VietNamNet Bridge – The National Assembly (NA) on March 21 gave the nod to a Government proposal to downsize industrial zones (IZs), economic zones (EZs) and some infrastructure projects from now to 2020.

Illustrative image -- File photo

The total area of IZs would fall by nearly 8,600 hectares to over 191,000 hectares by 2020, compared to the earlier NA resolution, according a report on a Government directive adjusting land use by 2020 and a national land use plan for the 2016-2020 period presented on March 21 by chairman of the NA Economic Committee Nguyen Van Giau.

In recent times, the Government has reviewed IZs with a view to raising the occupancy ratio to around 65% from only 45% in 2011. In the coming time, the Government suggested boosting occupancy at the current IZs while new IZs should be constructed in a way that guarantees efficient investment, the report said.

Besides, the Government said the existing EZs are far larger than actual demand. There is a lack of manpower to develop them, resulting in construction delays.

According to the report, the total area for infrastructure development is 1.56 million hectares by 2020, dropping by 17,000 hectares compared to the NA resolution.

Giau said the NA has advocated the adjustment as there has been a rise in land arranged for some public projects that are in tandem with the nation’s economic growth. Land for energy projects will be cut by 37,000 hectares due to an elimination of many small hydropower plant projects. Land for educational institutions will drop by 13,000 hectares due to a revision of the university and college network in the 2006-2020 period.

In addition, the NA approved the Government’s proposal for reducing paddy farming and aquaculture areas due to improved farming techniques. By 2020, land for paddy cultivation is estimated at 3.76 million hectares, down by 52,000 hectares, while that for aquaculture is put at 767,000 hectares, 22,000 hectares lower than earlier approved.

SGT