In late June, the National Assembly passed a resolution piloting special mechanisms to boost Haiphong's growth, most notably the establishment of the city's first FTZ.

This FTZ is designed to apply exceptional regulatory and fiscal policies across strategic sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, logistics, trade, finance, tourism, services, and skilled workforce development.

Under the resolution, the FTZ will be structured into functional zones including manufacturing, port and logistics, logistics centres, and trade-service areas. These zones will operate as bonded areas under the supervision of customs and state authorities.

Lach Huyen Port in Haiphong

Haiphong People's Committee has the authority to determine and adjust FTZ boundaries, integrating it with the existing Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Economic Zone and the Southern Coastal Economic Zone.

The FTZ will be managed by Haiphong Economic Zones Management Authority, which will also provide administrative services and direct support for businesses operating within the zone.

The FTZ will prioritise investment in high-tech fields such as semiconductor integrated circuits, chip and component design and manufacturing, semiconductor materials, biotechnology, advanced materials, automation, high-tech supporting industries, logistics, trade, and exhibitions.

Foreign investors will be allowed to establish economic entities in the FTZ without obtaining an investment registration certificate. Companies operating in the zone will benefit from customs facilitation and will be exempt from specialised inspections for goods that meet recognised international or regional standards.

The resolution also provides a 10-year visa exemption and temporary residence cards for experts, scientists, senior managers, exceptional talents, and highly skilled workers with their families.

The local government is authorised to allocate or lease land for FTZ projects without public auction or bidding.

Importantly, land and water surface rents will be fully waived throughout the lease period for most projects, except for commercial housing and trade-service ventures. In addition, corporate income derived from prioritised sectors will benefit from a 10 per cent tax rate for 30 years, including a four-year tax exemption and a 50 per cent tax reduction for the following nine years. Once the preferential period ends, a 15 per cent tax rate will apply.

Individual income tax for experts and skilled professionals will also be reduced by half for 10 years.

Speaking to VIR, Nguyen Thanh Phuong, CEO of Sao Do Group, the developer of Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park (IP), highlighted the alignment between government policy and the IP's strategic positioning.

"Nam Dinh Vu IP has continuously benefited from key central and local policy updates. The recent passage of Resolution No. 226/2025/QH15 which pilots special mechanisms for Haiphong, along with earlier resolutions, are transformative. The new FTZ mechanisms present a major boost for Vietnamese businesses by enhancing competitiveness, expanding market access, and attracting quality investment. For us, this is a critical lever for business growth," Phuong said.

Leveraging FTZ incentives for growth

Strategically located within the Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Economic Zone, Nam Dinh Vu IP is poised to play a pivotal role in the success of the newly established FTZ. The zone is currently the only coastal economic zone in northern Vietnam to fully integrate the bonded zone–industrial park–seaport–urban area model.

Nam Dinh Vu IP's seaport

Nam Dinh Vu's key advantage lies in its seamless multimodal connectivity across road, rail, sea, air, and inland waterways.

Located just 8 km from Cat Bi International Airport and 15 km from Lach Huyen Port, the park connects directly to Hanoi-Haiphong Expressway and Tan Vu-Lach Huyen Bridge, forming a cost-effective and time-efficient logistics network.

The park's on-site seaport, capable of handling vessels up to 48,000 DWT, significantly reduces logistics costs and enhances import-export efficiency for tenant companies.

Spanning 1,329 hectares, Nam Dinh Vu IP is divided into four specialised subzones: industrial land, seaport-logistics, integrated industries, and oil and liquid cargo.

The park offers fully completed infrastructure, including high-capacity electricity and water systems, internal roads, drainage, and an international-standard wastewater treatment plant.

Phuong noted that investors at Nam Dinh Vu IP benefit from a comprehensive support system and streamlined administrative procedures under a one-stop shop model. This includes facilitation of investment registration, business establishment, construction clearance, and land use right certification, saving both time and operational costs.

Today, Nam Dinh Vu IP has become a preferred destination for leading corporations in supporting industries, electronics, chemicals, warehousing, and international logistics. With the rollout of the FTZ, its role is expected to grow even more prominent as a hub for high-quality, future-ready investment.