Thailand’s WHA Group: Growing Strong in Viet Nam in the future
In February 2017, WHA Group, Thailand’s leader in fully integrated logistics and industrial facilities, selected Nghe An province as the site of its first industrial zone project in Viet Nam. This milestone decision brought to our country WHA’s invaluable 30-year experience in the development and operations of world-class industrial zones.
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Perfectly positioned to meet the needs of local and international investors, WHA Industrial Zone 1 - Nghe An offers easy connections to Vinh City International Airport, national highways, nearby seaports of Vissai, Cua Lo and DKC, and major rail networks. Its world-class facilities and practical one-stop service make it the ideal investment location for projects of significance.
With 12 industrial estates in Thailand representing an area of over 8,000 hectares, notably in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor, WHA Group leveraged its expertise to expand its operations overseas. Viet Nam was WHA’s logical choice as our country was increasingly becoming a major destination for Foreign Direct Investments and a gateway to major markets in the region.
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| WHA Industrial Zone 1 - Nghe An Province. |
With its geographical location, booming economy, abundant educated labor force and GDP growth exceeding that posted by neighbouring Southeast Asian countries and emerging Asian economies, WHA Group sees Viet Nam as the bright new star.
“Viet Nam is a major investment destination among ASEAN countries", explained Mr David Nardone, Group Executive, Industrial and International, WHA Industrial Development PLC. “With the support of the Vietnamese government and provincial authorities, Nghe An province is becoming an integrated hub for business, education, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, contributing further to the development and economic growth of Viet Nam and the region", he said.
WHA Group’s venture is paying off, as Nghe An province is now poised to become a prime location for major manufacturers and investors, attracting the attention of domestic businesses and foreign investors from countries such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and others for its great industrial potential.
A large part of its success can be largely attributed to the state’s commitment to creating an attractive business environment for both local and international companies, through the introduction of regulatory changes and business-friendly policies.
Applying a ‘Smart Eco-Industrial Zone’ Concept
Today, WHA Industrial Zone 1 - Nghe An proposes state-of-the-art infrastructure and utilities. In addition to the initial Phase 1 of 143.5 hectares already under operation, construction of Phase 2, with an additional 354.5 hectares, has begun, strategically located between new CT 01 and existing 1A highways. Once completed, this multi-million-dollar project will comprise a total of 1,850 hectares.
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| Overview of WHA Industrial Zone 1 - Nghe An Province. |
The initial area of 143.5-hectares offers a perfect location for manufacturing for various industries and other business investments looking for efficient use of land, an abundant local workforce, best practice planning and environmental controls, enabling sustainable and long-term growth.
Customers in various industrial sectors such as electronics, food processing, automotive parts, solar energy and building materials have already set up their operations, with more companies following suit.
WHA Group is applying in Viet Nam the same top-notch standards as in all its industrial estates in Thailand. The company’s objective is to promote its concept of ‘Smart Eco-Industrial Estates’ that use smart technologies and digital innovations to ensure efficiency, reliability, security and safety at all times. A very promising outlook is foreseen for the development of smart solutions in its industrial estates, as the world becomes more connected.
WHA industrial zones are internationally recognized for high-quality standard infrastructure and world-class facilities. In particular, the system of electrical works, water supply and drainage, wastewater treatment, maintenance of technical infrastructure, internal traffic, 24/7 security services, fire protection, maintenance works are built synchronously to meet the demands of foreign and domestic customers.
In addition, investors coming to WHA Industrial Zone 1 - Nghe An enjoy favorable conditions for investment, production and business activities with competitive lease prices, preferential tax policies, favored investment practices, supported construction procedures and labor recruitment. They receive WHA's assistance for investment procedures and many other services during project preparation and implementation, as well as active support from provincial government agencies and authorities.
Generating jobs for a sustainable economy
Job creation and local economic development are crucial elements of WHA’s long-term vision. With 3.3 million people, including a workforce of 2 million, Nghe An is the fourth-most populated province in Viet Nam. Creating employment is the best way to uplift the living conditions of individuals, families and communities. Job opportunities enable people to contribute to society and make it stronger. With lower unemployment rates, many lives can be improved. This gives the younger generation easier access to education, giving them the tools to develop new skills that will make them attractive to prospective employers.
The province of Nghe An is well-equipped with 7 universities, 9 colleges, 9 professional schools and 19 vocational training schools that provide education to 24,000 new graduates every year. The province also helps workers returning home from abroad settle in, facilitating their recruitment by companies in need.
WHA Group Targets Thanh Hoa Province for Two New Industrial Zones
Encouraged by its initial success in Nghe An province, WHA Group announced last December 2020 the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee (Thanh Hoa PPC) for the development of two new industrial zones.
Positioned to attract high-value technology companies, the first project, ‘WHA Smart Technology Industrial Zone – Thanh Hoa’, will represent a gross area of approximately 540 hectares, plus an additional potential expansion of 270 hectares.
The second one, ‘WHA Northern Industrial Zone – Thanh Hoa’, with a gross area of approximately 340 hectares, will target downstream industries, including plastics, rubber, chemical and bio-chemical products, metal fabrication and foundries, building materials, automotive parts, mechanical assembly, appliances, and others. Once all licenses and approvals are obtained, construction is expected to commence in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
“After successfully launching our first industrial zone in Nghe An province four years ago, we are delighted to embark on this new partnership with Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee” declared Mr. David Nardone, Group Executive – Industrial and International, WHA Industrial Development PLC.
“We are looking forward to enticing FDI flows while promoting long-term development with significant growth prospects. We always prioritize projects using advanced technology, modern and environment-friendly innovations, strictly adhering to environmental laws and upholding responsibility to the community and society", he explained.
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| Mr. David Nardone met Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Nghe An in 2019. |
With the support of the Vietnamese government and provincial authorities, WHA Group aims to continue initiating solid projects to help attract and nurture foreign investment, explore skills development, promote job creation, introduce smart solutions for industries and contribute to rapid and sustained prosperity.
Thailand and Viet Nam continue to deepen further the multi-faceted relations and economic cooperation they have been enjoying during the past 45 years since the two countries set up diplomatic ties in 1976.
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