Promoting the potential and strengths of the industry and trade sector

50 years after the complete liberation of the South, the reunification of the country and 35 years of the re-establishment of Quang Tri province, the industry and trade sector has made impressive changes, from an economic foundation with many difficulties to becoming a bright spot in many fields. Not only has it made a strong breakthrough in developing renewable energy, anticipating the trend of electrification, but it has also made its mark with the synchronous development of industrial infrastructure, trade services and import and export activities, contributing significantly to the process of industrialization, modernization and changing the socio-economic face of the locality.

The western region of Quang Tri province has become the "capital" of wind power - Photo: TT

Strong breakthrough in the field of renewable energy

One of the most outstanding achievements of the industry and trade sector in recent years is the strong rise of the renewable energy sector. To date, the province has approved plans for 43 wind power projects with a total capacity of up to 1,800 MW, 3 solar power projects with a total capacity of about 149.5 MWp (equivalent to 119.6 MW) and 17 hydropower projects with a total capacity of 260.5 MW.

Of these, 20 wind power projects, 3 solar power projects, 10 hydropower projects and rooftop solar power systems have been successfully connected to the grid, providing clean energy and contributing to the national grid. The total renewable energy capacity completed and put into commercial operation in the province reached 1,119.5 MW, an increase of nearly 3.5 times compared to the beginning of the term.

In addition, 11 wind power projects with a total capacity of 424 MW and 7 small hydropower projects with a total capacity of 93 MW have been granted investment policies and are under construction, 12 wind power projects with a total capacity of 632.6 MW have just been approved by the Prime Minister to supplement and update the Implementation Plan of the Power Plan VIII.

In addition to the renewable energy sector, the Southeast Quang Tri Economic Zone (EZ) has become an attractive destination for gas-fired power investors with a total capacity of proposed projects of up to 6,340 MW. Of which, the Quang Tri Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant Project using gas from the Bao Vang field invested by Gazprom Group (Russia) has been approved by the Prime Minister for planning.

Another key project is the Hai Lang LNG Project Phase 1 (1,500 MW) implemented by a consortium of Vietnamese and Korean investors, which is also actively implementing investment and construction procedures. In addition, the Power Plan VIII also updates other potential gas-fired power projects with an impressive total capacity of 4,500 MW.

Industrial infrastructure creates a solid foundation for growth

If in 1989, Quang Tri had only 1,635 small-scale industrial production establishments, then after 35 years of re-establishment, the province has witnessed a dramatic change in industrial infrastructure development with 8,015 establishments. The industrial production development index has continuously increased, averaging 13.1%/year.

In general, after 35 years, the number of industrial production establishments increased 4.8 times, the labor force increased 2.6 times, and the production value increased more than 40 times. Up to now, the province has formed and put into operation 2 economic zones and 3 industrial parks (IPs), creating a strong driving force to attract investment and develop large-scale production.

The province has 16 industrial parks in operation on a total area of ​​434.5 hectares, attracting 176 investment projects, achieving an average occupancy rate of 69.2%. The development of the industrial park and industrial park system has significantly contributed to the economic restructuring, developing industrial production in a professional and concentrated direction and minimizing negative impacts on the environment. The economic structure has shifted strongly towards industrialization and modernization.

From an economy that relied mainly on agricultural, forestry and fishery production in 1989, with the industrial - construction and service sectors accounting for only 37.7%, by 2024, the proportion of industry - construction and services had increased to 81.98%. In the period of 1989-2024, the average GRDP growth rate of the province reached 7.7%/year, of which the industrial - construction sector grew by an average of 14.1%/year and the service sector grew by an average of 8%/year.

A series of key industrial projects have been invested in and put into effective operation. Typical examples include MDF wood panel factories (total capacity of 180,000 m3/year), Camel beer factory, Hanoi - Quang Tri beer factory, Hoa Tho - Dong Ha export garment factory, Binh Dien NPK fertilizer factory, Bim Son Quang Tri cement grinding station, hydroelectric plants, wind power plants, titanium processing plants, Super Horse energy drink factory, Camel motorcycle tire factory, along with export wood processing factories, rubber latex, coffee, cassava starch and renewable energy development projects (wind power, solar power).

In particular, the potential for processing glass construction materials from the province's abundant, silica-rich sand resources is also attracting the attention of many domestic and foreign investors.

Open the door to integration

From an economy where production was not enough to meet consumer demand, after 35 years, Quang Tri's export turnover has grown significantly and gradually stabilized. In 2024, the total export value of goods reached 331.1 million USD, with an average growth rate of 15%/year in the period 1989-2024. The main export items include coffee, cassava starch, wood products, agricultural products and other goods.

Import activities have been aimed at the main goal of serving production and consumption needs in the area, contributing to the innovation of equipment, production technology and improving competitiveness. In 2024, the import value reached 269.4 million USD with an average growth rate of 14%/year in the period 1989-2024.

Lao Bao Special Economic Zone continues to invest and develop infrastructure, gradually forming an important economic and commercial center on the East-West Economic Corridor. La Lay border gate has been upgraded to an international border gate, opening up many opportunities for international trade and cooperation. The trade and service sector has developed strongly in scale and quality, contributing increasingly to the economic growth of the province.

Director of the Department of Industry and Trade Nguyen Truong Khoa said that in order to effectively exploit the available potential and advantages, the industry and trade sector continues to promote innovation and creativity, focusing on improving quality, efficiency and competitiveness. In particular, the Southeast Quang Tri Economic Zone is identified as the core of industrial development, with priority given to resolving difficulties and supporting key projects.

The province also focuses on planning and developing supporting industries along key traffic routes such as National Highways 15D and 49C to connect La Lay International Border Gate with the Southeast Quang Tri Economic Zone and My Thuy seaport, aiming to form the PARA EWEC economic corridor. Continue to open the door to welcome suitable investment projects in existing industrial parks and accelerate the implementation of new industrial parks.

At the same time, continue to strongly develop the service and tourism industries, which are expected to contribute a larger proportion to the overall economic growth of the province. Trade promotion activities are improved in quality and efficiency, strengthening trade connections, supporting the export of goods, expanding markets through linkages, cooperation and building brands and geographical indications for key products.

The province also strives to attract investment and strongly develop transportation services, warehouse networks, wharves and logistics, with the goal of building the province into an important regional freight transit point by 2030.

Thanh Truc

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/phat-huy-tiem-nang-the-manh-cua-nganh-cong-thuong-193263.htm