THÁI NGUYÊN — A groundbreaking ceremony was held in the northern province of Thái Nguyên on Monday, marking the start of construction to expand the Sông Công II Industrial Park.

This is the second phase of the park’s development. The first phase was carried out in 2018 on 250 hectares, and so far has attracted 22 investment projects, achieving 98 per cent of the set target.

The part of the park that will be built in this second phase will cover nearly 300 hectares in both Bá Xuyên and Tân Quang communes in Sông Công City.

This phase is divided into two zones, which will be 176ha and 121ha in size, respectively.

The construction will cost nearly VNĐ4 trillion (US$156.7 million), and is being developed by Viglacera Thái Nguyên Joint Stock Company, a subsidiary of Viglacera Corporation.

The new area will be a multi-industry industrial zone with a focus on green growth, sustainable development and environmental friendliness.

Priority will be given to investments in industries like electronics, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals, as well as supporting industries, new materials, clean energy, renewable energy, smart energy and manufacturing industries.

According to plans, the project is expected to be completed within 36 months from the date the land is handed over.

To date, the project developer has completed the necessary investment preparation procedures, compensation and land clearance for approximately 80 hectares.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Nguyễn Huy Dũng, chair of Thái Nguyên Province’s People's Committee, said that industrial development has been identified as a key driver to boost the local economy.

“After the success of Phase 1, the implementation of Phase 2 of Sông Công II Industrial Park will open up new opportunities, create jobs, increase State revenue and contribute to the industrialisation and modernisation of our economic structure,” he said. — BIZHUB