Business

Discussion underway for Vietnam’s first FTZ in Ba Ria-Vung Tau

The seaport-linked FTZ in the Cai Mep Ha vicinity is expected to boost the maritime economy to capitalise on the strategic location of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, attract foreign investment, and drive growth in the logistics, seaport, and international trade sectors.

Chairman of the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Tho and Glen Hilton, CEO of DP World Asia-Pacific, sign a Memorandum of Understanding. (Photo: VNA)
Chairman of the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Tho and Glen Hilton, CEO of DP World Asia-Pacific, sign a Memorandum of Understanding. (Photo: VNA)

Ba Ria-Vung Tau (VNA) – Southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province and global logistics leader DP World signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on February 18 to conduct discussion for cooperation in establishing Vietnam’s first free trade zone (FTZ) in the vicinity of Cai Mep Ha seaport.

Under the MoU, the Ba Ria-Vung Tau People's Committee and the DP World Asia Pacific Pte Ltd will explore cooperation possibility and share expertise on the design, operation and development policies for a seaport-linked FTZ, a new port within the zone, and an industrial, commercial, and service area inside the FTZ.

Nguyen Van Tho, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, commended DP World’s reputation and expertise in logistics and port operations. He also emphasised that the MoU marks the start of a promising collaboration and also helps strengthen the relationship between Vietnam and the United Arabic Emirates (UAE).

Glen Hilton, CEO of DP World Asia Pacific, expressed confidence in the province’s potential and assured that DP World will leverage its experience and capacity to help build and maximise the potential of Vietnam's first FTZ, helping create a thriving economic hub, boost local growth and attract international businesses.

The MoU lays the foundation for further discussions on DP World’s role in the development of the Cai Mep Ha FTZ project, which aligns with national and regional economic strategies.

The seaport-linked FTZ in the Cai Mep Ha vicinity is expected to boost the maritime economy to capitalise on the strategic location of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, attract foreign investment, and drive growth in the logistics, seaport, and international trade sectors.

The project will also create jobs and improve living standards, transforming Ba Ria-Vung Tau into a key economic and maritime service hub of Vietnam and Southeast Asia at large.

DP World, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, is one of the world’s largest logistics service providers and port operators, with a workforce of over 100,000 across six continents.

The partnership is hoped to further promote international and regional trade, and drive socio-economic development of Ba Ria-Vung Tau./.

VNA
#Cai Mep Ha #FTZ #maritime economy #Vietnam+ #Vietnam News Agency #Vietnam Ba Ria - Vung Tau
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

See more

Workers process coconuts for export at Vina T&T Group. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Agricultural exports reliant on securing raw material supply

According to Secretary General of the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association Le Viet Anh, pepper remained Vietnam’s leading spice export in 2025, with shipments exceeding 247,000 tonnes, accounting for 59.3% of total spice export volume. Export revenue reached 1.66 billion USD, out of total spice exports of 2.1 billion USD.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the meeting between standing Government members and representatives of ministries, agencies and Phu Tho province (Photo: VNA)

PM orders new Lo river bridge to meet emerging development needs

Stressing both immediate and long-term imperatives, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed that authorities pursue a dual-track approach: repairing the existing bridge to ensure safety while simultaneously investing in a new structure capable of opening up new socio-economic development space and safeguarding national defence and security.

Online event promotes Vietnamese products in Canada (Photo: VNA)

Online programme promotes Vietnamese products in Canada

Vietnam’s exports to Canada have doubled over the past five years to more than 13 billion USD, reflecting strong cooperation potential, especially as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) continues to take effect.

Vehicles transporting import and export goods at Mong Cai international border gate. (Photo: VNA)

Mong Cai smart border gate to open new era for cross-border trade

The smart border gate will be based on Industry 4.0 technologies, with cross-border data connectivity serving as its core. Beyond modernising a single customs checkpoint, the project aims to create a regional-scale “digital gateway” facilitating more efficient trade flows.

Vietnam’s Trade Counsellor in Italy Duong Phuong Thao. (Photo: VNA)

Spring Fair 2026: Trade fairs boost Vietnam–Italy trade connectivity

Vietnam’s Trade Counsellor in Italy Duong Phuong Thao said the bilateral relations are developing positively, providing a solid foundation for economic and trade ties. The Italian Government, financial institutions and business community regard Vietnam as a key market in Southeast Asia.

The booth of the Vietnam Trade Office at a trade fair in Morocco. (Photo published VNA)

Spring Fair 2026: opportunities for trade between Vietnam and Morocco

Tran Le Dung, Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Morocco, said Morocco has accumulated extensive experience in hosting large-scale agricultural trade fairs and exhibitions. Flagship events include the annual International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM), alongside specialised shows covering food and beverages, textiles, handicrafts and logistics.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers closing remarks at the Spring Fair 2026. Photo: VNA

Prime Minister attends Spring Fair 2026 closing ceremony

After 12 vibrant and colourful days, the first Glorious Spring Fair 2026 vividly portrayed the vitality of the nation’s economic and consumer activities at the beginning of the new year, leaving a strong impression on the public and business community.

Vu Thi Thuy, Deputy Consul General and Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (China). (Photo: VNA)

Hong Kong experience offers insights for Vietnam–Hong Kong trade cooperation

At this year’s Spring Fair, the Vietnam Trade Office in Hong Kong facilitated the participation of several Hong Kong enterprises in Vietnam to conduct market surveys, seek import sources and showcase their products. Notably, a company under the Hong Kong Productivity Council presented technological solutions for smart homes and smart manufacturing at the event.

People shop for Tet at a supermarket. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese goods dominate Tet market in Mekong Delta

In key retail hubs such as Can Tho, Long Xuyen and My Tho, high-quality Vietnamese goods account for 85–90% of Tet market share. Surveys at major supermarket chains and traditional markets show that consumers this year are prioritising locally-processed foods, confectionery and beverages.