The province is home to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, and is the ancestral land of the Tran Dynasty, one of the most powerful dynasties in Vietnamese history.
Vietnam’s Longest Highway System
Quang Ninh currently boasts the longest highway system in Vietnam, all of which were developed by the province. This 264-kilometer highway network has brought Quang Ninh closer to Hanoi and Hai Phong, strengthening the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh economic triangle and reducing travel time to the Chinese border. This advancement fosters the flow of goods between Vietnam and China.
Additionally, the province hosts 213 ports, including 174 cargo ports. Van Don International Airport, a next-generation facility with modern infrastructure, commenced operations in 2020.
Favorable Infrastructure and Business Environment
High-quality infrastructure and a friendly, supportive business environment are key prerequisites for Quang Ninh’s development. The province has led Vietnam’s Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) rankings for four consecutive years, creating a strong appeal for investors.
Geographical Location
Quang Ninh Province is geographically positioned as follows:
- To the North: Borders the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
- To the East and South: Borders the Gulf of Tonkin.
- To the Southwest: Borders Hai Duong Province and Hai Phong City.
- To the Northwest: Borders Bac Giang Province and Lang Son Province.
Administrative Units
Quang Ninh is the province with the most cities under its jurisdiction in Vietnam. It consists of 13 district-level administrative units, including 4 cities, 2 towns, and 7 districts, with a total of 177 commune-level administrative units (72 wards, 7 townships, and 98 communes).
- 4 Cities: Ha Long, Cam Pha, Mong Cai, and Uong Bi. Notably, Ha Long City and Hoanh Bo District were merged into one, retaining the name Ha Long City.
- 2 Towns: Dong Trieu and Quang Yen.
- 7 Districts: Ba Che, Binh Lieu, Co To, Dam Ha, Hai Ha, Tien Yen, and Van Don.
Population
As of 2021, Quang Ninh’s population reached 1,415,000. The male population is larger than the female population. Quang Ninh has a “young population” structure, with 37.6% under the age of 15. The elderly population (over 60 years for men and over 55 years for women) accounts for 7.1%. Men make up 50.9% of the population, while women account for 49.1%.
By 2020, Quang Ninh’s urbanization rate reached 66.56%, surpassing even the capital city of Hanoi. It is among the top five localities in Vietnam with the highest urbanization rates, following Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Can Tho.
Transportation Infrastructure
Quang Ninh is a leading example of transportation infrastructure development in Vietnam. The province views investment in and upgrading of transportation infrastructure as a firm foundation for its socio-economic development strategy, propelling Quang Ninh toward substantial growth.
- Roadways:
Quang Ninh has developed a relatively synchronized road network, including several national highways such as:- National Highways: QL 18A, QL 18C, QL 4B, QL 10, and QL 279, with a total length of 381 km. Notably, QL 18 spans nearly 250 km from Dong Trieu to the Mong Cai International Border Gate.
- Provincial Roads: 324 km of provincial roads.
- Local Roads: Over 2,000 km of inter-district and inter-commune roads.
To break the bottleneck created by QL 18, Quang Ninh initiated the construction of the Bach Dang Bridge and the expressway connecting Hai Phong and Ha Long. This expressway links to the Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway, providing direct access to Quang Ninh. The Bach Dang Bridge, worth nearly VND 7.3 trillion, combined with the Hai Phong – Ha Long Expressway, worth over VND 6.4 trillion, has reduced travel time from Hanoi to Ha Long from 4-5 hours to approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This project holds significant importance in addressing Quang Ninh’s long-standing transportation challenges.
Additionally, Quang Ninh has invested in the Ha Long – Van Don Expressway, valued at VND 12 trillion. This project connects Van Don International Airport with other localities within Quang Ninh, significantly shortening the distance between the Van Don Economic Zone and other northern provinces and cities.
Van Don – Mong Cai Expressway
The Van Don – Mong Cai Expressway stretches approximately 80 km. The project has completed site clearance and is under continuous construction, with the goal of finishing the expressway by 2021. This marks the final “piece of the puzzle” in completing Quang Ninh’s nearly 200 km of expressways. The route connects the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway to the Mong Cai border city, forming the longest expressway in Vietnam.
Western Infrastructure Developments
In the west, Quang Ninh is preparing to invest in the Bach Dang Riverside Road project, which will connect the Hai Phong – Ha Long Expressway to Dong Trieu. This road, spanning more than 50 km, is expected to pass through Quang Yen, Uong Bi, and Dong Trieu, facilitating seamless connections with Hai Phong, Hanoi, and other northern provinces.
Coastal Routes
A coastal road exceeding 40 km in length, with six lanes, is also under construction, linking Ha Long to Cam Pha. This coastal route will ease congestion on National Highway 18 and shorten the travel time between Ha Long and Cam Pha.
Rural and Mountainous Road Upgrades
Quang Ninh has renewed and upgraded 65.7 km of provincial roads and improved 743.6 km of district, urban, and rural roads, including mountainous areas.
Currently, Quang Ninh has about 264 km of expressways, accounting for over one-tenth of the national total. The “transportation-first” strategy has provided significant momentum for the province’s economic development.
Maritime Transport
Passenger Ports
Quang Ninh boasts the Tuan Chau International Passenger Port, capable of accommodating 2,000 tourist boats simultaneously. This port serves as the “gateway” to the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site.
The province is also advancing the construction of the Cua Luc Bay International Passenger Port. This modern facility includes a 406-meter-long pier with six mooring posts and a 130-meter-long, 30-meter-wide reception hall. It can accommodate massive cruise ships and serve two vessels simultaneously. With this development, Quang Ninh can welcome thousands of international cruise passengers, providing a significant boost to its tourism sector.
Seaport Infrastructure
Quang Ninh has approximately 200 km of maritime routes and 147 ports of various types, including five major seaports. The Cai Lan Deep-Water Port can handle ships with capacities of up to 50,000 DWT.
Additionally, the province is seeking investments in the Hon Net – Con Ong Deep-Water Port in Cam Pha, which can accommodate ships over 100,000 DWT, and the Hai Ha Seaport Area, which features a deep-water port capable of receiving vessels up to 100,000 DWT.
Railway Infrastructure
Quang Ninh Province currently has 65 km of national railway on the Yen Vien – Cai Lan branch, which is undergoing upgrades and renovations. Additionally, the coal industry operates approximately 200 km of specialized railways in the Uong Bi, Ha Long, and Cam Pha areas. Under the province’s New Rural Development Program for 2011-2020, the renovation and upgrade of the Yen Vien – Pha Lai – Ha Long – Cai Lan railway line have been completed.
Aviation Infrastructure
A major milestone for Van Don came in 2015 when Quang Ninh began construction of Vietnam’s first privately funded airport in Doan Ket commune. Today, Van Don boasts an international airport with convenient expressway connections to other major centers, paving the way for the development of a significant coastal economic zone.
Inland Waterway System
Quang Ninh features an extensive inland waterway network, totaling 642 km.
Strategic Infrastructure Development
Through strategic investments in infrastructure, particularly in transportation, Quang Ninh is emerging as a leading economic hub in Northern Vietnam and the nation.
Development Spatial Orientation for Quang Ninh in the New Phase
Quang Ninh’s development strategy for the upcoming period follows the spatial orientation of “One Center – Two Corridors – Multidimensional Integration – Two Strategic Pillars”:
- “One Center”: Ha Long City as the political, administrative, economic, and cultural center of the province.
- “Two Corridors”:
- Western Corridor: Extending from Ha Long to Dong Trieu, oriented toward the Red River Delta and Hanoi. This area will focus on developing green and clean industrial clusters, high-tech industries, and cultural, historical, and spiritual tourism. The Quang Yen Coastal Economic Zone will serve as the growth nucleus.
- Eastern Corridor: Extending from Ha Long to Mong Cai, oriented toward Northeast Asia. This corridor emphasizes eco-urban areas, premium service and tourism hubs, high-tech and clean agriculture, and marine economies, with industrial development driving agricultural growth.
- “Multidimensional Integration”: Collaboration at the national level and competitive cooperation at the international level.
- “Two Strategic Pillars”: The Van Don Economic Zone and the Mong Cai Border Economic Zone.
Quang Ninh in Vietnam’s Top 5 Provinces with the Highest GDP Per Capita
Quang Ninh has experienced remarkable economic growth, with GRDP averaging nearly 11% from 2016 to 2019. The province’s economic performance has consistently exceeded national averages, with GDP growth rates reaching 10.1%, compared to 6.5% nationwide. This figure surpasses that of major cities like Hanoi (8.3%) and Ho Chi Minh City (8.0%).
Over the past two decades, Quang Ninh’s annual growth rate has consistently exceeded 10%. This robust growth has significantly elevated the province’s GDP per capita. By 2019, Quang Ninh’s GDP per capita was approximately $6,135, twice the national average. By the end of 2020, this figure had risen to over $6,700, placing Quang Ninh among the top five provinces and cities in Vietnam with the highest GDP per capita.
Economic Growth and Performance Goals
2020 Economic Goals:
Quang Ninh aimed for a GRDP growth rate exceeding 10% in 2020, with state budget revenues totaling VND 51,000 billion. The province maintained top positions in Vietnam for PCI (Provincial Competitiveness Index), PAR Index (Public Administration Reform Index), SIPAS (Satisfaction Index of Public Administration Services), and PAPI (Public Administration Performance Index).
2021 Economic Performance (First 9 Months):
Despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Quang Ninh achieved an 8.6% GRDP growth in the first nine months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. The annual GRDP was projected to reach double digits, meeting the set target.
Vision for 2030:
Quang Ninh is set to become one of the three leading economic hubs in Northern Vietnam, alongside Hanoi and Hai Phong.
Economic Achievements (First 8 Months of 2021)
Even amid COVID-19 disruptions, Quang Ninh effectively pursued its dual goals of pandemic control and economic growth:
- GRDP Growth:6%, slightly above the 8.5% of 2020 but below the planned 9.7%.
- State Budget Revenue:VND 33,527 billion, including domestic revenue of VND 26,462 billion and export-import revenue of VND 7,056 billion.
- Total Social Investment Capital:Estimated at nearly VND 64,000 billion, a 7.8% increase.
- Industrial Production Index:Grew by 7.44%.
- Retail Sales and Services:Increased by 5.6%.
- Cargo Transportation Volume:3 million tons, up 14.5%.
- Logistics Revenue:VND 17,792 billion, a rise of 11.5%.
- Export Turnover:$1,690 million, up 75%.
- Import Turnover:$1,730 million, up 10.2%.
- New Enterprises:1,322 newly established enterprises with registered capital of VND 22,500 billion, up 52%.
Development Goals by 2025
Economic Structure:
- Industry & Construction: 49-50%
- Services: 46-47%
- Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries: 3-5%
Key Targets:
- GRDP average growth: ~10% annually (2021-2025).
- GRDP per capita: Over $10,000 by 2025.
- Total social investment capital: Over 10% annual growth.
- Labor productivity growth: Over 11% annually.
- Urbanization rate: Over 75%.
- Trained labor rate: 87.5%, with 52% holding certifications.
- Maintain top rankings in PCI, PAR Index, SIPAS, and PAPI annually.
Foreign Investment Highlights
Quang Ninh has made significant progress in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) through policy reforms and infrastructure improvements:
- FDI Attraction:$4.18 billion (56.5% of total $7.4 billion investments since 1997).
- Key Investors:
- Texhong Group (China):Two projects in Hai Yen Industrial Park and Texhong Hai Ha Industrial Park with a total investment of over $500 million. These projects have created stable jobs for over 11,300 workers.
- Amata Group (Thailand):Investment in the 714-ha Song Khoai Industrial Park with a total capital of $155.5 million.
- DEEP C (Belgium):Partnerships in Nam Tien Phong (369.8 ha) and Bac Tien Phong (1,192.9 ha) industrial parks within the Quang Yen Economic Zone.
- Foxconn (Taiwan):Established in Dong Mai Industrial Park, Foxconn’s factory is expected to produce 1 million LCD screens and TVs in 2021, with an export value of $250 million.
Quảng Ninh Economic Zones Development
FDI Investment Growth (2021):
In the first nine months of 2021, Quảng Ninh’s provincial government approved eight new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects and increased the capital for four existing projects, totaling over $1.076 billion—an increase of 2.73 times compared to the same period in 2020. By the end of 2021, the total FDI attracted, both new and adjusted, is expected to reach approximately $1.3 billion, nearly 2.5 times higher than the total for 2020 ($589 million).
Notable Investments in 2021:
The Jinko Solar Group, a global leader in solar energy technology, chose Quảng Ninh for two high-tech projects in the Sông Khoai Industrial Park (IP):
- Jinko Solar PV Technology Project (Jinko Solar PV Vietnam):Investment of nearly $500 million, launched on March 31, 2021.
- Jinko Solar Silicon Panel Technology Project (Jinko Solar Vietnam):Investment of approximately $400 million, with investment certificates granted on September 19.
These projects represent the largest FDI investments in Quảng Ninh, expected to provide a significant boost to the industrial manufacturing sector. Upon full operation, the projects will generate average annual revenue of more than VND 25,654 billion and pay VND 461.3 billion in corporate income tax, creating 2,188 local jobs.
Industrial Parks in Quang Ninh Development
Key Strengths and Industrial Potential:
Quảng Ninh has rich and diverse mineral resources, including substantial reserves of high-quality materials such as coal, kaolin, clay, glass sand, and limestone. The province’s coal reserves are particularly large, with an estimated 3.6 billion tons spread across Hạ Long, Cẩm Phả, and Uông Bí – Đông Triều, with an annual extraction capacity of 40-50 million tons. Other mineral reserves, such as limestone and kaolin, are also significant.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure:
The province’s location is a key asset, with access to international trade via the Móng Cái border gate and national border gates at Hoành Mô (Bình Liêu) and Bắc Phong Sinh (Hải Hà), alongside proximity to the economically dynamic Guangxi province in China. The completion of major infrastructure projects, such as the Nội Bài – Hạ Long – Móng Cái expressway and the Vân Đồn international airport, is expected to further enhance Quảng Ninh’s connectivity to both domestic and international markets. The province is poised to strengthen its transportation network, with integrated sea, road, rail, and air transport systems.
Quảng Ninh is strategically positioning itself as an industrial and logistics hub in Northern Vietnam, leveraging its rich resources, ideal location, and growing infrastructure to attract both domestic and international investments.
Economic and Social Development of Quảng Ninh
Sustainable Development Approach: Quảng Ninh is focused on achieving sustainable economic and social development in line with Vietnam’s green growth strategy. The province aims to gradually shift from resource-dependent industries to more eco-friendly and technology-driven sectors. The goal is to promote high-tech, smart industries that are both environmentally friendly and sustainable. One of the key areas identified for growth is the processing and manufacturing industry (CBCT), which is set to become one of the three main pillars of the province’s industrial sector, driving economic growth.
Growth of the Processing and Manufacturing Sector:
- In 2010, Quảng Ninh had only 291 CBCT businesses; by 2020, this number had risen to 841, making up more than 80% of the province’s industrial enterprises.
- From 2010 to 2020, the total investment in the CBCT sector reached nearly VND 69,000 billion(more than 13% of the province’s total investment).
- The sector created employment for over 54,000 workers annually.
Expected Investment in Industrial Zones (KCN) in 2021: With the current and ongoing development of industrial zones, Quảng Ninh expects to attract USD 400 million to 500 million in 2021. This includes:
- 10 to 12 new FDI projectswith a total investment of USD 350 million to 450 million.
- 6 FDI projectsreceiving additional capital adjustments with an extra USD 50 million in investment.
Goals for 2025 and 2030
2025 Target:
By 2025, the proportion of the processing and manufacturing industry (CBCT) in Quang Ninh’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) is targeted to reach 15%.
2030 Target:
By 2030, the contribution of the CBCT sector to the province’s GRDP is expected to increase to 20%.
To achieve these goals, Quang Ninh is concentrating on the rapid and sustainable development of the CBCT sector from 2020 to 2025, with a vision toward 2030. The province is committed to making CBCT one of the three main pillars of its industrial sector.
Current and Future Industrial Zones Development
Existing Industrial Zones (KCN): As of now, Quang Ninh has 7 industrial zones (KCN) where infrastructure development is ongoing:
- Cai Lan Industrial Park
- Viet Hung Industrial Park
- Hai Yen Industrial Park
- Dong Mai Industrial Park
- Hai Ha Seaport Industrial Park
- Nam Tien Phong Industrial Park
- Song Khoai Industrial Park
Additionally, there are 7 industrial clusters in operation, covering more than 391 hectares. Two clusters in Binh Lieu and Hai Ha districts are in the process of being approved for inclusion in the provincial planning, with further industrial clusters being proposed in Van Don district.
Future Expansion by 2030: By 2030, Quang Ninh plans to have 18 industrial parks across the province, covering more than 861 hectares. Additionally, the province aims to have 32 industrial clusters with a total area of 1,712.64 hectares in the 2021-2030 period, targeting an occupancy rate of 60-75% in these clusters by the end of the decade.
Outlook
Quảng Ninh’s strategic focus on industrial development, particularly in processing and manufacturing, is a clear indicator of its ambition to become an industrial powerhouse in the region. With growing infrastructure and investment, the province is positioning itself as a key player in Vietnam’s economic development, with a clear emphasis on sustainable growth and eco-friendly practices.
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