Leveraging regional linkages for industrial and energy development

The expanded economic space after the merger has created clear complementarities between the two areas. The Central Highlands has strengths in large-scale agriculture, land resources, and renewable energy, while the coastal region benefits from seaports, logistics, processing industries, and the marine economy. This connection not only expands markets but also forms interregional value chains, providing a solid foundation for modern industrial and commercial development.

The wood processing industry maintains strong growth and remains a pillar of the province’s industrial sector

For the industry and trade sector, this creates a strong opportunity to develop deep processing industries, especially in agriculture and forestry products. With abundant raw materials such as coffee, pepper, rubber, sugarcane, cassava, and plantation timber, the province is prioritizing investment projects that use modern technology to increase added value and build sustainable production, processing, and consumption chains. Close links between raw material areas and processing facilities help stabilize output for agricultural products while improving quality and traceability, which are becoming more important in a global market. At the same time, connections with seaports, economic zones, and coastal industrial parks create favorable conditions for developing large-scale logistics centers. This helps reduce transportation costs, strengthen export capacity, and integrate the province’s goods more deeply into regional and international supply chains.

The energy sector is one key growth pillar in the coming period. With favorable natural conditions, Gia Lai has strong potential for wind, solar, biomass, and waste-to-energy projects. The Industry and Trade Department is implementing the National Power Development Plan VIII, while coordinating with ministries, agencies, and investors to advance 110 renewable energy projects with a total capacity of approximately 5,500MW.

Alongside power generation, the province is also focusing on developing transmission and distribution infrastructure to ensure a stable electricity supply for production and daily life. Synchronized energy infrastructure not only meets immediate demand but also provides a solid foundation for long-term industrial development and a green economy.

To become a processing industry and energy hub for the Central and Central Highlands region, the industry and trade sector is focusing on completing planning and developing industrial infrastructure in a coordinated, modern way. Industrial clusters are being prioritized in connection with raw material areas and major transport corridors, creating favorable conditions for production, processing, and goods transportation. The province currently has 99 industrial clusters with a total area of more than 5,400 ha, of which 47 are in operation with an average occupancy rate of around 81%. In the coming period, the province will continue to speed up investment in technical infrastructure in established clusters, particularly internal transport, electricity, water supply, and centralized wastewater treatment systems.

Developing modern trade and logistics to boost competitiveness

With the expansion of economic space, trade and logistics are key links connecting production with markets. Gia Lai currently has a relatively developed commercial system, including 265 traditional markets, 4 shopping centers, 26 supermarkets, and hundreds of retail outlets, meeting consumer demand and supporting goods circulation.

However, logistics infrastructure remains a bottleneck. Under the plan through 2030, the province will develop five logistics centers linked to industrial parks and seaports, including logistics zones in Hoai Nhon and Phu My. These will serve as key hubs connecting raw material areas in the Central Highlands with seaport systems, supporting exports.

Along with infrastructure investment, the industry and trade sector is promoting trade promotion activities, supply and demand linkages, and e-commerce development. Diversifying distribution channels enables businesses, cooperatives, and producers to access broader markets, particularly outside the province and internationally.

In the coming period, the province aims to develop a modern distribution system with about 312 markets, 17 shopping centers, and 34 supermarkets by 2030. It also plans to build an international exhibition and fair center in Quy Nhon to support trade promotion, product showcasing, and investment attraction.

In addition, digital transformation is an important factor in strengthening business competitiveness. The industry and trade sector is implementing programs to support enterprises in adopting technology, automating production, developing e-commerce, and improving management capacity. Training programs on digital transformation and online business are also conducted regularly, helping enterprises adapt to new trends.

Business support efforts are also being strengthened through industrial promotion programs, trade promotion, support for technology innovation, and brand development. The sector actively identifies and addresses business challenges in areas such as raw materials, markets, electricity supply, and logistics.

For key projects in industry and energy, the industry and trade sector works closely with relevant departments and local authorities to monitor progress, resolve issues, and support early operation and effective investment outcomes. The sector also continues to streamline administrative procedures, enhance dialogue with businesses, and improve transparency in public administration.

With coordinated solutions and a strategic vision, Gia Lai’s Industry and Trade Department is steadily making use of the advantages of its expanded economic space, driving industrial, commercial, and energy development, thereby creating momentum to strengthen competitiveness, attract investment, and reinforce its position in the Central and Central Highlands region.