Vietnam’s largest Aeon Mall to take shape in Dong Nai province

Authorities of Dong Nai province, a manufacturing hub in southern Vietnam, on Monday awarded an investment registration certificate to Japanese-invested Aeon Mall Vietnam Co., Ltd. for its Aeon Mall Bien Hoa project.

Speaking at the awarding ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee Nguyen Kim Long emphasized that the VND6,000 billion ($261 million) project is not only an impressive figure but also holds strategic significance in promoting the province’s economic restructuring.

It demonstrates Dong Nai’s strong commitment to advancing its commerce and service sectors toward a more balanced and sustainable development model, befitting its position as an economic gateway of the southern region, he noted.

Long said the presence of a world-leading retail brand like Aeon Mall is expected to significantly improve the quality of life by providing nearly 4.5 million Dong Nai residents with an international-standard, modern, and convenient destination for shopping, entertainment, and dining.

The project is envisioned not only as a commercial center but also as a new architectural landmark contributing to a more vibrant and civilized urban landscape for Dong Nai province, he added.

Aeon Mall Bien Hoa, which covers more than 10 hectares on Dang Van Nhon street, Tran Bien ward, will be the largest Aeon Mall in Vietnam.

It was licensed to develop and operate an integrated commercial center and office complex, including food and beverage services, children's play areas, office leasing, retail spaces, shelves, kiosks, and booths. It also includes leasing and subleasing of premises, warehouses, halls, and other functional spaces within the commercial center.

In addition, the company is permitted to exercise import and export rights, wholesale distribution rights (without establishing wholesale facilities), and retail distribution rights (without establishing retail outlets) for goods, in accordance with Vietnamese law.

Aeon built its first shopping mall in Vietnam in 2014 - the Aeon Tan Phu Celadon in Ho Chi Minh City. The retailer has since invested about $1.5 billion in the country, according to Aeon Vietnam CEO Tezuka Daisuke.

Aeon currently operates eight shopping malls, 15 general merchandise stores and supermarkets, 45 small- and medium-sized supermarkets, 182 convenience stores, and 29 specialty shops covering fashion, beauty and bicycles in Vietnam. It has maintained an average annual growth rate of about 30% in the country.

The Japanese retailer plans to open a mid-sized supermarket in the northern city of Hai Phong in 2026.

By 2030, the firm will triple the number of its shopping centers and stores in Vietnam – a key market in the group’s strategy to accelerate growth in Southeast Asia.