Bac Ninh (VNA) – The northern province of Bac Ninh plans to develop a 5,000ha free trade zone linked to Gia Binh International Airport, aiming to create an international trade and services hub and a new growth engine for the region, according to a resolution approving adjustments to its 2021–2030 master plan with a vision to 2050, recently adopted by the provincial People's Council.

The free trade zone will be developed as a modern integrated complex combining manufacturing, logistics, trade, services, innovation and the digital economy. It is envisioned as a gateway connecting Vietnam to global markets, a key hub coordinating economic flows across the northern growth region, and a catalyst for stronger links among Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh and neighbouring industrial provinces.

To support the project, Bac Ninh is accelerating investment in Gia Binh International Airport, which is planned to meet ICAO 4F standards. The airport is expected to handle 30 million passengers and 1.6 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030, rising to 50 million passengers and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo by 2050.

The province also plans to establish a specialised economic zone covering around 10,000ha in Kep and Lang Giang communes and surrounding areas. The project will leverage the advantages of the North – South economic corridor, the Hanoi Capital Region’s industrial – urban – service belt and strategic transport infrastructure including expressways, railways, a cross-border railway station and the Kep inland container depot (ICD).

This specialised economic zone is designed as a multi-sector economic hub with modern and comprehensive technical and social infrastructure. Priority sectors will include high-tech industries, logistics, trade, urban development, services, science – technology, innovation, education – training, health care, and eco-tourism and resort development.

According to the province’s development strategy, these flagship projects are expected to help strengthen competitiveness, attract investment, accelerate economic growth, and gradually transform Bac Ninh into an internationally significant trade and services centre while supporting sustainable and modern urban development.

Alongside these initiatives, Bac Ninh is promoting the development of commerce and services. It plans to expand e-commerce based on modern digital infrastructure, encourage businesses and cooperatives to participate in domestic and cross-border online marketplaces, and build supply chains linked to product traceability and quality standards.

It will also develop modern and high-quality multimodal transport and logistics services through the application of advanced technologies.

In addition, the province aims to become a major cultural, spiritual, ecological and entertainment tourism destination in the Hanoi Capital Region, strengthening its position on inter-provincial and inter-regional tourism routes and increasing tourism’s contribution to the gross regional domestic product./.