Dong Nai Province has completed a draft proposal for establishing a national-scale free trade zone (FTZ) linked to Long Thanh International Airport, marking a crucial step toward building a major logistics, commerce, and service hub.

A national-scale free trade zone in the making

Under the proposal, Dong Nai’s FTZ would cover approximately 7,475 hectares with an estimated investment of USD 16 billion. It would include functional zones for manufacturing, logistics, finance and commercial services, digital economy, information technology, and innovation. These zones would be strategically located around Long Thanh airport.

Backed by eight major policy groups and 29 special mechanisms, Dong Nai’s FTZ is envisioned to become a high-tech industrial hub for financial services, logistics, innovation, and international trade.

Specifically, a 257-hectare logistics area inside the airport would serve as an international cargo transshipment center, directly integrated with aviation infrastructure. A 1,000-hectare commercial and service zone in front of the airport would cater to shopping, conferences, exhibitions, and high-end accommodations.

The 3,595-hectare Xuan Que - Song Nhan Industrial Park would be developed into a center for innovation, research, and IT, aligned with the digital FTZ model. Meanwhile, the 2,623-hectare Bau Can - Tan Hiep Industrial Park is designed to follow a smart, green, and integrated industrial model using renewable energy and advanced wastewater and waste treatment systems.

In terms of policy, Dong Nai’s FTZ aligns with the national FTZ framework being drafted by the Ministry of Finance. The focus is on tax incentives, simplified customs procedures, one-stop administrative services, and open regulations to support investment, trade, and import-export activities.

Establishing the FTZ alongside Long Thanh Airport is expected to maximize the gateway advantage of air logistics while integrating seaport and expressway systems, helping transform Dong Nai into a regional logistics and export production hub.

Unlocking the full potential of an aviation gateway

According to Dr. Tran Du Lich, a member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council, the merger and reorganization of Dong Nai now brings together all the strategic elements - airport, seaport, and border access - forming a solid foundation for breakthroughs in logistics, trade, and global supply chain integration.

He emphasized the need to adjust planning to suit new conditions, prioritize breakthrough infrastructure projects, and reform government operations to serve businesses and citizens better. “We must shift from a ‘management’ mindset to a ‘service’ mindset,” he said. “Empowering local governance will be the key to Dong Nai’s success in this new era.”

Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son noted that once completed, Long Thanh Airport will rank among Southeast Asia’s top air hubs. Therefore, the FTZ must be closely integrated with the airport, urban areas, and key infrastructure to attract global capital.

He added that Dong Nai should invest heavily in synchronized infrastructure development to turn the region into a trade gateway and a magnet for investment throughout southern Vietnam.

During a recent meeting, Dong Nai’s Chairman, Vo Tan Duc, stated that the province has proposed to the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister for permission to pilot the FTZ model. He also pledged to complete technical and social infrastructure as well as other necessary conditions for early project deployment.

With its strategic location, vast scale, and special policy mechanisms, the FTZ linked to Long Thanh Airport is expected to be the launchpad for Dong Nai to become a new trade and logistics center connecting Vietnam with the global economy.

Huy Hoang