Danang city plans to build 150-hectare non-tariff zone

The central coastal city of Danang has proposed the construction of a 151.3-hectare non-tariff zone near Ba Na mountain for opening in 2027.

The facility is part of the city’s efforts to build a high-quality international commercial, tourism, and service zone, turning Danang into a worth-living destination in Asia, according to a document sent by Danang Mayor Le Trung Chinh to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

The zone will also act as a location for piloting economic mechanisms, which meet international standards but are not possible for nationwide implementation.

In the facility, 134.4 hectares are allocated for premium discount stores, duty-free stores, inhouse recreational services, home appliance stores, sport stores, food streets, night-time entertainment streets, and exhibition areas.

The zone also features a logistics hub with warehouses, a container yard, customs management area; a healthcare area with medical centers, research centers, medicine purchase facility; and a high-quality educational area with a medical school, tourism school, and high-tech farm produce sales area.

Per Danang’s suggestion, the first phase in 2022-2023 is for building a legal framework for the zone. In 2023-2024, the city will build plans to develop the zone and attract investors. In 2024-2027, strategic investors will invest in key infrastructure and their businesses. After 2027, the management mechanism and infrastructure are set to complete for operation.

The non-tariff zone’s key businesses are duty-free goods; logistics service; packaging of imported-exported goods; foreign currency exchange and payment; tourism service, entertainment, dining service, and arts performance; trade fair; beauty; education; real estate; and supporting services.

Danang recorded a gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth of 14.05% in 2022, thanks to post-pandemic recovery, according to the municipal statistics office. Last year, accommodation facilities in Danang hosted 3.69 million people, up 208.5% year-on-year, including 481,000 foreign visitors, up 380.2%. The accommodation, food and beverage, and tourism sectors earned a revenue of VND20.81 trillion ($884.7 million), up 99.3%.