Vietnam strives to build free trade zones and duty-free ports
PM Pham Minh Chinh urges free trade zones and duty-free ports to boost growth and position Vietnam as a digital-era logistics hub.
Lien Chieu Port in Da Nang City. The development of free trade zones and duty-free ports is seen as a strategic move to boost Vietnam's global competitiveness, particularly in trade and logistics. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for the establishment of free trade zones (FTZs) in key economic regions and the exploration of duty-free ports as part of a broader effort to stimulate economic growth, attract investment and position Vietnam as a leading logistics hub in the digital era.
The initiative is part of Directive 47, which outlines urgent tasks and strategic measures aimed at accelerating national growth this year.
The development of free trade zones and duty-free ports is seen as a strategic move to boost Vietnam's global competitiveness, particularly in trade and logistics.
By improving the distribution of goods, these initiatives aim to strengthen the country’s position in international markets.
The plan comes amid calls for bold institutional and infrastructure reforms to ensure high and sustainable economic growth.
Vo Tan Duc, chairman of the People’s Committee of Dong Nai province, has proposed a 2,000ha pilot free trade zone near Long Thanh International Airport and Phuoc An Port during the recent working session with Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh.
The proposal, submitted to the Prime Minister in February, aims to leverage the region’s strategic location to spur economic growth, attract foreign investment and position Long Thanh as a key regional trade and services hub.
The project is expected to play a pivotal role in helping the province achieve double-digit GDP growth starting this year.
In parallel, the central coastal city of Da Nang is advancing its development ambitions through a newly signed memorandum of understanding with Vingroup.
The agreement, focused on green transformation and sustainable development for the 2025-30 period, includes plans to explore the establishment of a free trade zone and a financial centre.
💯 During a recent working session with Vinh Phuc province, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh endorsed the province's proposal to establish a free trade zone and directed local authorities to urgently draft a detailed project for submission to the appropriate agencies./.
Vietnam is preparing to develop three FTZs in Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Ba Ria – Vung Tau, with plans to expand to other localities with strong air and rail connectivity, beyond just those with seaports
The central city of Da Nang is actively collaborating with central ministries and agencies to swiftly implement specific mechanisms and policies for the city’s development under the National Assembly's Resolution 136/2024/QH15, particularly regarding the pilot establishment of a free trade zone (FTZ).
The new Government decree also simplifies loan procedures while expanding credit incentives to include organic and circular agriculture, allowing them to access preferential terms similar to those of high-tech and value-chain based agricultural production.
Developed with state-of-the-art infrastructure, the Da Nang FTZ is designed to become a leading regional economic centre and a strategic growth pole in Vietnam’s new development landscape.
The Binh Duong Association of Supporting Industries (BASI) is expected to promote the usage of domestically manufactured components while supporting businesses in accessing international markets, strengthening linkages, and promoting deeper integration into global supply chains.
PwC Vietnam forecasts a vibrant M&A market in Vietnam’s healthcare sector in 2025, driven by rising demand for high-quality medical services and a growing middle class. Pharmaceutical companies, private hospitals, and specialised medical facilities, particularly in ophthalmology and oncology, are predicted to be key targets for M&A.
The central province of Quang Nam is set to become a hub for the medicinal plant industry, with Ngoc Linh ginseng designated as the core crop, under the Prime Minister's decision issued earlier this year.
The North-South Expressway project is scheduled for completion by 2030, aiming to establish the groundwork for Vietnam’s modern railway industry and stimulate regional economic development, positioning the country for a significant economic leap in the era of national rise.
The probe, initiated on June 11 following a petition by the US Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood, targets products classified under HS Code 4412 and 9403 imported from China, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways was born as a perfect piece in Sun Group’s strategic vision to build a premium ecosystem of tourism, entertainment, real estate, and aviation. With a pioneering ambition, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is not just an airline, but a symbol of connection – bringing the world to Phu Quoc and taking Phu Quoc to the world.
A key change in the draft decree is a provision requiring bank transfers for gold transactions valued at 20 million VND (765 USD) and above, to enhance transparency and verify customer identities.
In the first four months of 2025, trade turnover between Vietnam and Cambodia surpassed 3 billion USD, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
On June 19 alone, a total of 2,005 trucks completed customs clearance at Lang Son’s border gates — the highest single-day figure ever recorded in the province. Of these, 634 carried exports and 1,371 imports.
The OECD Economic Surveys: Vietnam 2025 report focuses on analysing the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals, the impact of international integration on attracting foreign investment and trade, and the country’s prospects for developing a low-carbon economy.
Antoine Colin, Senior Vice President for Global Supply Chain Digital Transformation & Resilience at HP Inc., affirmed HP’s strategic commitment to building a supply chain and ecosystem in Vietnam and the region.
Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)’s Trade Promotion Agency Bui Quang Hung emphasised that logistics has evolved from a technical function into a core capability for Vietnamese exporters to maintain their competitive advantage in the US market.
A trade official has suggested companies work closely with shipping lines, airlines, and freight forwarders to monitor routes, transit times, and potential surcharges while exploring broader cargo insurance to cover risks like war and terrorism.
In addition to institutional reform, the agency is also rolling out key solution groups to combat counterfeit goods, imitations, and intellectual property infringements in the digital environment.
The event, co-organised by the Vietnam Trade Office in the UK and TT Meridian, a local importer of Vietnamese fresh produce, aims to build a national lychee brand and encourage broader recognition of Vietnamese fruits in a competitive, high-end market.
The industry's performance has been powered by bold investments in modern production lines, enabling Vietnamese firms to produce complicated products which were exclusive to advanced economies.
