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| TNG Investment and Trading Joint Stock Company is one of the pioneering enterprises in the province that implements green projects and builds environmentally friendly production spaces. |
From a shift in mindset to a shift in capital flows.
For many years, the investment environment of localities has often been assessed based on familiar criteria such as labor costs, land availability, or the speed of administrative procedures. However, the global economy is shifting strongly towards sustainable development standards, leading to a significant change in perspective.
Increasingly, international investors, especially corporations involved in high-tech supply chains, are not only concerned about costs but also demand environmental responsibility, transparency, and adaptability to climate change. ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria are becoming crucial for businesses and localities to participate more deeply in global value chains.
Along with this, the rapid development of the digital economy is changing the way production, management, and product distribution are organized. Data has become the foundation, and technology is the tool to optimize efficiency and enhance transparency. The combination of "green" and "digital," also known as the double transformation, has become an inevitable development trend.
In Thai Nguyen , these changes were recognized early on. For many years, the province has consistently maintained a high ranking in the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI). However, instead of continuing to rely on traditional advantages, the province is gradually shifting towards improving the quality of its investment environment, aiming for more sustainable standards.
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| Workers at Nui Phao Mineral Processing and Mining Company Limited are tending to the greenery in the factory grounds. |
The implementation of indicators such as the Provincial Green Index (PGI) demonstrates a new approach. The investment environment must not only be favorable but also responsible. This means that economic growth needs to be closely linked to environmental protection and efficient resource utilization.
According to the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry , in 2023, Thai Nguyen's Provincial Green Index (PGI) reached 20.85 points, a significant increase from 16.05 points in 2022. Although rankings are still fluctuating, the upward trend reflects clear improvements in environmental governance.
Updated data for 2024 continues to show improvements in many component indicators, notably policies supporting businesses in implementing environmental standards and the level of regulatory compliance. An increase in the PGI is a crucial indicator reflecting the quality of the investment environment, directly impacting the ability to attract responsible and high-value-added capital flows.
The rapid shift in mindset is reflected in investment flows. In the first quarter of 2026, Thai Nguyen recorded approximately $5.4 billion in newly registered FDI capital, continuing to be among the localities attracting high investment nationwide.
Notably, the structure of capital flows has shifted significantly. Instead of focusing on labor-intensive industries, many new projects are directed towards processing, manufacturing, electronics, and supporting industries—sectors that require high technology and stricter environmental standards.
The presence of large corporations like Samsung in Thai Nguyen not only brings direct investment value, but also attracts a satellite business ecosystem. Through this, modern production standards, especially those related to energy saving, emission reduction, and supply chain transparency, are gradually being disseminated.
This shows that green standards are no longer an option; they are becoming a mandatory requirement for businesses to participate in global supply chains.
Digital transformation plays a crucial supporting role. In industrial zones such as Yen Binh and Diem Thuy, the application of technology in energy management, operational monitoring, and production process optimization is becoming increasingly common.
Solutions such as rooftop solar power, water reuse, and automated environmental monitoring systems help businesses reduce costs while improving their ability to meet international standards.
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| Samsung Electronics Vietnam Thai Nguyen Co., Ltd. is a key player in attracting FDI into the province, while also promoting higher standards in environmental protection and supply chains. |
Agricultural products gain value through double transformation.
The trend of green development linked to the digital economy is not only taking place in the industrial sector, but is also spreading strongly to agriculture, one of Thai Nguyen's traditional strengths.
Currently, the province has over 22,000 hectares of tea plantations in production, yielding approximately 250,000 tons per year. For many years, tea has been both an economic product and an integral part of the local identity. However, in the face of increasingly demanding market conditions, the tea industry is also forced to innovate to adapt.
One of the most noticeable changes is the shift from traditional farming to safe, environmentally friendly production models. Many cooperatives and individual producers have increased their use of organic fertilizers, strictly controlled production processes, and are gradually achieving standards such as VietGAP or organic certification.
However, simply being "green" in production is not enough to increase value. Digital technology is helping to solve this problem. Attaching QR codes for traceability allows consumers to easily access information about products, from the source of raw materials to the production process.
This helps increase transparency and contributes to building trust, an increasingly important element in modern markets. This shift helps agricultural products move from competing on price to competing on quality and transparency.
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| Students learn about models for adapting to climate change at the Climate Park (Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry) - a learning space connected to the practical aspects of sustainable development. |
Furthermore, bringing products to e-commerce platforms helps expand the consumer market, especially for local specialty products. From relying on traditional sales channels, Thai Nguyen's agricultural products are gradually reaching domestic and international consumers through the digital environment.
Ms. Le Hoang Oanh, Director of the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy (Ministry of Industry and Trade), emphasized: Combining digital transformation with e-commerce helps expand markets while enhancing product value through information transparency and brand building.
Simultaneously, the foundation for sustainable development continues to be strengthened through the training and research system. The Climate Park model at Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry is a prime example, combining research, training, and practical application.
According to Professor Tran Thi Thu Ha, Director of the Institute of Forestry Research and Development (Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry), the connection between training, research, and technology transfer is a crucial factor in spreading sustainable development solutions, while also supporting businesses and people in adapting to new requirements...
Shaping a competitive advantage in the digital age.
Overall, the changes in Thai Nguyen show a clear trend. The locality's competitive advantage is being redefined. While previously, low costs and quick procedures were key factors, now the ability to meet green standards and the level of application of new technologies have become decisive factors.
Environmental regulations and supply chain transparency are becoming increasingly stringent globally, so localities that adapt early will have a distinct advantage. This process is happening simultaneously across multiple sectors.
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| Livestreaming activities to promote agricultural products contribute to expanding the consumer market through e-commerce platforms. |
From industrial zones gradually moving towards eco-friendly models to digitized and value-added agricultural areas, these changes are laying the foundation for more stable long-term growth.
However, the transition process also presents many challenges. The capacity gap between FDI enterprises and domestic enterprises remains significant.
Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face difficulties in accessing capital, technology, and high-quality human resources to meet new standards. This requires more comprehensive support policies, ranging from green finance and human resource training to promoting technology transfer. Only with the participation of all economic actors can the transformation process be comprehensive and sustainable.
Current steps show that Thai Nguyen is on the right track. Considering green development and the digital economy as two pillars not only helps the locality improve the quality of its investment environment, but also creates a foundation for deeper participation in the global value chain.
In the digital age, environmental standards are increasingly quantified and closely monitored. Green development has become a core competitive advantage for every locality and enterprise. Therefore, Thai Nguyen's current steps go beyond the scope of adjusting its development strategy, demonstrating a proactive repositioning of the province's role and status.
Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/dau-tu/202605/xanh-hoa-so-hoa-nam-cham-hut-dau-tu-moi-b9343e1/
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