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

People buy petrol at a station in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

Petrol prices cut from 15:00 on August 13

The price of E5 RON92 petrol is capped at 21,235 VND (0.81 USD) per litre, down 493 VND, while E10 RON95-III is priced at no more than 22,119 VND per litre, down 205 VND.

Domestic and foreign businesses engage in trade networking at the event series held at Ho Chi Minh's Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) on August 13, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Int'l sports exhibitions, export trade fair open in Ho Chi Minh City

A series of events opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City on August 13, including the Vietnam Sport Show 2026, Vietnam Cycle Expo 2026 and the 14th Zhejiang Export (Vietnam) Fair 2026. They feature 520 booths operated by 400 businesses from 15 countries and territories.

Production at Bumjim Electronics Vina Co., Ltd invested by the Republic of Korea in Quang Ninh province (Photo: VNA)

Resolution No. 19-NQ/TW sets new growth drivers for Vietnam

Science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and AI must be translated into higher productivity rather than pursued as ends in themselves. At the same time, people should be placed at the centre of development, not merely viewed as a resource but as the ultimate objective of development policies.

The conference on the implementation of socio-economic tasks for August and key measures for the rest of the year held in Ho Chi Minh Ciy, on August 12, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City mobilises resources to achieve double-digit growth target

The southern economic hub has identified accelerating public investment disbursement, strongly mobilising private-sector resources, promoting exports and consumption, and removing bottlenecks as key priorities to generate additional growth drivers in the remaining months of the year. These priorities were highlighted by its leadership at a conference on the implementation of socio-economic tasks for August and key measures for the rest of the year, held on August 12.

The opening ceremony of the East-West Economic Corridor International Trade, Tourism and Investment Fair 2026 (EWEC-Da Nang 2026) on August 12 (Photo: VNA)

EWEC-Da Nang 2026 trade, tourism, investment fair opens

The EWEC-Da Nang fair is not merely a product exhibition and promotion event, but also a platform for economic connectivity, enabling businesses to seek partners, expand markets, explore investment opportunities, cooperate in production and business, and engage more deeply in regional supply chains.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam speaks at the New Zealand–Vietnam Business Roundtable in Auckland on August 13. (Photo: VNA)

Top leader calls for joint Vietnam–New Zealand efforts to create new growth drivers

Party General Secretary and President To Lam called for joint efforts to create new growth drivers based on science, technology, innovation and green transformation, encouraging New Zealand businesses to view Vietnam not only as a market but also as a partner for research, product development, manufacturing and innovation in Southeast Asia.

The Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2026 is scheduled to take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in Ho Chi Minh City from September 3 to 5. (llustrative photo: VIS)

Expo to open door for Vietnamese suppliers to enter US market

US retail giant Target is seeking Vietnamese suppliers of household goods, home textiles, children’s products, personal care and beauty products, with a focus on companies capable of manufacturing and developing products that meet requirements on quality, design and supply chain management.

A working team from Coast Guard Region 2 Command inspects fishing licences and vessel monitoring system and guides fishermen on compliance with IUU fishing regulations. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang city tightens controls to prevent IUU fishing violations

The city’s authorities are tightening inspections and controls to prevent fishing vessels from violating IUU regulations, particularly in foreign waters, as part of efforts to help Vietnam have the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted.

Vietcombank has launched a 50 trillion VND (1.9 billion USD) credit package to provide preferential financing to businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), priority sectors and new growth drivers of the economy (Photo published by Bnews/VNA)

More preferential credit available to businesses

Under SBV requirements, commercial banks are to provide Vietnamese-dong loans to SMEs and growth-driving sectors at rates at least 1 percentage point per year lower than their average rates for loans of the same maturity. They are also required to consider waiving or reducing service fees for eligible customers in line with regulations and their financial capacity.

Delegates at the Vietnam-UK High-Level Conference 2026. (Photo: moit.gov.vn)

Vietnam, UK seek new growth drivers in technology, logistics

British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation as Vietnam - UK relations have been upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He said technology, finance, innovation and digital transformation are opening up new opportunities for cooperation, enabling businesses from both countries to connect, share experience and explore investment and business opportunities.

The Ngoc Hoi interchange project in Tay Nha Trang ward, Khanh Hoa province, with some items yet to be completed (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Over 60% of long-stalled projects have obstacles resolved

Of the 8,002 long-stalled projects, 4,938 completed the settlement of obstacles in line with conclusions of the Party Central Committee and resolutions of the National Assembly and Government, as well as relevant Government decrees and guiding documents as of July 20, up 564 projects from the previous month.

The Vietnam National Railway Group will operate as a multi-sector economic group, with its business portfolio expanded to 110 sectors. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam Railways Corporation becomes Vietnam National Railway Group

The group inherits all rights, obligations and responsibilities of the Vietnam Railways Corporation in accordance with the laws on railways, enterprises, and management and investment of state capital in enterprises, and other relevant legal provisions, as well as existing agreements, documents and contracts signed with related parties in accordance with the law.