Bac Ninh and Bac Giang are affirming their position as two leading industrial centers in the North, playing an important role in attracting large domestic and foreign corporations, while promoting the strong development of industrial parks (IPs) in the region.
Bac Ninh – Capital of High-Tech Industry
With a strategic location in the Northern key economic region, Bac Ninh is about 30 km from Hanoi and borders developed provinces such as Bac Giang, Hai Duong, and Hung Yen. Thanks to its proximity to major seaports such as Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, and Noi Bai airport, the province has an outstanding advantage in freight transport. From a purely agricultural locality, Bac Ninh has risen to become a high-tech industrial center, making its mark with many leading economic indicators in the country.
Synchronous transport infrastructure with key routes such as National Highway 1A, National Highway 18 and Hanoi - Bac Giang Expressway, along with open business support policies, have helped Bac Ninh attract investment capital from 41 countries and territories. For many consecutive years, the province has ranked first in attracting FDI capital, becoming a destination for technology "giants" such as Samsung, Canon, Amkor, with strengths in electronics manufacturing. According to statistics, the total product in the area (GRDP) in 2024 will reach about 232,8 trillion VND, an increase of 6,03% compared to 2023, while the average income per capita is estimated at 73 million VND, an increase of 14,8%.
By 2030, Bac Ninh aims to become a centrally-governed city, developing modern industry and applying high technology. By 2050, the province aims to build an advanced industrial ecosystem, focusing on key industries such as electronics, semiconductors, information technology and artificial intelligence.
Bac Giang – Rising Star of Northern Industry
Bac Giang is emerging as a bright spot on the industrial map of the North, thanks to its geographical advantages, preferential policies and increasingly complete infrastructure. The province is continuously in the leading group in attracting FDI, especially in the fields of high technology, semiconductor components and supporting industries, with the presence of large corporations such as Foxconn, Luxshare, JA Solar, Samkwang.
In 2024, Bac Giang's GRDP is estimated to reach VND207 trillion, an increase of 13,85% - the highest in the country. GRDP per capita is expected to reach USD4.370, an increase of 10,6%, with the processing and manufacturing industry being the main driving force. Currently, the province has 16 industrial parks with a total planned area of 3.683,94 hectares, of which 8 industrial parks are in operation and 8 industrial parks are under infrastructure construction. According to the plan, by 2030, Bac Giang will expand to 29 industrial parks with a total area of about 7.000 hectares, adding nearly 5.700 hectares of new area, to welcome more large-scale FDI projects.
The province aims to develop green, sustainable industry and apply high technology, creating strong attraction for investors, while affirming its important role in the socio-economic development of the region.
Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development
Both Bac Ninh and Bac Giang have great potential to become the “industrial capital” of the North, but each province faces its own advantages and challenges. Bac Ninh, with its complete infrastructure and leading position in FDI, is under pressure from limited land, traffic and environment due to high industrial density, and increasingly fierce competition for high-quality labor. Meanwhile, Bac Giang stands out with its large land fund, abundant labor and low cost, but the infrastructure of some industrial parks is not yet synchronized, the quality of labor does not fully meet the demand, requiring strong investment in training.
For sustainable development, the two provinces need to prioritize improving labor skills, improving technical infrastructure and focusing on environmental protection. At the same time, innovating investment promotion, focusing on high-tech and environmentally friendly projects will be the key to maintaining growth momentum and consolidating position in the coming time.
