AsemconnectVietnam - Decree 303/2026/ND-CP expanded the list of priority investment targets, amends conditions for establishing and expanding industrial clusters, and streamlines administrative procedures.

Expanding the scope of encouraged investment targets and sectors
The Government has issued Decree No. 303/2026/ND-CP dated August 1, 2026, amending and supplementing Decree No. 32/2024/ND-CP regarding the management and development of industrial clusters. The Decree introduces new regulations designed to facilitate investment attraction, infrastructure development, and operational efficiency within industrial clusters.
A notable feature of the Decree is the amendment of Article 3, which clarifies and distinguishes between encouraged investment sectors, encouraged investor categories (organizations and individuals), and priority types of industrial clusters.
Accordingly, in addition to small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives, cooperative groups, and household or individual production facilities in craft villages or those practicing traditional trades, the Decree adds high-tech enterprises, manufacturers of high-tech products, strategic technology enterprises, science and technology enterprises, digital technology enterprises, and innovative startups to the list of entities encouraged to invest in industrial clusters. This provision aligns with the policies of the Politburo, the National Assembly, and the Government regarding private sector development.
Regarding sectors, the Decree continues to prioritize attracting investment in areas such as processing and manufacturing serving agriculture; mechanical engineering; supporting industries; textiles, garments, and footwear; information technology, electronics, and telecommunications; and renewable energy. digital technology, automation, new materials, and biotechnology; environmental industries and waste recycling; as well as sectors utilizing high technology, clean technology, and energy-saving solutions that generate high added value.
In addition, the State continues to prioritize the development of various types of industrial clusters, such as craft village, specialized, supporting, high-tech, and eco-industrial clusters as well as models that are smart, efficient, and sustainable.
Under the current regulations, provincial People's Committees determine the specific sectors, trades, and types of investing organizations or individuals, as well as the specific cluster models, in alignment with provincial planning, socio-economic development orientations, and local conditions.
Adjustments to conditions for establishing and expanding industrial clusters
To align with the two-tier local government structure and facilitate the efficient use of industrial land, the Decree amends the conditions for establishing industrial clusters as follows: in a commune where an industrial cluster already exists, the establishment of a new cluster will be considered only when the average occupancy rate of existing clusters exceeds 50% or the total unleased industrial land area is 50 hectares or less.
Regarding the expansion of industrial clusters, the Decree stipulates that the cluster must have achieved a minimum occupancy rate of 50% or demonstrate a demand for industrial land that exceeds the currently available area. Furthermore, essential technical infrastructure, such as internal roads, water supply systems, and wastewater collection and treatment facilities must be completed in accordance with the approved detailed plan. This requirement does not apply to industrial clusters established prior to Decision No. 105/2009/QĐ-TTg. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, many state-invested and state-managed industrial clusters have historically lacked comprehensive technical infrastructure due to limited local budget resources. This has resulted in the deterioration or incomplete development of various facilities, particularly environmental protection infrastructure.
The amendments to the aforementioned conditions are expected to facilitate the attraction of enterprises, cooperatives, and economic organizations to invest in cluster expansions, as well as to manage and complete infrastructure in existing clusters; this will help increase occupancy rates and enhance the operational efficiency of previously state-invested industrial clusters.
Notably, the Decree also revises regulations regarding the documentation and procedures for establishing and expanding industrial clusters by shifting from a "pre-check" to a "post-check" mechanism, eliminating unnecessary application components, and shortening the time required for administrative processing.
Decree No. 303/2026/ND-CP takes effect on September 15, 2026, establishing a new legal framework for attracting investment, upgrading infrastructure, and improving the development efficiency of industrial clusters nationwide.
CK
Source: VITIC/congthuong.vn