A USD 53-million project to help Vietnam develop an eco-industrial park model was officially launched on October 17th by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The three-year project will be implemented in Hanoi, northern Ninh Binh province, central Da Nang city and southern Can Tho city.

“The project will facilitate the transformation of current industrial parks into eco-industrial parks by promoting sustainable industrial production practices,” said UNIDO Representative Patrick Gilabert.

Workshop on eco-industrial parks. Photo: nhandan.com.vn

At least 45 enterprises in industrial parks in Ninh Binh, Da Nang and Can Tho will be supported in applying advanced technology to save energy and reduce emissions and hazardous waste.

The project is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by about 182,000 tons and reduce sewage disposal by 6 million cubic metres each year while guaranteeing that the treated waste water will meet international standards.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen The Phuong said “Vietnam is becoming a popular destination for global enterprises and the number of industrial parks is increasing rapidly. However, it has posed major environmental challenges to the country.”

According to official reports, only 80 percent of industrial parks in the country are equipped with national standard wastewater treatment systems. The Government set the 100 percent target in the 2011-2015 socio-economic development.

Source: VNA