Tran Viet Ha, Head of the Ha Tinh Provincial Economic Zone Authority, has emphasized the strategic direction of expanding the Vung Ang Economic Zone (EZ) in conjunction with a Free Trade Zone (FTZ). He views this as a crucial path to transform Ha Tinh into a new growth pole for the country's North Central region.

In his presentation at the Provincial Party Congress on October 1, Ha highlighted that the Vung Ang Economic Zone has been the most important pillar in Ha Tinh's industrial development over the past decade. It has become a driving force for growth, contributing over 25% to the province's GRDP, and accounting for more than 95% of total import-export turnover.

According to Mr. Ha, the solution for the upcoming period is to expand the Vung Ang EZ and integrate a FTZ model.

"Vung Ang meets many conditions to pilot Vietnam's new-generation FTZ," he said.

First, Ha Tinh possesses the Son Duong – Vung Ang deep-water port cluster, located on an international shipping route, capable of receiving large tonnage vessels. Second, a heavy industry system has been established, creating a foundation for the development of supporting industries and deep processing industries. Third, regional connecting infrastructure is being invested in, from the North-South Expressway, National Highway 8A, National Highway 12C connecting to Laos – Thailand, to coastal roads. Fourth, the Politburo's Conclusion No. 115-KL/TW also emphasized researching the construction of new-generation FTZs linked to strategic growth poles.

If established, the Vung Ang FTZ would be an area with superior policies regarding taxes, customs, investment, and trade. It would be a unique economic space with high openness, flexible management methods, closely linked to logistics systems, green industry, and international-quality services. Vung Ang would then not only expand its industrial land area but also upgrade its entire management institution, thereby attracting major technology and trade corporations and transforming Ha Tinh into a leading destination in the country's North Central region.

Mr. Ha stated that linking Vung Ang with an FTZ is not merely about increasing the number of investment projects, but more importantly, about creating a qualitative leap in development – transitioning from a resource-based production to one based on technology, from relying on a few large investors to creating an environment that attracts diverse investors, and from insular growth within the provincial scope to global integration.