Establishing free trade zones in Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City in 2026

Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh gives his opinion on the free trade zone project. Photo: Nhat Bac

On December 5, Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting of the Government Standing Committee to give opinions on the project of the industrial park to be submitted to competent authorities and on the proposed mechanism and policies to promote the development of the national oil and gas refining and energy center in Dung Quat Economic Zone (Quang Ngai).

According to the report, there are currently more than 7,000 special economic zones and special economic zones in operation in the world; with increasing importance in the modern economic development strategies of developing and emerging countries.

The current model of commercial zones is also being expanded into multifunctional zones of industry, urban areas, services, finance, high technology, and innovation, attracting maximum development resources.

In Vietnam, the general legal system does not have specific regulations on the mechanism, policies, management and operation of commercial zones.

Recently, the National Assembly has issued resolutions on piloting a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Da Nang City and Hai Phong City, including content on commercial zones.

The Ministry of Finance said that it is expected that in 2026, commercial zones will be established in Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City; by 2030, the whole country will have about 6-8 commercial zones and similar models in localities with favorable conditions.

By 2045, the country will have 8-10 commercial zones and similar models that meet international standards, competitive with countries in the region, contributing 15-20% of GDP.

Delegates attending the meeting. Photo: VGP

In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister stated that this is a new matter, the policy must be unified but implementation must be feasible and effective; the goal is to test the policy and contribute to socio-economic development, meeting short-term and long-term goals, especially the two 100-year strategic goals.

The Head of Government noted the need to clarify the concept of commercial zones, their similarities and differences with international trade centers; the mechanisms and policies for these two entities have similarities and differences, and it is necessary to flexibly and creatively apply existing regulations.

The selection of pilot locations for e-commerce zones must be appropriate, regionally balanced, and in accordance with the pilot spirit (not many in number and with a certain time for evaluation). The Prime Minister requested agencies to refer to international experience, based on Vietnam's conditions to build specific, suitable, superior, competitive, and feasible mechanisms and policies, but not too much affecting the general investment environment.

In which, the policies have both general regulations and specific characteristics suitable for different regions and localities.

To pilot the e-commerce zone, the Prime Minister stated that it is necessary to carry out work to turn policies into plans, develop infrastructure, attract resources, develop and apply high technology, smart management, and train human resources.

It is necessary to pay attention to population issues, ensure progressive social security, a clean, green, beautiful, civilized and modern environment; organize a streamlined apparatus, operate effectively and efficiently, strengthen decentralization and delegation of power, increase the initiative of the commercial area and strengthen supervision and inspection.

Regarding the National Energy and Petrochemical Refinery Center, the Prime Minister requested ministries, branches, localities and the National Energy Industry Group (Petrovietnam) to review and clarify existing contents and possibly apply new contents, specific, breakthrough and stronger policies to propose to competent authorities.

Source: https://laodong.vn/thoi-su/thanh-lap-khu-thuong-mai-tu-do-tai-da-nang-hai-phong-tphcm-trong-nam-2026-1620607.ldo