Statistics show that Phu Tho province currently has 140 industrial clusters. Of which, 130 industrial clusters have been planned and 10 industrial clusters are identified in the integrated planning plan belonging to the old Phu Tho province, with a vision to 2050. To date, the province has established 66 industrial clusters, reaching 51.5% compared to the plan, with a total area of more than 3,000ha.
Among the industrial clusters that have been established, 35 industrial clusters have been put into stable operation. These clusters have attracted 930 secondary projects, creating jobs for more than 37,000 workers, with an average income of about 7 million VND/person/month. This is a significant figure in the context that many localities are under pressure regarding employment and social security.
Real-world records at some industrial clusters show that the labor force is mainly local people and neighboring areas. Many workers who used to work far from home for a long time have now chosen to return to their hometowns when factories and production workshops are formed right in the area.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hanh (38 years old), a worker at Dong Lang industrial cluster, Phu Ninh commune, Phu Tho province, had many years of leaving her hometown to go to Thai Nguyen to work as a worker, only returning home a few times a year.
Working far away, living expenses are expensive, children are mainly taken care of by grandparents. Since there is an industrial park near my house, I applied to work at the workshop, with a stable income but still being able to go home every day" - Ms. Hanh shared.
Not only Ms. Hanh, many other workers also believe that having local jobs helps them significantly reduce living costs, stabilize family life and feel secure in sticking with their jobs for a long time. With an average income of 7-10 million VND per month, workers have conditions to cover living expenses, gradually accumulate and take better care of their children.
Along with solving employment, industrial clusters also contribute to creating motivation for economic development in rural areas. Technical infrastructure systems are invested more synchronously, many auxiliary services such as boarding houses, dining, transportation, and small-scale commerce are also developing, creating more livelihoods for people.
However, Phu Tho province determines that the development of industrial clusters must ensure sustainability, not chasing after quantity.
According to Mr. Tran Duy Dong - Chairman of Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee, the province does not develop industrial clusters in central wards and communes and areas that have been oriented for tourism and resort development. Instead, prioritize arranging industrial clusters associated with craft villages, gradually relocating production facilities out of residential areas, contributing to reducing environmental pollution and ensuring living conditions for people.
With a clear orientation and cautious approach, the system of industrial zones and clusters in Phu Tho is expected to continue to be effective, both creating jobs for tens of thousands of workers and ensuring harmonious development between industry, environment and social life.
