Dong Nai Prepares Special Mechanisms to Expand Room for High-Quality FDI Around Long Thanh Airport 2026.Dong Nai is preparing a range of special mechanisms and policies covering investment, finance and budget, land, planning, construction, science and technology, and strategic investor attraction, while targeting at least a 30% reduction in administrative processing time. Together with Long Thanh International Airport and the expanding interregional infrastructure network, these institutional reforms are expected to strengthen the locality’s competitiveness and create more room to attract higher-quality foreign direct investment.
In the new development phase, Dong Nai is not only seeking additional investment capital but is also aiming to reposition its growth model toward high technology, logistics, next-generation manufacturing, digital infrastructure and other high-value-added sectors.
At the center of this strategy is Long Thanh International Airport, which is being positioned as a key nucleus in the airport-city model and in Dong Nai’s long-term spatial development structure.
If special mechanisms are implemented in parallel with planning, land preparation and infrastructure development, Dong Nai could enter a new investment cycle characterized by larger projects and higher-quality capital.
Resolution 16 Opens New Development Space for Dong Nai
On July 21, 2026, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 16-NQ/TW on the development of Dong Nai City through 2035, with a vision to 2065.
Under the orientation, Dong Nai is expected to develop as:
- an airport city;
- a riverfront city;
- a multi-center urban area;
- a modern industrial, logistics and services hub;
- a regional and international connectivity gateway.
Long Thanh International Airport plays a central role in this structure.
It is not simply an aviation infrastructure project. It is also expected to reshape the broader economic, urban and investment landscape of the surrounding region.
Long Thanh Airport Becomes a Core Development Driver
Positioning Long Thanh Airport as a development nucleus could generate multiple new layers of investment demand.
International experience shows that large international airports often stimulate the growth of:
- air logistics;
- warehousing;
- trade;
- services;
- hotels;
- offices;
- technology;
- data centers;
- high-value manufacturing.
As transport connections improve, the area surrounding the airport could evolve into a broader economic ecosystem rather than functioning only as a transportation gateway.
This provides a foundation for Dong Nai to develop an airport city model.
Dong Nai Is Oriented Toward Special Mechanisms Similar to Ho Chi Minh City
One of the most notable policy directions is the consideration of special mechanisms and policies for Dong Nai that are comparable in some respects to those applied in Ho Chi Minh City.
Potential areas include:
- investment;
- finance and budget;
- land;
- construction;
- planning;
- urban development;
- environment;
- science and technology;
- attraction of strategic investors.
If implemented effectively, these mechanisms could give the locality greater flexibility in mobilizing resources and shorten the implementation timeline for major projects.
This is particularly important as competition for FDI among localities becomes increasingly intense.
Institutional Reform Could Become a New Competitive Advantage
In the past, Dong Nai’s key advantages mainly came from its location, industrial land reserves and early development of industrial parks.
In the next phase, these strengths alone may no longer be sufficient.
High-tech investors increasingly consider:
- licensing timelines;
- legal clarity;
- land accessibility;
- infrastructure quality;
- administrative processing speed;
- government support;
- labor availability;
- environmental standards.
As a result, institutional reform could become a competitive advantage just as important as physical infrastructure.
Special Economic Zones and Free Trade Zones Under Consideration
Dong Nai is also oriented toward developing:
- special economic zones;
- free trade zones;
- concentrated digital technology zones;
- innovation zones;
- development areas linked to Long Thanh Airport.
If established, these models could open a new development tier for the locality.
A free trade zone, for example, could attract logistics, distribution, international trade and other value-added services.
A digital technology zone could support AI, software, data centers and other high-tech industries.
Semiconductor, AI and Data Center Projects Are Priority Targets
Dong Nai is targeting large-scale investment in high-value-added sectors.
Priority areas include:
- high-tech manufacturing;
- semiconductors;
- logistics;
- artificial intelligence;
- data centers;
- digital technology;
- supporting industries.
These are sectors that many countries and regions are competing aggressively to attract.
Such projects typically require high standards of power supply, data connectivity, logistics and human resources.
Dong Nai therefore needs not only available land, but also a matching infrastructure ecosystem.
Interregional Infrastructure Creates the Foundation for a New Investment Cycle
Dong Nai’s investment landscape is also changing alongside the progress of strategic infrastructure projects.
Long Thanh International Airport is expected to begin operations by the end of 2026.
At the same time, investment is continuing in:
- expressways;
- ring roads;
- airport access roads;
- railways;
- logistics infrastructure;
- interregional transport networks.
As these projects become increasingly synchronized, connectivity between Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City, Southern Vietnam’s economic centers and international markets is expected to improve significantly.
Long Thanh Could Become a New Air Logistics Hub
The emergence of a major international airport could reshape Southern Vietnam’s logistics map.
Potential beneficiaries include:
- aviation;
- warehousing;
- high-value cargo;
- e-commerce;
- cold-chain logistics;
- electronics;
- components;
- time-sensitive goods.
For these industries, airport proximity and fast cargo handling are critical.
As a result, the Long Thanh area could attract additional logistics and supporting industrial investment.
Dong Nai Is Shifting from Quantity-Based to Quality-Based Investment Attraction
Another important change is Dong Nai’s approach to FDI.
The locality is moving away from focusing primarily on the number of projects and toward prioritizing investment quality.
New criteria include:
- advanced technology;
- high added value;
- environmental friendliness;
- efficient land use;
- supply chain participation;
- technological contribution;
- linkages with domestic enterprises.
This shift is consistent with Vietnam’s broader new-generation FDI strategy.
Next-Generation Industry Becomes a Priority
Dong Nai is prioritizing next-generation manufacturing and supporting industries.
Next-generation manufacturing is generally associated with:
- automation;
- smart manufacturing;
- robotics;
- IoT;
- Big Data;
- digital technology;
- advanced materials.
These sectors offer higher productivity and require more sophisticated infrastructure than traditional processing industries.
If Dong Nai attracts more projects in these fields, the quality of its industrial structure could improve significantly.
Land Planning Will Be a Decisive Factor
One of the most important conditions for turning investment plans into real projects is land availability.
Dong Nai is working on zoning plans, functional areas, industrial parks and development spaces connected to Long Thanh Airport.
Preparing land in advance is critical.
Major investors typically require:
- sufficiently large sites;
- clear legal status;
- ready infrastructure;
- convenient transport connections;
- expansion potential.
Without available and legally clear land, investment opportunities may be delayed or move to competing locations.
FDI Reached Approximately USD 3.28 Billion in 2025
Investment data shows that Dong Nai already has a substantial FDI base.
In 2025, the locality attracted approximately USD 3.28 billion in FDI.
This included:
- 189 newly licensed projects with approximately USD 1.71 billion;
- 189 projects increasing capital with approximately USD 1.57 billion.
A notable point is that additional investment by existing projects was almost equal to capital registered by new projects.
This suggests that existing investors continue to show confidence and expand their operations.
Additional Capital Nearly Matching New Investment Is a Positive Signal
In FDI analysis, newly registered capital often receives most attention.
However, additional capital from existing businesses is equally important.
When a company decides to expand a factory, invest in equipment or increase capacity, it often indicates a positive operating experience in the locality.
The nearly USD 1.57 billion in additional capital in 2025 is therefore an important signal.
It shows that Dong Nai’s challenge is not only to attract new investors, but also to retain and encourage existing investors to expand.
FDI Momentum Continued in the First Half of 2026
As of June 19, 2026, Dong Nai had attracted approximately USD 1.48 billion in FDI.
This included:
- 51 new projects with more than USD 809 million;
- 66 projects increasing capital with nearly USD 670 million.
The number of capital-increase projects exceeded the number of newly licensed projects.
This once again indicates that existing investors remain an important component of FDI inflows into the locality.
Industrial Parks and Economic Zones Attracted More Than USD 1.24 Billion
In industrial parks and economic zones alone, newly registered and additional FDI reached more than USD 1.24 billion by the end of June 2026.
This represented more than 82% of the annual target for the sector.
A total of 41 new FDI projects were licensed.
Capital came from a range of countries and territories.
These figures confirm that industrial parks remain the core platform for Dong Nai’s ability to receive international investment.
The Netherlands Led New Registered Capital
Among new investors, the Netherlands led with more than USD 326 million in registered capital.
Singapore had 8 projects with total capital exceeding USD 205 million.
The presence of investors from multiple markets shows that Dong Nai continues to maintain significant appeal to the international business community.
This also provides a base from which the locality can move toward attracting higher-quality projects.
Japanese Companies Continue Expanding Production
According to representatives of the Japanese business community, many Japanese companies operating in Dong Nai continue to increase capital, upgrade equipment and expand production.
This is particularly notable because Japanese companies typically place high importance on:
- infrastructure;
- stability;
- supply chains;
- labor;
- the business environment.
Continued Japanese expansion suggests that Dong Nai remains attractive to long-term investors.
Location and Connectivity Remain Major Advantages
Japanese business representatives have also highlighted location and transport connectivity as important reasons why Dong Nai continues to attract investment interest.
The locality benefits from links to:
- Ho Chi Minh City;
- Ba Ria – Vung Tau;
- Binh Duong;
- Tay Ninh;
- seaports;
- Long Thanh Airport;
- the expressway network.
As new transport infrastructure is completed, this advantage could become even stronger.
Dong Nai Targets at Least a 30% Reduction in Administrative Processing Time
One of the most notable administrative reform targets is to reduce processing time by at least 30% compared with existing regulations.
Under Project No. 05-DA/TU dated July 3, 2026, issued by the Dong Nai Party Committee, this has been identified as a major priority.
If achieved, the impact on businesses could be substantial.
Time is a major investment cost.
A project delayed by several months can face higher financing costs and miss market opportunities.
100% of Eligible Procedures to Be Fully Available Online
Dong Nai is targeting:
- 100% of eligible procedures provided as end-to-end online public services;
- 100% of files and administrative results digitized;
- at least 90% of applications submitted online;
- 90% reuse of digitized data.
This represents a shift from simply digitizing documents to digitizing entire administrative workflows.
If implemented effectively, businesses could significantly reduce travel time and direct interaction with administrative agencies.
Businesses Should Only Need to Provide Information Once
Another target is the “once-only” principle, under which citizens and businesses provide information only one time.
This means data already available in government systems should be shared and reused.
Businesses would no longer need to repeatedly submit documents or information already held by public authorities.
If implemented in practice, this could materially reduce compliance costs.
Administrative Procedures Could Become Location-Independent
Dong Nai is also moving toward administrative processing that is not dependent on geographical boundaries.
This would allow businesses to access public services more conveniently.
The model is consistent with broader digital-government development.
For a large locality with many industrial parks, reducing dependence on where documents are physically processed could save businesses considerable time.
AI and Virtual Assistants Could Support Administrative Processing
Dong Nai is also considering the use of artificial intelligence and virtual assistants in administrative procedures.
AI could help with:
- application guidance;
- information checks;
- document classification;
- answering questions;
- tracking progress;
- identifying missing documents.
If deployed properly, technology could reduce the workload on officials and improve processing speed.
The key will be integrating these tools with reliable data and clearly defined legal procedures.
Administrative Reform Could Reduce Investment Costs
For businesses, investment costs are not limited to land rent, factory construction or machinery purchases.
Time costs can also be significant.
A project delayed by lengthy procedures may face:
- higher financing costs;
- postponed production;
- lost orders;
- supply-chain disruptions.
The target of reducing administrative processing time by 30% could therefore create direct economic benefits.
Special Mechanisms Could Shorten Implementation of Large Projects
High-tech projects often involve large capital commitments and coordination across multiple agencies.
If special mechanisms allow stronger decentralization and streamlined procedures, project implementation could be shortened.
This is particularly relevant for:
- semiconductors;
- data centers;
- logistics;
- digital infrastructure;
- high-tech manufacturing.
These sectors evolve quickly.
If approval procedures take too long, investors may shift to other markets.
Dong Nai Industrial Real Estate Could Benefit
The combination of infrastructure and new policy mechanisms could create significant momentum for industrial real estate.
As FDI increases, demand could grow for:
- industrial land;
- ready-built factories;
- logistics warehouses;
- distribution centers;
- data centers;
- worker accommodation;
- supporting industrial services.
Industrial parks located near Long Thanh Airport and major expressways may benefit most.
Long Thanh Could Create a New Industrial Real Estate Growth Pole
For many years, Dong Nai’s industrial activity has been concentrated around Bien Hoa, Nhon Trach and Long Thanh.
Once the airport begins operations, Long Thanh could develop much faster.
Logistics, e-commerce, electronics and high-value cargo companies often prioritize locations near airports.
This could support the formation of a new industrial and logistics growth pole.
Ready-Built Factories Could Benefit from High-Tech FDI
High-tech companies often want to shorten implementation time.
Ready-built factories can therefore be an attractive option.
Instead of constructing facilities from the ground up, companies can lease factories, install machinery and begin operations more quickly.
If Dong Nai attracts additional high-quality FDI, demand for this segment could continue to rise.
Data Centers Open a New Industrial Real Estate Segment
Dong Nai’s decision to prioritize data centers could also create a new investment category.
Data centers differ significantly from traditional factories.
They require:
- very large and stable power supply;
- fiber-optic connectivity;
- cooling systems;
- high security;
- redundancy;
- suitable land.
If Dong Nai prepares adequate electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, the locality could become a notable destination for this asset class.
A Free Trade Zone Could Drive Logistics Development
If a free trade zone model is implemented, the impact on logistics could be substantial.
Free trade zones typically attract:
- distribution centers;
- international trade;
- bonded warehouses;
- logistics;
- processing;
- packaging;
- value-added services.
Combined with Long Thanh Airport, such a model could create a major international logistics ecosystem.
Dong Nai Could Integrate More Deeply into Global Supply Chains
One of Dong Nai’s important objectives is deeper participation in global supply chains.
Achieving this requires more than attracting large corporations.
The locality also needs a stronger supplier ecosystem.
This creates opportunities for:
- supporting industries;
- components;
- packaging;
- logistics;
- technical services;
- small and medium-sized enterprises.
If the ecosystem becomes sufficiently strong, the spillover benefits of FDI will be greater.
FDI Quality Matters More Than Absolute Volume
In the next phase, a USD 100 million project with advanced technology and strong domestic linkages may create more value than a larger project based mainly on low-cost labor and resource consumption.
Investment attraction criteria should therefore focus more on:
- productivity;
- technology;
- added value;
- skills transfer;
- environmental performance;
- supply-chain linkages.
This is the direction Dong Nai is pursuing.
Implementation Speed Will Determine the Value of Special Mechanisms
Special mechanisms only create an advantage if they are implemented effectively.
Investors care more about practical outcomes than policy announcements.
They will evaluate:
- how long licensing takes;
- how quickly land becomes available;
- when construction can begin;
- whether power is available;
- whether infrastructure is delivered on schedule.
The implementation phase will therefore be decisive.
The Airport Is Only One Part of the Competitiveness Equation
Long Thanh Airport gives Dong Nai a major advantage.
However, an airport alone does not automatically generate investment inflows.
To fully leverage this asset, the locality must simultaneously address:
- planning;
- land;
- infrastructure;
- electricity;
- labor;
- procedures;
- environment;
- logistics.
Only when these elements work together can the airport become the core of a broader investment ecosystem.
Dong Nai Could Enter a New Growth Cycle
These institutional changes are occurring at a particularly important time.
Long Thanh Airport is nearing the operational stage.
Expressways and ring roads are expanding.
FDI remains strong.
Technology and logistics companies are searching for new locations.
If these factors converge, Dong Nai could enter a new development cycle.
Industrial Real Estate Will Need to Upgrade Standards
Higher-quality FDI also creates new requirements for industrial parks.
High-tech companies often require:
- stable power;
- clean water;
- wastewater treatment;
- renewable energy;
- digital infrastructure;
- ESG standards;
- quality working environments;
- logistics connectivity.
Industrial parks can no longer compete solely on land rental prices.
Infrastructure quality will become increasingly important.
Opportunities for Next-Generation Industrial Parks
New industrial parks could increasingly be designed to be:
- green;
- smart;
- digitalized;
- energy efficient;
- integrated with logistics;
- integrated with services.
This model is well suited to the type of FDI Dong Nai is seeking.
If developed systematically, next-generation industrial parks could lift the quality of the entire market.
Strategic Investors Can Generate Large Spillover Effects
Attracting a strategic investor can create more value than bringing in a single standalone project.
A major corporation may bring with it:
- suppliers;
- logistics providers;
- technology partners;
- services;
- skilled workers.
This is why Dong Nai is seeking dedicated mechanisms to attract strategic investors.
The Investment Environment Will Determine Investor Retention
Winning a new project is only the first step.
Whether a company continues to expand depends on its operating experience after investment.
Dong Nai’s figures on additional capital show why this matters.
When existing businesses continue to increase investment, it sends a positive signal to potential new investors.
New Mechanisms Could Support Logistics Real Estate
The development of the airport, free trade zones and logistics infrastructure could create strong demand for:
- warehouses;
- cold storage;
- distribution centers;
- bonded warehouses;
- container yards;
- logistics hubs.
This could become a fast-growing real estate segment around Long Thanh.
Dong Nai Could Become a Key Intersection of Manufacturing and Logistics
Dong Nai’s strength lies in its position between:
Ho Chi Minh City, seaports, expressways and Long Thanh International Airport.
This gives the locality the potential to become a major intersection between manufacturing and logistics.
A factory in Dong Nai could potentially access road, sea and air transport within the same regional ecosystem.
This is a rare advantage in Southern Vietnam.
Administrative Reform Could Become “Soft Infrastructure”
Alongside roads, airports and industrial parks, administrative procedures can also be considered a form of infrastructure.
A locality with fast, transparent and well-digitalized processes can reduce costs for businesses.
This can be viewed as soft infrastructure.
In FDI competition, soft infrastructure is becoming increasingly important alongside physical infrastructure.
Dong Nai Is Building the Foundation for a New FDI Competition Phase
With its target to cut administrative processing time by at least 30%, fully digitize procedures and apply special mechanisms, Dong Nai is laying the foundation for a new investment attraction model.
The focus is no longer simply on incentives.
Instead, the key factors are:
- speed;
- transparency;
- infrastructure;
- land;
- technology;
- ecosystem quality.
These are the issues long-term investors increasingly care about.
Long Thanh Airport and Special Mechanisms Could Create a “Double Boost”
Long Thanh Airport provides a physical infrastructure advantage.
Special mechanisms could provide an institutional advantage.
If both are implemented at the same time, Dong Nai could generate a “double boost.”
On one side, infrastructure could reduce logistics costs.
On the other, administrative reform could reduce investment lead times.
This combination could be important in attracting large-scale projects.
Dong Nai Has More Room to Compete for Strategic Investment
As major localities accelerate FDI attraction, competition will become increasingly intense.
Dong Nai already has strong advantages in location and industry.
If special mechanisms are implemented effectively, the locality could add institutional flexibility as another competitive strength.
This may improve its position in attracting:
- semiconductor companies;
- AI businesses;
- data centers;
- logistics providers;
- high-tech manufacturers.
The Final Challenge Is Turning Advantages into Real Projects
Dong Nai currently has many favorable conditions.
However, the most important issue is whether these advantages can be translated into actual investment projects.
Investors will only commit capital when they see:
- ready land;
- clear legal procedures;
- on-schedule infrastructure;
- responsive government support;
- reasonable costs.
Implementation will therefore determine the success of the strategy.
Dong Nai Could Become a New Industrial and Logistics Growth Pole in Southern Vietnam
If special mechanisms, Long Thanh Airport, transport infrastructure and administrative reform are implemented in a coordinated manner, Dong Nai could enter a new development phase.
Its role could evolve from a traditional industrial center into an integrated growth hub combining:
- manufacturing;
- logistics;
- technology;
- trade;
- airport urban development;
- international services.
This model could generate greater economic value and broader regional spillovers.
Special Mechanisms Could Open a New Cycle of High-Quality FDI
With FDI reaching approximately USD 3.28 billion in 2025, nearly USD 1.48 billion by mid-June 2026, and more than USD 1.24 billion flowing into industrial parks and economic zones in the first half of the year, Dong Nai already has a substantial investment base.
The next phase will depend heavily on the quality of the investment environment.
If the target of cutting processing time by at least 30% is achieved, land is prepared efficiently and special mechanisms are translated into practical measures, Dong Nai could significantly strengthen its competitiveness.
Long Thanh International Airport would then become more than an aviation infrastructure project.
It could become the core of a new investment ecosystem linking finance, technology, manufacturing and logistics.
As Vietnam shifts toward more selective FDI attraction, Dong Nai has the opportunity to become one of Southern Vietnam’s leading destinations for high-tech investment and next-generation industries.
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