Dong Nai Province in Vietnam is set to develop an 8,200-hectare Free Trade Zone (FTZ), strategically positioned to capitalize on the infrastructure of the upcoming Long Thanh International Airport. This ambitious project aims to transform Dong Nai into a leading center for high-tech manufacturing, advanced logistics, financial services, international trade, and innovation.
The FTZ will be meticulously organized into four distinct functional areas: high-tech industrial production (3,095 hectares), logistics (2,244 hectares), finance-trade services (1,500 hectares), and innovation, IT, and the digital economy (1,419 hectares). This comprehensive layout is designed to create a dynamic ecosystem that attracts strategic and high-tech investors through a package of preferential policies and streamlined administrative processes.
Experts suggest that Dong Nai could become the nucleus of a "Southeast Asian Free Trade Zone Complex (SEFZ)" by integrating with Long Thanh International Airport, Cai Mep-Thi Vai Port, and the Can Gio International Finance-Trade Zone. This model, proven successful in global hubs like Dubai and Shanghai, is expected to significantly boost foreign direct investment (FDI), enhance logistics capabilities, and foster high-tech manufacturing, potentially driving double-digit GDP growth.
The project's estimated investment is approximately $16 billion, with a capital structure comprising 5% public investment, 40% domestic private investment, and 55% FDI. Dong Nai is actively seeking strategic investors by offering incentives such as a five-year corporate income tax exemption for priority industries and a similar exemption for foreign experts and workers, alongside VAT exemptions. Attractive land lease policies, including potential waivers for initial years and extended lease terms, are also being developed.
The development of the FTZ is closely tied to the progress of the Long Thanh International Airport, with phase one completion anticipated in the first half of 2026. The airport's development is a national priority, with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasizing timely completion while upholding quality, safety, and environmental standards. This initiative aligns with Vietnam's broader strategy to develop its airport infrastructure into key economic drivers, with plans to expand its airport network significantly by 2030 and 2050.