Formation and Development Orientation of Eco-Industrial Parks in Vietnam: Context, Evaluation Criteria, and SWOT Analysis

Abstract

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the global transition toward a green economy, transforming export processing zones (EPZs) and industrial parks (IPs) into eco-industrial parks (EIPs) has become an urgent priority. This change helps to optimize resource utilization, reduce environmental pollution, and enhance industrial competitiveness for companies. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the formation and development of IPs in Vietnam, examining the legal framework and the criteria for identifying EIPs in accordance with both national regulations and international standards. A SWOT analysis was applied to propose strategic orientations for EIP construction and conversion. The findings indicate that Vietnam has established a relatively complete legal foundation, well-developed infrastructure, and received strong support from international organizations to facilitate the EIP transition. However, challenges persist regarding investment costs, human resource capacity, and coordination among management agencies. Based on these insights, the study proposes strategic directions to accelerate sustainable EIP transformation, thereby improving economic efficiency, environmental performance, and social well-being. These recommendations contribute to advancing Vietnam’s green industrial development agenda and promoting alignment with global sustainability and integration goals.