A signboard with the name of the IP has stayed unchanged since 1975. Back then, it was called Bien Hoa Industrial Zone.
In the 1960s, the location chosen for the industrial zone was strategically placed on major transport axes including the North-South railway, Dong Nai River waterways, and the crucial road through Bien Hoa Highway.
The industrial zone was built with the purpose of decentralizing the workforce concentrated in Saigon, urban depopulation, and industrial promotion.
Since its construction until 1975, the industrial zone had 94 factories and enterprises. Most of the machinery and equipment were imported from Japan, Germany, France, and Taiwan, among others.
By 1990, Dong Nai Province established the Bien Hoa Industrial Zone Development Company, also known as Sonadezi Bien Hoa, to invest capital, refurbish, upgrade infrastructure, and attract foreign investment.
Until now, many factories and workshops built long ago still exist, featuring old architectural styles.
There are 70 domestic firms and six foreign-invested companies leasing land and infrastructure in the IP.
Dong Nai authorities have said since a relocation plan has been outlined, factories cannot expand production, leading to low production efficiency and profit margins.
Roads within the industrial zone spread four lanes on average, with many blooming plumeria trees planted along the sides.
One factory has the slogan "the nation is in need of steel" on its fence.
Long-time workers at the company say the slogan has been there for over 30 years.
According to the province’s authorities, relocating companies from the industrial zone is expected to be completed before December next year.
However, the relocation process has faced many difficulties, such as compensation for land clearance and stabilizing operations and livelihoods for affected businesses and workers.
Most companies and factories here are still operational, employing nearly 21,500 workers.
The province said it will apply tax incentives, land use fees, value-added tax, import tax, and allocate land for affected companies.
The Cogido residential area for those working inside the industrial zone has existed for over half a century.
Now, the residential area is dilapidated and degraded, with many residents having moved out.
Two projects are currently underway in the area planned for the provincial administrative center in Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park: the provincial police headquarters (R) and the opposite is the State Audit Office.
According to the Provincial People's Committee, after completion, a new urban, service, and commercial area will be formed along the Dong Nai River bank.
