Gov’t discusses proposals to pilot free trade zones, develop Dung Quat energy hub

At a meeting with Deputy Prime Ministers and leaders of ministries and Government agencies, Pham tasked the Ministry of Finance to finalize the FTZ proposal to ensure feasibility and effectiveness, contributing to socio-economic development and the realization of Viet Nam's two centenary goals.

He requested clarification of the FTZ concept—its definition, similarities to and differences from international commercial centers—and related mechanisms and policies. He urged agencies to study global models and tailor competitive, feasible solutions suited to Viet Nam's conditions while safeguarding the overall investment climate.

The Prime Minister said that the implementation must be synchronized across policy design, planning, infrastructure, technology, and governance, alongside ensuring social security and environmental protection.

Globally, more than 7,000 special economic zones and FTZs are currently operating, playing an increasingly significant role in development strategies of emerging economies. Modern FTZs tend to adopt multifunctional models combining industry, urban development, services, finance, high technology, and innovation.

Viet Nam's legal system currently lacks specific regulations governing FTZs, making the development of this proposal urgent. The Ministry of Finance projects that pilot FTZs will be launched in Da Nang, Hai Phong and HCMC in 2026. The plan targets 6–8 FTZs or similar models nationwide by 2030 and 8–10 international-standard FTZs by 2045, contributing an estimated 15–20 percent of national GDP.

Developing Dung Quat into a national energy center

Later the same day, Prime Minister Pham chaired a meeting to deliberate on mechanisms and policies for developing a national oil refining, petrochemical, and energy centre in the Dung Quat Economic Zone in the central province of Quang Ngai.

The Dung Quat Oil Refinery—the first of its kind in Viet Nam—benefits from a strategic coastal location and established infrastructure. The Politburo's Resolution No. 26 mandates the expansion and development of a national-level oil refining and energy center art the site.

In his conclusion, Pham praised the refinery's performance and noted that its Phase 2 expansion has already been approved. He generally supported the proposed policy framework but asked ministries, Quang Ngai authorities, and the Viet Nam National Industry–Energy Group (Petrovietnam) to review existing regulations and propose more specific, breakthrough policies for consideration by the Government or National Assembly.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive and feasible master plan to develop the Dung Quat energy center, highlighting its importance for local socio-economic development, national energy security and self-reliance, and the achievement of the country's centenary goals./.