Vietnam records further progress in developing Free Trade Zones linked to seaports

In late July 2026, Vietnam made further progress in developing Free Trade Zones (FTZs) linked to the seaport system.

On July 23, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee issued Decision No. 4560/QD-UBND on the establishment of a Free Trade Zone linked to Cai Mep Ha Port, covering about 4,174 hectares. The area is planned to develop based on the digital economy, green economy, and circular economy, connected to the Cai Mep–Thi Vai deep-water port cluster, Can Gio International Transshipment Port, and Long Thanh International Airport, aiming to become a high value-added logistics and manufacturing hub.

On July 30, 2026, Hai Phong held a conference to announce the Prime Minister’s decisions on economic zones and officially launched the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone. The Hai Phong FTZ covers about 6,292 hectares and is linked to the city’s key economic zones. At the conference, Hai Phong also awarded investment registration certificates and signed memoranda of understanding with a total value of about USD 3.2 billion.

The continued implementation of Free Trade Zone models by localities shows the direction of developing modern logistics, seaport, and manufacturing centers, while strengthening connections with regional and international supply chains. The implementation of these models will continue to be monitored to assess the effectiveness of the mechanisms, infrastructure, and investment attraction.

Sources: Hai Phong Department of Finance, THƯ VIỆN PHÁP LUẬT, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee,…