HCMC TO DEVELOP CAI MEP HA FREE TRADE ZONE TO BOOST LOGISTICS, TRADE

A bird’s-eye view of the Cai Mep–Thi Vai deep-sea port complex in southern Vietnam - PHOTO: TL

HCMC – HCMC is moving ahead with procedures to establish the Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone, covering nearly 3,800 hectares and linked to the Cai Mep–Thi Vai port complex, with the aim of creating a new growth engine for the city.

The information was announced by Tran Luu Quang, secretary of the HCMC Party Committee, at the second meeting of the Executive Board of the HCMC Party Committee on December 15, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

The promotion of the Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone is a concrete step to implement the revised Resolution 98, which was passed by the National Assembly on December 11 this year. Alongside the development of an international financial center, free trade zones are seen as a new but challenging area that could become a key driver for investment attraction and revenue growth in HCMC, Quang said.

Under the proposed plan, the Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone will be located in Tan Phuoc Ward (part of the former Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province), with a total area of nearly 3,800 hectares divided into three functional sub-zones.

The first sub-zone will serve as a transport and logistics hub, incorporating existing seaports, the Cai Mep Ha container port (both upstream and downstream), inland waterway terminals, and the Cai Mep Ha station on the planned Bien Hoa–Vung Tau railway.

The second sub-zone will focus on logistics, warehousing and industry, including the southern area of Cai Mep Industrial Park and the Cai Mep Ha Logistics Center.

The third sub-zone will prioritize high-tech industries, urban development and services, with an emphasis on allocating land for green spaces and the development of forest carbon credits.

Previously, HCMC proposed developing four free trade zones in Can Gio, Cai Mep Ha, An Binh and Bau Bang, closely linked to the seaport and railway networks. These zones are expected to form a mega port cluster comprising Cai Mep–Thi Vai–Can Gio, boosting logistics activities, expanding international trade and gradually turning the area into a major regional trade gateway.

Free trade zones are designated areas operating under special mechanisms, allowing preferential policies such as import-export duty exemptions, simplified procedures, and unlimited storage and processing time for cargo.

By the end of 2025, Vietnam will have two approved and operational free trade zones in Danang and Haiphong, along with several others under proposal or planning, including one in Long Thanh, Dong Nai Province.

Source: The Saigon Times

Related News

MEMBER CORNER / PROMOTIONS

QUARTERLY PIT FILING FOR EMPLOYMENT INCOME APPLIES FROM APRIL 2026

Deloitte Vietnam would like to update members of HKBAV on a recent change to Personal Income Tax (“PIT”) filing procedures, which applies from April 2026 onwards. On 7 April 2026, the Government issued Resolution No. 66.16/2026/NQ-CP, setting out its direction to reduce and simplify administrative procedures and regulations affecting business activities. The Resolution took effect on 15 April 2026.

May 29, 2026

VIETNAM MONTHLY STATISTICAL DATA

INFOGRAPHIC SOCIAL-ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN APRIL OF 2026

The monthly statistical data presents current economic and social statistics on a variety of subjects illustrating crucial economic trends and developments, including production of agriculture, forestry and fishery, business registration situation, investment, government revenues and expenditures, trade, prices, transport and tourism and so on.

May 28, 2026

HOSPITALITY / TOURISM / ENTERTAINMENT

PHU QUOC MAKES UP OVER 80% OF AN GIANG’S TOURISM REVENUE

Phu Quoc Special Zone has accounted for more than 81% of An Giang Province’s tourism revenue so far this year, while attracting nearly all international visitors to the province. Tourism revenue in An Giang has reached an estimated VND33.17 trillion in January-May, up 37.2% from a year earlier. The province has welcomed more than 13.3 million visitors, up 12.1%, while international arrivals have grown 48.4% to around 1.18 million, reported the Vietnam News Agency.

May 28, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

VIETNAM OUTLINES SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AGENDA FOR NEXT FIVE YEARS

Vietnam’s agriculture sector has set targets of achieving average annual GDP growth of 3.6-4%, increasing export revenue by 10-12% per year, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 8-9% over the next five years. The targets form the core of a broader strategy to shift from low-value agricultural production toward higher-value products and build an ecological, green and low-emission agricultural sector with more efficient resource management.

May 28, 2026

BANKING / FINANCE / INSURANCE / TAX

OUTSTANDING LOANS IN HCMC, DONG NAI TOP VND6 QUADRILLION

Total outstanding loans in HCMC and Dong Nai City had amounted to VND6 quadrillion as of April 2026, accounting for 31.1% of the total in Vietnam’s banking system. The latest figures were released on May 26 by Nguyen Duc Lenh, deputy director of the State Bank of Vietnam’s Area 2 branch, which oversees HCMC and Dong Nai City.

May 28, 2026

MEMBER CORNER / PROMOTIONS

KNIC OFFICIALLY HOLDS GENERAL CONTRACTOR CEREMONY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION AT KNIC NAM LONG THANH IP

On May 21, 2026, KNIC officially launched the infrastructure construction for Phase 1 of KNIC Nam Long Thanh Industrial Park (Bau Can - Tan Hiep), spanning 1,000 hectares in Dong Nai. Following the completion of all key legal and planning procedures, this milestone marks the project’s transition into active on-site implementation.

May 27, 2026