Da Nang People's Committee (UBND) Chairman Le Trung Chinh announced this at the ceremony publicizing the Prime Minister's Decision No. 1142 on the establishment of the Da Nang Free Trade Zone on 22/6.
According to the plan, on 30/6, the central government will announce the establishment of 34 provinces and cities, and 3,321 commune-level administrative units. Da Nang and Quang Nam will merge into the new Da Nang city, encompassing 23 wards, 70 communes, and the Hoang Sa special district. The post-merger city will cover over 11,859 km2, with a population of over 3 million, becoming the largest centrally-administered city in the country.
"Expanding the free trade zone after merging with Quang Nam province is a strategic direction, aiming to utilize regional potential and resources to develop a modern, green, and sustainable model," Mr. Chinh said.
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Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh presents the free trade zone establishment decision to Da Nang city leaders. Photo: Nguyen Dong |
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh presents the free trade zone establishment decision to Da Nang city leaders. Photo: Nguyen Dong
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh stated that the establishment of the Da Nang Free Trade Zone is a significant milestone, not only for the city but also for the whole country, introducing a new development model. He believes the merged Da Nang-Quang Nam entity will have the potential to connect world heritage sites and link with economic zones like Chu Lai and Dung Quat, creating a platform for the free trade zone to thrive.
The Deputy Prime Minister praised the local initiative and expressed his hope that this model will connect with the global economy, boosting regional and national growth. He emphasized that the Da Nang free trade zone can be compared to models like Shenzhen (China) and Atlanta (USA), and is planned to be a new-generation, smart trading hub integrating the digital and green economies.
Government leaders also revealed that the city is researching a project to reclaim land and create five artificial islands, inspired by the Palm Islands in Dubai. They noted that after the merger, Da Nang needs comprehensive development, without neglecting mountainous and western areas, especially regarding infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
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The Da Nang free trade zone consists of seven non-contiguous areas, including one linked to the under-construction Lien Chieu deep-water port. Photo: Nguyen Dong |
The Da Nang free trade zone consists of seven non-contiguous areas, including one linked to the under-construction Lien Chieu deep-water port. Photo: Nguyen Dong
The Da Nang free trade zone is the first of its kind in the country, covering approximately 1,881 ha. It is connected to Lien Chieu port and comprises seven non-contiguous areas with functions including: manufacturing, logistics, trade and services, digital technology, and innovation.
UBND Chairman Le Trung Chinh stated that the establishment of the free trade zone is a breakthrough in policy, expected to create a world-class development space, promote green growth, innovation, and attract strategic investment. The city has developed an action plan, focusing on completing infrastructure, developing marine space, and proposing superior mechanisms for the zone's efficient operation.
At the ceremony, Da Nang signed memorandums of understanding with major corporations such as: The One Destination, Sun Group, Terne Holdings, BRG, Phuong Trang, and Pacific Link, for projects spanning hundreds of hectares in areas 5, 6, and 7 within the free trade zone. Additionally, four other investors were granted permission to research projects and sign agreements to build a smart customs system.
Nguyen Dong
