German businesses explore investments in Dong Nai. Photo: GBA

The delegation, led by GBA chairman Alexander Ziehe and chief representative of AHK Vietnam Peter Kompalla, held constructive talks with the vice chairman of Dong Nai People’s Committee, Vo Van Phi, and provincial departmental heads on November 7. The discussions centred on boosting foreign direct investment (FDI) and reinforcing Dong Nai’s position as a competitive business hub.

Ziehe highlighted that Dong Nai is a key destination for German investment projects. “Our members are involved in a variety of industries in Dong Nai. With Ziehl-Abegg, Pearl, and Viessmann, the province has attracted several renowned German foreign-invested projects within the last 12 months. Furthermore, the province has been home to several well-established projects for many years, including Bosch, Schaeffler, Bayer, Neumann Gruppe, FRIWO, and Framas,” he said.

He also added, “This proves the attractiveness of Dong Nai as an FDI destination for German investors. Thanks to strategic factors such as its easy connectivity to seaports and airports and well-developed infrastructure, investors choose Dong Nai as their base in Vietnam.”

The GBA identified several critical areas and recommends the following actions to increase the attractiveness of Dong Nai. First, the province should simplify processes for licensing, customs, environmental approvals, work permits, and regulatory approvals to reduce delays for foreign enterprises. Fully digitalise administration and significantly reduce paperwork using digital tools.

In addition, the GBA also proposed that Dong Nai improve transport infrastructure, particularly road and logistics networks, to facilitate movement between Dong Nai, industrial zones, and major ports, particularly Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway and Ring Road No.3.

Vice Chairman of Dong Nai People's Committee Vo Van Phu conveyed Dong Nai’s commitment to revamping its industrial landscape, transforming traditional industrial parks into smart ones, fostering supporting industries, and constructing a comprehensive regional transport network. The province is keen on attracting FDI for sustainable practices, focusing on renewable energy, a green economy, and a circular economy.

"Long Thanh International Airport will be put into operation phase 1 in Dong Nai by 2026. This project will create development momentum for Dong Nai and the entire southern key economic region. At that time, Dong Nai will have a multimodal transport system including road, air, rail, and inland waterway to increase investment attraction in the locality," he added.

At present, Dong Nai is home to 12 projects run by German enterprises with an investment of over $273 million.