Dong Nai sustains positive economic growth in first half of 2026

Dong Nai's economy maintained robust growth during the first six months of 2026, according to a report presented by the Dong Nai City People's Committee at the third session of the first Dong Nai City People's Council for the 2026–2031 term on July 8. The report on socio-economic performance, national defence and security, and several highlights in the first half of this year described 2026 as a landmark year for Dong Nai, as it officially became Vietnam's seventh city and began implementing the Resolutions of the first Dong Nai City Party Congress (2025–2030) and the 14th National Party Congress.

The presidium at the session. Photo: Cong Nghia

One of the most significant milestones was the National Assembly's adoption of the Resolution establishing Dong Nai City, which took effect on April 30, 2026. On May 18, the city held a ceremony to announce the Resolution and received the First-Class Labor Order, presented by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam.

The city's economy continued its positive growth trajectory, with gross regional domestic product (GRDP) expanding by 9.81 percent in the first half of the year, surpassing the city's six-month growth target by 0.03 percentage points. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries grew by 4.8 percent, industry and construction by 11.8 percent, services by 8.6 percent, and product taxes by 8.3 percent.

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 12.7 percent year on year, while total retail sales of goods and consumer services increased 16.6 percent. Tourism revenue exceeded VND2.27 trillion, fulfilling about 50 percent of the annual target.

Investment attraction and budget revenue remained key highlights. State budget revenue reached 56 percent of the assigned estimate and 38 percent of the city's annual target. Export turnover exceeded US$17 billion, up 17.6 percent year on year, while import turnover reached nearly US$13 billion, an increase of 20 percent, resulting in a trade surplus of US$4.2 billion.

Domestic investment reached VND852 trillion, equivalent to 532 percent of the annual target, while FDI inflows totaled approximately US$1.5 billion, achieving 50 percent of the year's goal. During the period, more than 4,500 new enterprises were established citywide with registered capital exceeding VND225 trillion, up 22 percent in number and 911 percent in registered capital from a year earlier. The city also began implementing a 1,500-hectare high-tech agriculture project in Thuan Loi commune with total investment of approximately VND30.5 trillion, and approved investment policies for two riverside smart urban areas in Dai Phuoc commune covering more than 1,900 hectares, with combined investment of nearly VND818 trillion.

Nguyen Thi Hoang, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai People's Committee, presents a report at the session. Photo: Cong Nghia

During the first half of the year, Dong Nai accelerated the implementation of several strategic infrastructure projects. The City People's Council approved investment policies for three public-private partnership (PPP) projects with an estimated combined investment of more than VND110 trillion, including a road linking Ma Da Bridge to Ho Chi Minh City's Ring Road 4; an elevated road running along National Highway 51; and the extension of the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien Metro Line to the city's administrative center and Long Thanh International Airport.

According to the report, more than one year after its introduction, the two-tier local government model has been operating smoothly and effectively. Dong Nai also continued to advance digital transformation, remaining among Vietnam's leading localities in implementing Project 06. The city ranked third among 34 provinces and centrally governed cities in both the PAR INDEX (Public Administration Reform Index) and the SIPAS (Satisfaction Index of Public Administration Services), while 100 percent of administrative dossiers are now processed electronically.

In the socio-cultural sector, the city organized the ceremony announcing the National Assembly's resolution establishing Dong Nai City, broke ground on Phase 1 of a social housing project comprising 1,000 rental apartments, and launched a free periodic health check-up and disease screening program for residents from July 1, 2026, in line with Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo.

During the first six months of the year, Dong Nai also hosted official working visits by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Prime Minister (PM) Le Minh Hung. The City Party Committee’s Executive Board also issued Resolution No. 05-NQ/TU, launching a special 500-day-and-night emulation campaign under the theme: "Solidarity – Discipline – Efficiency – Breakthroughs for a civilized and modern Dong Nai."

Despite these achievements, the City People's Committee acknowledged that Dong Nai continues to face challenges related to planning, infrastructure, public investment disbursement, human resource quality and digital transformation. Nevertheless, it reaffirmed the city's determination to implement comprehensive solutions to achieve double-digit economic growth in 2026 and throughout the 2026–2030 period.

For the second half of the year, Dong Nai will continue pursuing its socio-economic development objectives in conjunction with the special emulation campaign, targeting 10 percent GRDP growth in 2026. Key priorities include mobilizing resources for development investment, accelerating public investment disbursement, implementing the 10 key resolutions issued by the Politburo, carrying out the city's master plan, strengthening traditional growth drivers, developing infrastructure for three industrial parks covering more than 2,300 hectares, and establishing a centralized digital technology zone.

The city will also carry out the conclusions and directives issued by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and PM Le Minh Hung while continuing to improve healthcare, education and social welfare, accelerate digital transformation, strengthen national defense and security, and expand external relations.

By H. Thao – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha