Prime Minister approves Master Plan for High-Tech Forestry Zone in Nghe An
On April 10, the Prime Minister signed a decision approving the master plan for the development of the High-Tech Forestry Zone in the North Central Region through 2045.
The decision took effect immediately upon signing.
This serves as a critical legal basis for Nghe An to attract investment and promote the modernization of the forestry sector, not only in the province but across the North Central Region.
The zone will apply advanced technologies throughout all stages of production, aiming to enhance the value chain in forest management, timber processing, and sustainable forestry development.
The approved planning area spans 618 hectares, covering the communes of Nghi Lam, Nghi Van, Nghi Kieu, Khanh Hop (Nghi Loc district), and Dai Son (Do Luong district). It is projected to create employment for 60,000 to 70,000 workers.
The High-Tech Forestry Zone is designed as a hub for the application of advanced science and technology in forestry. It will focus on seedling production, forest planting, timber and non-timber forest product processing within Nghe An and the broader North Central Region.
The plan outlines three functional subzones:
Subzone 1 – High-Tech Forestry Seedling Production Center: This area will house modern, industrial-scale seedling production facilities, serve as a center for transferring advanced technologies and equipment, and conserve rare forest plant gene sources. It will also provide training and technical support for seedling businesses in the region.
Subzone 2 – High-Tech Timber and Non-Timber Product Processing Zone: A specialized, integrated production zone focused on wood-related auxiliary products, vocational training, and workforce development for the forestry and wood-processing industries.
Subzone 3 – Trading and Exhibition Center for Wood and Non-Wood Products: A platform for trading, promoting, and supplying forestry-related products, materials, machinery, and equipment.
According to Decision No. 746, the master plan defines the spatial development of the three subzones, detailed land-use allocations, and the technical infrastructure system—including transportation, water supply, electricity, drainage, and wastewater treatment.
The decision also sets priorities for future investments, including the preparation of detailed zoning plans, mobilization of resources for infrastructure development, and construction of key facilities such as training and research complexes, public parks, and urban upgrades. Priority will be given to the high-tech wood and non-wood processing subzone, including synchronized upgrades to water, electricity, and telecommunications systems.
The Prime Minister assigned the People's Committee of Nghe An, along with relevant ministries and central agencies, to oversee, guide, and coordinate the effective implementation of the master plan through 2045.
Five core objectives of the High-Tech Forestry Zone Plan in the North Central Region:
- Promote the modernization of the forestry sector by applying advanced technologies across all stages of production, enhancing the value chain, sustainable forest management. Develop the forest-based economy through a value chain approach — from seedling production, sustainable forest management, and high-quality afforestation to harvesting, processing, and marketing — in order to enhance the value of forest products.
- Contribute to Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as declared at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).
- Create significant employment opportunities and improve workforce quality, supporting industrialization and modernization of the regional economy.
- Implement Decision No. 509/QD-TTg dated March 31, 2021, by the Prime Minister, which established the High-Tech Forestry Zone in the North Central Region.
- Serve as a foundation for attracting investors, planning subzones, implementing infrastructure projects, and managing development according to the master plan.