UAE’s DP World to help southern Vietnam province build free trade zone
The UAE-headquartered DP World, a global leader in logistics, will help the southern coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau build a free trade zone (FTZ), the first of its kind in southeastern Vietnam.
DP World and Ba Ria-Vung Tau People’s Committee have signed an MoU for the FTZ, the latter said on Wednesday. DP World experts will help the Vietnamese province build a plan for the move.

Glen Hilton (left, front), Asia Pacific CEO & managing director at DP World, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Chairman Nguyen Van Tho (right, front) sign an MoU in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, southern Vietnam, February 18, 2025. Photo courtesy of Ba Ria-Vung Tau newspaper.
The FTZ, connected to seaports in the Cai Mep Ha zone of the province, is expected to utilize Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s strategic position and help develop the province’s maritime economic, international trade, foreign investment attraction, and logistics sectors.
As of end-January 2025, Vietnam recorded 42,272 valid FDI projects with total registered capital of $505.4 billion. The accumulated disbursed capital of FDI projects was estimated at more than $324 billion, equal to 64.1% of the total valid registered capital, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
Ba Ria-Vung Tau, as an FDI hub in Vietnam, ranked fifth among all localities with $36.6 billion.
The province recorded export revenue (not including crude oil) of $5.3 billion and import expenditure of $6.56 billion in 2024, up 12.4% and 7.72% respectively.
- Read More
Vietnam to develop offshore wind power after 2030: ministry
The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed delaying the development of offshore wind power until after 2030, instead of meeting the initial target of 6,000 MW within the next five years.
Energy - Thu, February 20, 2025 | 4:38 pm GMT+7
Mining, steel, construction firms set to capitalize on Vietnam's nuclear power development
The mining sector is expected to benefit significantly from the development of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plants in Vietnam, said Nguyen The Minh, head of research at broker Yuanta Securities Vietnam.
Industries - Thu, February 20, 2025 | 3:28 pm GMT+7
$1.9 bln LNG power project in northern Vietnam calls for mine clearance bids
The $1.9 billion Quang Ninh LNG power plant, the first such facility in northern Vietnam, is inviting bids for the mines and explosives clearance package.
Energy - Thu, February 20, 2025 | 2:20 pm GMT+7
Steel maker Hoa Sen to pour $90 mln into central Vietnam factory expansion
Hoa Sen Nhon Hoi-Binh Dinh One Member LLC, a subsidiary of Hoa Sen Group, will invest over VND2.3 trillion (over $90 million) to expand its steel plant in the south-central province of Binh Dinh.
Industries - Thu, February 20, 2025 | 11:48 am GMT+7
Samsung’s profit falls in Vietnam, doubles globally in 2024
Samsung Electronics recorded a profit of $25.3 billion in 2024, up 122% year-on-year, but the total profit of its four major factories in Vietnam fell 11.4% to $3.2 billion.
Companies - Thu, February 20, 2025 | 10:23 am GMT+7
Serviced apartments see strong growth in Hanoi, face challenges in HCMC
The serviced apartment market in Hanoi experienced significant growth in 2024, driven by strong foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, while it faced challenges from declining FDI and increasing competition in Ho Chi Minh City.
Real Estate - Thu, February 20, 2025 | 8:15 am GMT+7
Swedish textile firm Syre eyes $1 bln fiber factory in central Vietnam
Sweden’s textile company Syre wishes to invest in a polyester fiber recycling factory in the south-central province of Binh Dinh, with an estimated investment ranging from $700 million to over $1 billion.
Industries - Wed, February 19, 2025 | 9:50 pm GMT+7
Thailand urges central bank to boost economy
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has called on the Bank of Thailand to lower interest rates in a bid to ease financial pressures on the public.
Southeast Asia - Wed, February 19, 2025 | 9:40 pm GMT+7
Singapore’s gold export to US increases sharply
Gold shipments from Singapore to the U.S. in January climbed to the highest level in almost three years.
Southeast Asia - Wed, February 19, 2025 | 9:24 pm GMT+7
France wants to cooperate, share experiences with Vietnam in nuclear power
France wants to cooperate and share experiences with Vietnam in nuclear power, said French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet at a recent meeting with state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN).
Energy - Wed, February 19, 2025 | 5:20 pm GMT+7
Japan’s Sumitomo plans 2nd industrial park in northern Vietnam province
Japanese keiretsu Sumitomo is keen to build its second industrial park in Vietnam’s northern province of Vinh Phuc, a representative told local authorities Tuesday.
Industrial real estate - Wed, February 19, 2025 | 3:47 pm GMT+7
Vietnam's 2025 GDP growth target lifted to 'at least 8%'
The National Assembly, Vietnam's legislature, on Wednesday set the 2025 economic expansion target at "8% or more" upon a government proposal, up from the 6.5-7% approved in November last year.
Economy - Wed, February 19, 2025 | 2:46 pm GMT+7
Northern Vietnam province urges VSIP to build 663 hectare high-tech park in 2025
Ha Nam province authorities has urged VSIP, the developer of Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) facilities, to begin building a high-tech park in the northern province by end-2025.
Industrial real estate - Wed, February 19, 2025 | 1:45 pm GMT+7
Central Vietnam city launches first industrial park project in 22 years
Vietnam’s central coastal city of Danang has broken ground on its first industrial park in 22 years, marking significant progress in its industrial development strategy.
Industrial real estate - Wed, February 19, 2025 | 12:21 pm GMT+7
Northern Vietnam province to complete site clearance for $2 bln LNG power plant in May
Vietnam’s northern province of Thai Binh seeks to complete the site clearance for its $2 billion LNG Thai Binh power plant project in May, provincial authorities said Tuesday.
Energy - Wed, February 19, 2025 | 11:18 am GMT+7
Can Gio port added to Vietnam's seaport development plan
The Can Gio international transshipment port project in Ho Chi Minh City has taken a significant step forward with its official inclusion in Vietnam’s seaport development plan.
Southeast Asia - Wed, February 19, 2025 | 9:29 am GMT+7