Dong Nai: free trade zone create momentum for growth in new era

(ĐN) – Dong Nai is working on a master plan to develop a large-scale Free Trade Zone (FTZ) covering approximately 8,200 hectares, aiming to maximize the strategic advantages of Long Thanh international airport, Phuoc An port, and surrounding industrial zones.

According to experts, Dong Nai is well-positioned to establish a competitive FTZ thanks to its increasingly modern and synchronized transport infrastructure, which is expected to create strong momentum for socio-economic development in the new era.

Phuoc An port

Toward a multifunctional free trade zone

The proposed FTZ will leverage two key logistics gateways, Long Thanh airport and Phuoc An port, to establish seamless regional and international connectivity. The plan envisions a multifunctional zone integrating logistics, trade, innovation and technology, aligning with Dong Nai’s ambition to become an international hub for supply chain operations.

The draft proposal outlines a total investment of US$16 billion, with 5% sourced from public funds, 40% from domestic private investors, and the remaining 55% from foreign direct investment (FDI). The FTZ is designed to enable multimodal logistics, lower costs, and boost competitiveness while contributing significantly to Dong Nai’s GRDP, job creation, and global investor appeal.

At a recent seminar titled "Free trade zone in Dong Nai – Growth momentum in a new era", Nguyen Xuan Son of Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) emphasized that the FTZ at Long Thanh airport must go beyond the traditional tax-exempt model. Instead, it should function as a processing and distribution hub in the global supply chain where goods are not only transited but also stored, value-added, and re-exported.

Economist Dr. Tran Du Lich, a member of Dong Nai’s socio-economic advisory board, also expressed strong support for the plan, noting that the province now has the right conditions and timing to build a dynamic FTZ that integrates deeply into global value chains. He also urged the province to align the plan with the new provincial structure, prioritize breakthrough infrastructure projects, and strengthen regional transport links to support FTZ development.

Tailored incentives to attract investors and talent

Vice Chairman Ho Van Ha of the provincial People’s Committee highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among departments and districts to ensure that the FTZ plan complies with the overall development strategy and regulatory framework.

According to Dr. Truong Minh Huy Vu, Head of the HCM city Institute for Development Studies and leader of Dong Nai’s socio-economic advisory group, the FTZ must play a central role in a broader regional development strategy anchored around Long Thanh airport. He emphasized the importance of robust transportation links and tailored policies to attract comprehensive, modern services and investment.

The Dong Nai FTZ is expected to consist of four functional subzones: high-tech industrial manufacturing, logistics, financial and commercial services, and innovation. With eight major policy groups and 29 customized mechanisms under consideration, the zone aims to become a center for international trade, high-value services, and advanced industries.

Dr. Nguyen Tang Nghi, Dean of International Relations at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, stressed the importance of human capital. While infrastructure remains critical, talent will be the decisive factor in Dong Nai’s success. He called for proactive policies to attract experts and partner with major universities to build a skilled workforce tailored for the FTZ and other emerging sectors.

Reported by H.Q