From a solid FDI foundation to a “push” for green industrial transformation

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - In the context of the global economy still having many fluctuations, Thanh Hoa still affirms its role as an attractive destination for foreign direct investors (FDI) thanks to the solid foundation built over many years. Many large enterprises with important contributions to industrial production value, export turnover and state budget revenue, help Thanh Hoa gradually step firmly on the path to becoming a key industrial center of the North Central region.

Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Plant - the driving force for industrial growth and Thanh Hoa province's budget.

Solid foundation

In the first 6 months of 2025, in the context of many market fluctuations, the total production value in Nghi Son Economic Zone and industrial parks (KKTNS&CKCN) still reached more than 133,800 billion VND, equal to 96.1% over the same period; revenue reached over 142,000 billion VND; export turnover reached 1.63 billion USD, up 2.1% over the same period. FDI enterprises continue to play a key role in this achievement, typically Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited (NSRP), Nghi Son 2 BOT Thermal Power Plant, Nghi Son Cement Company... Maintaining a positive growth momentum, enterprises not only contribute thousands of billions of VND to the budget, contributing to creating stable jobs for more than 100,000 workers, but this is also proof affirming the important position of the FDI sector in the province's economy.

Notably, at NSRP, the plant surpassed the 20 million safe man-hour mark by the end of April 2025, maintaining operating efficiency at over 110% of its design capacity. Mr. Kazutaka Yamato, General Director of NSRP shared: “The plant operates stably, exceeding its design capacity, affirming its reputation in ensuring national energy security. This is the result of a professional management team, experienced engineers and a strict risk control system."

Mr. Kazutaka Yamato also emphasized that the strategy of expanding beyond capacity helps NSRP to be more flexible in production, quickly respond to market demand and move towards sustainable development. NSRP is committed to continuing to coordinate closely with the Government , ministries, sectors, localities and partners to ensure safe and efficient operations, making an important contribution to Vietnam's energy security.

At Bim Son Industrial Park, there are currently 24 FDI enterprises operating in diverse fields such as garment, jewelry, manufacturing - processing - assembling components, auto parts (car seats, headrests, upholstery...). Despite pressure from international markets, enterprises still strive to maintain production, creating jobs for nearly 3,200 workers, with an average income of 6 - 7 million VND/person/month.

Currently, large corporations such as Kuwait Petroleum International, Marubeni, Idemitsu Kosan, Mitsui Chemicals (Japan), KEPCO (Korea), CMA-CGM (France) have been contributing to raising Thanh Hoa's position on the global FDI map. According to the Management Board of the Economic Zone and Industrial Parks, the total FDI capital in this area has reached more than 13.5 billion USD, accounting for 92% of the total FDI capital in the province. These figures demonstrate Thanh Hoa's strong attraction to multinational corporations, with high-quality projects, especially in the field of complex technology.

“Push” for green industrial transformation

Along with consolidating the foundation, Thanh Hoa is striving to create a new "push" through the transition to a green industrial model. In the first 6 months of 2025, the province attracted 2 more FDI projects with a total registered capital of 173.8 million USD. Of which, Thang Long Thanh Hoa Industrial Park Project (phase 1) invested by Sumitomo Group (Japan), with a scale of 167 hectares and a total capital of 115.8 million USD; WHA Smart Technology 2 Industrial Park Project - Thanh Hoa invested by WHA Group (Thailand), with a scale of 174.9 hectares and a capital of 58 million USD.

Maintenance of production equipment at Nghi Son 2 BOT Thermal Power Plant.

WHA Smart Technology 2 Industrial Park is oriented to develop according to the model of a modern, synchronous industrial park, prioritizing the attraction of high-tech projects and supporting industries with high added value. This project is expected to not only contribute to improving the competitiveness of the industrial park system in the province but also promote the process of economic restructuring towards industrialization and modernization. In particular, the formation of "green" and "smart" industrial parks such as WHA Smart Technology 2 is a step in line with the goal of sustainable development and a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the long term.

In the period of 2020-2025, 21 FDI projects with registered capital of 231 million USD have been granted certificates in the NSK&CKCN. The highlight is that the project structure has clearly shifted, not only focusing on heavy industries such as electricity, cement or steel but also expanding to high technology and new construction materials - reflecting the trend of sustainable production transformation. The renewable energy sector is also attracting the attention of many investors and is being systematically researched. Typically, Geo Group (Germany) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa province on surveying and researching investment in a wind power plant in NSK. Accordingly, this group is looking forward to developing a large-scale wind power project, and at the same time cooperating to build a wind power engineering training center to provide high-quality human resources on site.

According to the representative of the Management Board of the Economic Zone and Industrial Parks, the unit is focusing on promoting diverse forms of investment promotion, from on-site to international promotion, with special attention to promoting quality and selective investment. Along with that is reforming administrative procedures, effectively implementing the "one-stop" mechanism, "one-stop connection", full-process online public services... to create an open, transparent and effective investment environment. Synchronous investment in technical infrastructure, traffic - logistics systems is also promoted to enhance regional connectivity and competitiveness in attracting new generation FDI capital flows.

With a solid FDI foundation and a green and smart development orientation, the NSK&CKCN is converging all the conditions to become an ideal destination for international investors in the era of energy transition and sustainable development. This is not only an inevitable trend but also a specific action strategy, clearly demonstrating the province's determination in creating a modern, environmentally friendly and long-lasting industrial sector.

Article and photos: Minh Hang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/tu-nen-mong-fdi-vung-chac-den-cu-hich-chuyen-doi-cong-nghiep-xanh-254850.htm