On April 2, the People’s Committee of Hong An ward announced it had issued an official document to enforce Decision No. 1668/QD-UBND, terminating the investment project of Viet Uc Steel Billet One Member Co Ltd and recovering the land assigned for a steel billet production plant.

The decision follows directives from the Hai Phong municipal authorities, with relevant departments including the Department of Agriculture and Environment and the Department of Finance coordinating actions to formally end the project’s operations.

According to local authorities, the project site remains entirely undeveloped despite being granted investment approval in December 2007. The project underwent its third adjustment in 2013, while the company most recently updated its business registration in March 2022.

Covering an area of 72,842.6 square meters, the land had been leased by the state with annual payments, with a usage term valid until December 10, 2027.

However, inspections confirmed that no construction or operational activity had taken place. The site has remained vacant for years.

Notably, local authorities have been unable to locate the company’s legal representative, further complicating administrative procedures. As a result, Hong An ward has issued public notices requesting the enterprise to come forward and complete the necessary steps related to the land recovery process in accordance with regulations.

The move comes after previous attempts by authorities to resolve the project’s status. On May 30, 2025, the investor had already been requested to work with the Hai Phong Department of Finance to formalize the termination of the project.

Despite these efforts, no meaningful progress was made.

Originally, the project was designed with an annual production capacity of approximately 500,000 tonnes of steel billets and oxygen gas, with a total registered investment of more than US$55.7 million.

The case reflects a broader push by local authorities to address long-delayed or non-performing investment projects, particularly those occupying valuable industrial land without delivering economic value.

By reclaiming such sites, Hai Phong aims to improve land use efficiency and create opportunities for new investments aligned with current development priorities.

The decision also signals a firmer stance on accountability, especially in cases where investors fail to implement projects within committed timelines or cannot be reached for legal compliance.

Hoai Anh