Communes near industrial parks and clusters pursue sustainable development

Clear transformations

According to data from relevant authorities, Hai Phong's industrial parks and clusters have expanded rapidly over the past five years. Since the merger with Hai Duong province, the number of industrial parks and clusters in suburban areas of Hai Phong has increased. In addition to existing parks and clusters, the city is actively accelerating the development of new ones in eastern communes such as An Lao, Tien Lang, Vinh Bao, and Kien Thuy. In the west, planning is also underway to develop industrial parks and clusters in communes like Nam Sach, Cam Giang, Binh Giang, Thanh Mien, and Gia Loc.

This industrial park and cluster development has opened up many socio-economic development opportunities for localities.

For example, An Truong commune is one of localities located near Trang Due industrial park. Since the start of the park’s third phase, spanning 652 ha within the commune, its infrastructure has steadily approached urban standards, and the local economic structure has shifted swiftly. Many residents who once relied solely on agriculture have transitioned to service-based occupations.

Nguyen Van Nhan, head of Phuong Chu Dong hamlet in An Truong commune, said that 40 households in the hamlet are offering rental housing services, while many others have opened food stalls and convenience shops near the industrial park, bringing in an average monthly income of 15 – 20 million VND.

In several communes near or within industrial parks and clusters, it is common for entire families, including husbands, wives, and even children, to work for enterprises in the parks and clusters, with monthly incomes of 40 – 50 million VND, significantly improving their standard of living.

Balancing economic and social development goals

Clearly, many communes have experienced major transformations following the development and planning of industrial parks and clusters in their areas.

To ensure that economic development goes hand in hand with social stability, several communes are strengthening public order and security. Nguyen Thi Thuy, Deputy Head of the Economic Division of An Lao commune, said the local authorities have encouraged both businesses and residents to install surveillance cameras along residential roads near An Trang industrial cluster, particularly in areas with a high density of rental housing, to monitor security and order.

The commune’s urban management team regularly reorganizes sidewalk and street vending in markets and service areas. For areas still holding agricultural land, the goal is to promote economic restructuring while also ensuring food security and maintaining stable farming to prevent land from lying fallow.

Tran Thi Khanh, Head of the Economic Division of An Hung commune, said that the local authorities have encouraged capable households to invest in machinery to reclaim and turn abandoned fields into larger farming areas.

At the same time, the commune is promoting the establishment of specialized agricultural regions that apply modern technologies to reduce labor while increasing agricultural product value.

HUONG AN