Vietnam establishes first free trade zone in Da Nang

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.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh (second from right) presents the Prime Minister's decision to establish the Da Nang Free Trade Zone on June 22. (Photo: VNA)
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh (second from right) presents the Prime Minister's decision to establish the Da Nang Free Trade Zone on June 22. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang (VNA) – In a significant milestone for regional development, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh on June 22 officially announced the Prime Minister's decision to establish the Da Nang Free Trade Zone (FTZ), the first of its kind in Vietnam.

This strategic initiative marks a turning point for the central city of Da Nang and the nation as a whole, setting the stage for enhanced economic integration, innovation, and investment.

Spanning approximately 1,881 hectares, the FTZ comprises non-contiguous areas with specialised functional zones including production, logistics, trade and services, digital technology, information technology and innovation hubs.

Developed with state-of-the-art infrastructure, it is designed to become a leading regional economic centre and a strategic growth pole in Vietnam’s new development landscape.

The long-term vision for the zone includes transforming it into a vital node within the global supply chain, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. It aims to serve as a hub for international freight transit, with connections to Lien Chieu Port, Da Nang International Airport, and the East-West Economic Corridor.

The FTZ is a key component in the country’s broader economic restructuring strategy, especially as Da Nang prepares for greater integration following its planned merger with Quang Nam province.

It is also closely linked to the development of the Da Nang international financial centre, intended to foster a smart, modern, and competitive economic ecosystem that strengthens Vietnam’s position on the global stage.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh emphasised the FTZ’s symbolic importance as the first of its kind in Vietnam, highlighting its role as an important step in realising the Government's long-term vision for Da Nang.

During the ceremony, several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed between Da Nang city authorities and major domestic and international investors. These include Terne Holdings Group, One Destination, BRG Group, Imex Pan Pacific, Newtechco Group, and Saigon Da Nang Investment JSC – demonstrating widespread confidence in the FTZ's potential.

These MoUs are seen as first concrete steps toward realising the zone’s promise. They will contribute directly to turning strategic policy frameworks into practical and growth-driving initiatives.

vietnam-establishes-first-free-trade-zone-in-da-nang-2.jpg
A Vietnamese business representative talks to a foreign partner about the Da Nang FTZ at the ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Le Trung Chinh described the FTZ as a “breakthrough institutional model” aimed at fostering green growth, innovation, strategic investment attraction.

He emphasised the city’s commitment to putting the FTZ into operation swiftly and efficiently, through clear planning, administrative reform, and policy innovation.

The FTZ will work in tandem with other high-impact projects such as the development of a deep-water port, the Pearl Island area, and the International Financial Centre, according to the chairman.

Together, these initiatives are expected to make Da Nang a compelling destination for both foreign direct investment and domestic enterprise growth.

The establishment of the Da Nang FTZ is more than just a regional development initiative, it is a symbol of Vietnam’s evolving role in the global economy.

With the right infrastructure, policies, and partnerships in place, Da Nang is poised to become a central hub for innovation, logistics, and international commerce in the years to come.

Da Nang calls upon investors from around the world to explore the potential of its FTZ, to contribute to building a dynamic centre of production, service, and innovation – an essential engine of growth for the central region and for Vietnam in this new era of global integration, Chinh said./.

VNA

See more

Hai Phong targets 4.3 billion USD in FDI in 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Hai Phong city targets 4.3 billion USD in FDI in 2026

Hai Phong’s investment appeal is underpinned by a rapidly expanding development space, including the Southern Coastal Economic Zone covering more than 20,000 hectares, a planned free trade zone, deep-water ports at Lach Huyen, and 12 industrial parks newly established in 2025.

The relocation of check-in counters aims to better meet the travel needs of residents and visitors. (Photo: VNA)

Vietjet shifts domestic check-in at Tan Son Nhat from January 13

During the recent New Year 2026 holiday peak, Vietjet added 380 flights, equivalent to nearly 78,000 additional seats, on many key domestic routes linking Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with destinations such as Vinh, Thanh Hoa, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Da Lat.

Commercial banks are providing approximately 88% of total green credit outstanding in Vietnam. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Capital sources expanded for sustainable growth

According to the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), by the end of November 2025, outstanding green credit was estimated at around 750 trillion VND (28.55 billion USD), with an average growth rate exceeding that of overall credit in the economy.

Customers select goods at a supermarket. (Photo: VNA)

Retail market expands sharply, sustainability challenges persist

According to a report on recently released by the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development, the size of the market reached more than 7 quadrillion VND (about 266 billion USD) in 2025, up around 10% compared with 2024.

Oil rigs at the Bach Ho oil field. (Photo: VNA)

Resolution 79: State economy to lead growth

Resolution 79 is described as a “clear action declaration” by the Politburo, saying the state economy is not only responsible for maintaining macroeconomic stability, but must also become the force leading a new growth model that is green and sustainable.

Workers at Garment 10 Corporation produce apparel for export. (Photo: Nhan Dan)

Leveraging export advantages within RCEP region

In 2025, seafood exports to China alone exceeded 2.2 billion USD, up about 33% compared to 2024. Shipments to Japan fetched nearly 1.7 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 14.6%, while those to the Republic of Korea and Australia grew by 9.6% and 3.2%, respectively.

Certificates of membership in the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Da Nang are awarded at the conference on January 9. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang continues targeted investment promotion approaches

According to Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Pham Duc An, the city prioritises building sustainable economic ecosystems and focuses on key breakthrough sectors with strong spillover effects, including high technology and digital transformation, logistics, urban infrastructure, finance, processing and manufacturing industries, high-tech agriculture, and the pharmaceutical and medicinal herb industry.

In 2025, Hyundai sales reached 53,229 vehicles across the Vietnamese market. (Illustrative photo: Yonhap/VNA)

Hyundai sales in Vietnam rise almost 23% in December

In 2025, sales reached 53,229 vehicles across the market, a result considered a testament to the efforts by TC Group, Hyundai Thanh Cong, and the entire Hyundai dealership network nationwide amidst a volatile market.

Hydroponic vegetable cultivation model at the High-Tech Agricultural Park (Photo daibieunhandan.vn)

HCM City accelerates shift toward ecological urban agriculture

​The city’s agricultural sector is undergoing a strong transformation, restructuring toward higher value-added and sustainable development. In recent years, the sector has maintained steady growth, with agricultural, forestry and fisheries output rising by an estimated 2.5% annually.