The central city of Da Nang is committed to creating the most favourable conditions for projects to be implemented quickly, effectively, and sustainably, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Chi Cuong has said.

He made the statement at a conference on investment promotion for the Da Nang Free Trade Zone (FTZ) on August 18, attended by more than 200 delegates, including city leaders, representatives of business associations, and domestic and foreign investors.

Cuong stressed that with its strategic location, concerted infrastructure, dynamic young workforce, and open policies, Da Nang is confident in becoming a leading destination for high-quality investment, while pioneering in smart city development, digital economy growth, and green transition. Developing the FTZ, he said, is a strategic step to generate new momentum for the city’s long-term growth.

In recent years, Da Nang has streamlined administrative procedures, launched a transparent digital platform for investors, upgraded transport, logistics, seaport, and airport infrastructure, and developed a startup and innovation ecosystem. Preferential policies and flexible cooperation mechanisms have also helped attract both domestic and foreign investors, he added.

At the event, Vu Quang Hung, Head of the Da Nang Specific Economic Zones Authority (DSEZA), introduced the FTZ’s core functions, which include international logistics, manufacturing, commerce, services, finance, tourism, high-quality healthcare, and innovation. Delegates also learned about preferential policies on investment, tax, customs, and land use, along with incentives for experts and scientists.

Hung noted that DSEZA has applied Building Information Modeling (BIM) to integrate geographic and digital infrastructure data, supporting planning and site clearance while optimising costs, reducing risks, and ensuring effective management across the FTZ’s seven functional areas.

During discussions, city leaders and investors exchanged views on policy mechanisms, challenges, and planning solutions, including proposals for a smart FTZ model to improve investment management and oversight.

Nguyen Canh Hong, Chairman of the Sao Do Business Club, described Da Nang as the “heart” of central Viet Nam – a hub of commerce, services, and industry with modern infrastructure and a strong innovation ecosystem. He said the FTZ will be a key foundation to attract investment and drive future growth, while investors expect further reforms, digital transformation, and an improved business climate.

Le Thi Hue, Deputy Director of Viettel Da Nang, proposed managing the FTZ through an intelligent digital operations centre integrating subsystems, automated task assignment, big data analysis, and decision-making support. She recommended continued investment in digital infrastructure, piloting sandbox model for new technologies, and expanding digital transformation in services and operations.

Established under the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1142/QĐ-TTg, the Da Nang Free Trade Zone covers 1,881ha across seven sites. Each functional area has its own mission but shares the goal of deepening integration, applying preferential investment and trade policies, and forming a new growth pole for the central and Central Highlands region.