After the administrative boundary expansion, Ho Chi Minh City now has four free trade zones (FTZs) approved in the government’s master plan. To date, these zones remain in the research and proposal stage.

The city’s Department of Industry and Trade has recently reported to the Department of Finance on the progress of FTZ studies across the city.

According to the plan, the four FTZs include: Can Gio (1,000-2,000 hectares); Cai Mep Ha, linked with the seaport (formerly part of Ba Ria - Vung Tau); Binh An; and Bau Bang.

The Cai Mep Ha FTZ, now within Tan Phuoc and Tan Hai wards, covers 3,764 hectares and is divided into three functional areas and eight subzones. On May 21, the former Ba Ria - Vung Tau provincial government submitted its research proposal to the central government for appraisal. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has since provided feedback.

The Can Gio FTZ remains under study, with the Department of Industry and Trade advising the city government on restructuring its research team.

The An Binh FTZ is planned near the An Binh railway station (formerly part of Di An City), located on the Ho Chi Minh City - Loc Ninh railway line. The 53.63 km section from An Binh to Bau Bang is designed to connect Bau Bang through Binh Duong’s key logistics centers to the Cai Mep - Thi Vai deep-water port and onward to the Moc Bai border gate in Tay Ninh.

Similarly, the Bau Bang FTZ is planned along the same railway line. However, as the Bau Bang international railway project is still under research, it has not been implemented.

According to Ho Chi Minh City authorities, FTZ development has attracted attention from both domestic and foreign investors. Major corporations such as DP World, Vingroup, and the Geleximco joint venture have expressed interest in participation.

However, regulatory challenges remain. Current laws lack specific provisions and tailored policies to support FTZ development. Some proposed policies are either inconsistent with existing legislation or not yet regulated.

For this reason, the city government stated that the An Binh and Bau Bang FTZs cannot yet be implemented. In April 2025, Binh Duong authorities tasked Becamex IDC with studying a 50-hectare FTZ project in Tan Uyen ward. However, this location is not included in Ho Chi Minh City’s FTZ planning.

The Department of Industry and Trade has recommended that the government approve FTZ proposals and create a comprehensive development strategy. It has also requested that ministries and agencies coordinate with the city to design open, flexible, and diversified incentive policies that can attract investment and support business operations.

Additionally, the department proposed that the city’s National Assembly delegation advocate for FTZ establishment policies to be included in the revised Resolution 98.

Anh Phuong