2026 and new drivers of development...

The Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) is estimated to increase by 9.18%; budget revenue reached VND 63,624 billion, the highest ever; many multi-trillion-VND projects were started; numerous projects and land issues were resolved, unlocking resources for investment and development... These are impressive highlights in the socio-economic development picture of Da Nang city in 2025, a year of special significance in the context of the merger of Quang Nam and Da Nang and the organization of a two-tiered local government.

Looking back to 2025, Da Nang city will develop in a balanced way based on key pillars. First and foremost are mechanisms and policies. Resolution No. 259/2025/QH15 dated December 11, 2025, amending and supplementing several articles of Resolution No. 136/2024/QH15 of the National Assembly on the organization of urban government and piloting special mechanisms and policies for the development of Da Nang city, is a further legal document that concretizes the special mechanisms and policies that the Central Government has entrusted to Da Nang with the great responsibility of becoming a growth pole for the whole country.

Looking at the timeline of less than a year and a half from the issuance of Resolution No. 136/2024/QH15 (June 2024) to Resolution No. 259/2025/QH15, it is clear that the Central Government has paid special attention to Da Nang: amending and supplementing the resolution to suit the new situation and conditions after the merger, creating favorable conditions for the city's development. Achieving these mechanisms and policies has been a persistent, creative, innovative, and proactive process by the city in proposing, advising, and coordinating with central agencies to devise superior special mechanisms and breakthrough directions for Da Nang. Two of these directions are the establishment of a free trade zone and an international financial center.

In 2025, the first of seven locations in the Da Nang Free Trade Zone will be launched, the International Finance Center in Vietnam will be established, and its governing body will be introduced in Da Nang. These are the first concrete steps to put the special mechanisms and policies into practice, becoming new driving forces for Da Nang in 2026 and the following period.

An impressive development pillar in 2025 is attracting domestic investment capital, with a total investment reaching VND 209,782 billion, an increase of 189.3% compared to the same period. Projects worth tens of trillions of VND that commenced this year include: the Da Nang Downtown commercial and service complex combined with an amusement park (nearly VND 80,000 billion); the Ba Na - Suoi Mo ecological tourism and urban complex (VND 51,950 billion); the Lang Van tourism and resort urban complex (nearly VND 44,000 billion); the Chu Lai Truong Hai Automotive Mechanical Industrial Park expansion (total capital nearly VND 8,000 billion); the Viettel Da Nang building (VND 3,000 billion), etc.

As the year draws to a close, a stroll around the city, observing the sturdy cranes reaching towards key construction projects, crossing newly opened bridges and roads, evokes an indescribable feeling. It reflects on the continuous inheritance and continuation of the historical, cultural, and traditional heritage of Quang Nam - Da Nang; it considers the future of Da Nang after the merger, and senses the city's aspiration to rise above challenges.

Looking at the reputation and prestige of the investors in the aforementioned projects (Sun Group, Vingroup, THACO, Viettel, etc.), it can be confidently assumed that, before long, these projects and constructions – including iconic projects of Da Nang – will be inaugurated and put into operation, further beautifying the development space and continuing to be a new driving force for the city.

The city's economic spearhead is shifting strongly from traditional strengths to high technology, and high-end services and tourism are another pillar of sustainable development for Da Nang. At Da Nang Software Park No. 2, located at the foot of Thuan Phuoc Bridge overlooking the East Sea, the Lab-Fab project, serving the production of advanced semiconductor packaging technology, with an initial investment of 1,800 billion VND, is being accelerated to begin production soon. Also located here are major players in the technology and semiconductor industry such as Marvell and FPT, along with more than 30 technology companies and innovative startups, providing vivid evidence of the city's pioneering vision and strategy in venturing into the burgeoning fields of semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

A joyous occasion in the final days of 2025 was when Da Nang was voted by people across the country as the "Most Livable City" (alongside the Smart City 2025 award), with a near-perfect score.

Notably, this award carries a profound message: no matter how modern or rapidly developing technology becomes, it is only a tool; the ultimate goal must be human happiness. No matter how "smart" or developed a city is, its effectiveness is measured by the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike.

"The most livable city," although the result of over 200,000 votes, reflects the recognition of Da Nang, a city already beloved for its 7 criteria (governance, transportation, environment, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, security, and digital economy), from people nationwide.

From the goal of striving to become a "livable city" to achieving the title of "most livable urban area," Da Nang has gained further impetus in its journey of construction and development, aiming to continuously improve the quality of life for its people. In this journey, the goal of ensuring a "high quality of life" for its citizens is reflected in the Resolution of the First Congress of the City Party Committee (2025-2030 term): "To build a modern city, rich in identity, with humane people and a high quality of life in Da Nang, joining the whole country in entering the era of national progress."

Entering 2026, alongside the achievements of 2025 and the 2020-2025 term, Da Nang also faces certain difficulties and challenges, as the city's space expands after the merger, disparities arise between mountainous and lowland areas, and between rural and urban areas; climate change and natural disasters become increasingly extreme and unpredictable... Harmonious, sustainable, and balanced development, narrowing the gap between regions, is a task not only for 2026 but also for the subsequent period.

Development is a process of inheritance, continuity, and innovation. Building on the solid foundation of 2025, with economic growth approaching double digits; the potential and room for expansion after the merger; and the traditions, history, and culture of Quang Nam province; there is ample reason to believe that 2026 will be a pivotal year in the 2025-2030 term, creating a breakthrough in Da Nang's development and transforming the city into a national growth hub.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/2026-va-nhung-dong-luc-phat-trien-moi-3317665.html