Developing technology projects associated with airport urban areas

With its important strategic location, especially once Long Thanh International Airport becomes operational, Dong Nai is expected to gain numerous opportunities to develop a digital technology ecosystem and implement high-tech projects linked to airport urban development.

Dong Nai is studying the development of the Dong Nai Free Trade Zone (FTZ) project to fully leverage the advantages of Long Thanh International Airport and Phuoc An Port. In the photo: The administration building of Phuoc An Port (Phuoc An commune). Photo: HAI QUAN

Implementing digital technology and innovation zone projects

Dong Nai province is prioritizing investment attraction and the development of technology zones, with a focus on projects in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy, aligned with Long Thanh International Airport. Among these, two key projects are the Long Thanh Concentrated Digital Technology Zone and the Dong Nai Innovation Zone.

According to the Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology, the department has led, in coordination with relevant departments, sectors, and units, a field survey of the boundaries of the area proposed for the establishment of the Long Thanh Concentrated Digital Technology Zone. To date, the department has completed the 1:2,000-scale subzone planning dossier and is awaiting project appraisal.

This project is one of three high-tech, digital technology, and innovation zones outlined in the Dong Nai Provincial Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision extending to 2050. It aims to lay the foundation for developing the digital technology industry, fostering linkages across the technology value chain, and producing digital technology products within the province. The project is expected to cover approximately 119 hectares across two communes, namely Binh An and An Phuoc.

According to many experts, the development of the Long Thanh Concentrated Digital Technology Zone will contribute to building a digital technology industrial ecosystem in Dong Nai, while also creating greater opportunities for the province to attract international experts and scientists for high-tech transfer, data connectivity, and the development of the digital technology industry.

Huynh Luong Huy Thong, Director of VNPT Group’s Digital Data Center, shared that one of the key areas Dong Nai should focus on in developing smart urban areas is expanding digital technology services, e-commerce, and logistics linked to Long Thanh International Airport, as well as improving urban infrastructure management efficiency, especially in new urban areas and airport urban areas.

For the Dong Nai Innovation Zone project, the Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology has surveyed the site and consulted the Department of Construction on preparing a 1:2,000-scale subzone plan for the project, which covers approximately 300 hectares in Binh An commune.

Tran Giang Khue, Head of the Southern Office of the Intellectual Property Office of Viet Nam, stated that Dong Nai has a strategic location, serving as an industrial “capital” with a large population and area, and is a dynamic economic center of the Southern key economic region. Therefore, establishing and developing an innovation center will help build a network of support and technology transfer centers, promoting the growth of the innovation ecosystem in Dong Nai.

Strengthening connectivity and promoting development potential

Long Thanh International Airport and Phuoc An Port are two strategically located infrastructure projects that enable Dong Nai province to connect easily with major regional and global markets. This endeavor creates favorable conditions for the province to develop integrated free trade zone models and to become an international center for logistics, technology, commerce, and innovation.

Dong Nai is conducting a study on the development of a Free Trade Zone project covering approximately 8,200 hectares, aiming to fully capitalize on the advantages of Long Thanh Airport, Phuoc An Port, and the province’s extensive network of industrial parks. This integrated free trade zone is expected to comprise four functional subzones: a high-tech industrial production area, a logistics zone, a financial and commercial services area, and an innovation zone.

During his visit to the Long Thanh International Airport project on November 13, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized that the development of the airport city and surrounding areas must be planned and invested in a synchronized manner, within a unified overall framework to ensure effectiveness. He stressed that planning must position Long Thanh International Airport as the central hub and focal point, with surrounding zones designated for high-tech industry, tourism, and urban development. Synchronization across all components is crucial for achieving efficiency.

Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized that projects such as the Long Thanh Concentrated Digital Technology Zone and the Dong Nai Innovation Zone are significant for concretizing Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation within the province.

Relevant departments, sectors, and units must take the initiative to ensure that project implementation remains on schedule, adheres to proper procedures, and aligns with local planning. At the same time, attention must be paid to ensuring connectivity with urban development projects and the Dong Nai Free Trade Zone project in a manner that is both appropriate and effective. This endeavor will help maximize the province’s strengths and potential once Long Thanh International Airport becomes operational.

By Hai Quan – Translated by Dang Huyen, Minho