The Cai Mep Ha FTZ will occupy a strategic location in Tan Phuoc and Tan Hai wards in the former Ba Ria-Vung Tau province (now part of HCMC after their merger in July 2026). The project is planned to comprise three main functional areas, divided into eight interconnected subzones.

The eight subzones include the 305.03-hectare existing container terminal, the 351.2-hectare Cai Mep Ha Container Terminal, the 780,66-hectare downstream Cai Mep Ha Container Terminal, the Cai Mep Ha Railway Station on the Bien Hoa-Vung Tau railway line (30.63 hectares), the inland waterway port (311.89 hectares), the southern section of the Cai Mep Industrial Park (272.45 hectares), the Cai Mep Ha Logistics Center (906.07 hectares), and the industrial, urban and service area (850.67 hectares).

The functional areas will operate under a non-tariff zone model, ensuring seamless integration while fully complying with customs inspection, supervision, and state management regulations.

According to the municipal People's Committee, the FTZ is envisioned as a pioneering pilot model featuring breakthrough institutional policies. Its development will focus on the digital economy, green economy, and circular economy, while creating strong connectivity among the Cai Mep-Thi Vai deep-sea port cluster, the Can Gio International Transshipment Port, and Long Thanh International Airport in the neighbouring city of Dong Nai.

The zone is expected to become a magnet for multinational corporations in logistics, maritime services, and international trade, while also serving as a center for innovation and high-tech manufacturing.

In terms of governance, the Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA) will be granted authority to directly oversee the FTZ.

The FTZ will be developed in three phases. In Phase 1 (2026-2030), the project will enhance the efficiency of existing subzones; establish a comprehensive management system and implement full digital transformation; complete land clearance, develop transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity, and promote investment and attract strategic investors.

Phase 2 (2030-2035) will focus on accelerating investment based on completed infrastructure, optimizing land use, developing a green maritime economic ecosystem, and bringing all functional zones into full operation.

Phase 3 (beyond 2035) will transform the Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone into the core of the southeastern region's maritime economic center, and establish it as a major regional and international transshipment hub in Asia.

The project's cornerstone component - the Cai Mep Ha Container Terminal (Subzone 2) - with a total investment of more than VND50.82 trillion ($1.93 billion), has officially been awarded to the Geleximco-ITC-SCIC consortium, comprising Geleximco Group, ITC Corp (International Transportation and Trading JSC), and SCIC Investment, as the project developer.

Meanwhile, for the remaining functional areas, including the logistics center and the urban-service zone, the HCMC People's Committee is finalizing detailed planning before selecting domestic and international strategic investors.

The project has already attracted significant interest from numerous multinational shipping and logistics companies, as well as prominent consortiums such as Besix-Boskalis-Hateco and Sun Group.