Bui Duy Cuong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment, speaks at the conference (Photo: Le Hai)

Bui Duy Cuong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment, directly addressed and clarified procedures concerning land use, site clearance, environmental licensing and business expansion.

According to the organizing committee, questions were submitted by several enterprises, including Hai Phat Services and Development Co., Ltd. (Tung Thien Ward), Dai Phong Infrastructure Construction JSC (Da Phuc Commune), HDP Plastic Production JSC, and STNL Co., Ltd. (Trung Gia Commune). The concerns focused on four main areas: procedures for transferring land-use projects, challenges in site clearance at Xuan Thu craft village industrial cluster, environmental licensing processes, and access to land for production expansion.

Addressing the procedures for transferring projects involving land use, Cuong said that conditions and processes are clearly regulated under the Land Law and the Investment Law. All procedures have been publicly disclosed at relevant agencies, including the Department of Finance, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, and the City Public Administrative Service Center.

Enterprises must submit transfer applications through the Department of Finance and the administrative center. Once the city approves the investment policy, businesses proceed with the registration of changes to land-use rights certificates. Notably, under the 2023 Land Law, procedures have been simplified, eliminating the need to repeat the entire land-related process, thereby reducing time and facilitating project implementation.

Conference overview (Photo: Le Hai)

Regarding site clearance challenges at Xuan Thu craft village industrial cluster in Da Phuc Commune, reported by Dai Phong Infrastructure Construction JSC, Cuong noted that the project, launched in 2021 with a scale of about 20 hectares, has faced delays mainly due to incomplete land records and a lack of consensus from some residents.

To address these issues, city departments and local authorities are working to complete land documentation while publicly disclosing information to gather public feedback. Cases of non-cooperation or obstruction will be handled in accordance with the law. Enterprises are also required to coordinate closely with local authorities to ensure timely compensation payments once plans are approved. The city police will continue to maintain security and order during project implementation.

The enterprise is currently working with the Department of Industry and Trade to adjust and extend the project timeline. Authorities affirmed their commitment to accelerating administrative procedures, emphasizing that once policies and planning are clear, site clearance must be completed promptly to bring land into effective use.

In response to HDP Plastic Production JSC's request regarding environmental licensing, Cuong said procedures are fully regulated under the Law on Environmental Protection and related guidelines, and have been publicly disclosed.

However, as the company operates within a residential area, environmental protection requirements must be strictly prioritized. The department urged the company to fully comply with regulations and ensure environmental standards are met to avoid impacts on nearby residents. In principle, there are no procedural obstacles if all required documentation is properly submitted.

For STNL Co., Ltd.'s proposal to expand production space, Cuong noted that land-use and construction planning information has been publicly disclosed down to ward and commune levels, enabling businesses to access necessary data.

Currently, enterprises can access land through three main channels: bidding, auctions, or transfer of land-use rights. Bidding and auctions have been decentralized to local authorities for implementation in accordance with planning. For transfers, businesses must submit applications to the City Public Administrative Service Center for review and approval by the city.

Reaffirming the city's commitment to supporting businesses, Cuong emphasized that Hanoi encourages efficient enterprises with expansion needs. He also urged businesses to proactively engage with local authorities to understand planning and land origins, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining investment efficiency.

The timely clarification and guidance provided at the conference not only help businesses resolve practical difficulties but also demonstrate Hanoi's determination to improve the investment and business environment, thereby promoting sustainable socio-economic development in the coming period.