WNAM REPORT: Tao Yitao, Director of the China Centre for Special Economic Zone Research (CCSEZR) under Shenzhen University in China’s Guangdong province, advised Vietnam to utilise China’s expertise in developing higher-standard free trade zones during a working session in Hanoi on April 17 with Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung.
Tao shared insights from her delegation’s field surveys in Binh Duong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong, saying that through in-depth discussions with local authorities, they identified transportation, energy, and digital transformation as critical factors for successful FTZ development.
She underscored the pivotal role of digital economy and high technology, advising regions to capitalise on their unique strengths and growth drivers. Drawing on China’s experience, she proposed pilot FTZ projects in one or two cities to test new industries. If successful, these models could be scaled nationwide; if not, the economic impact would be limited. Citing Ho Chi Minh City as an example, Tao suggested designing its FTZ to drive growth for surrounding areas, focusing on hi-tech industries, finance, and modern services thanks to its ability to attract skilled talent. For the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, she recommended prioritising the seaport industry.
The delegation highlighted China’s FTZ models in Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, and Xinjiang, which integrate diverse foreign and domestic enterprises and specialised sub-zones beyond core trade functions.
Deputy PM Dung praised Tao and CCSEZR for their insights and urged further consultations on the management of goods circulation within FTZs, taxation, talent retention and training, and global FTZ trends, particularly Shenzhen’s governance model.
Vietnam is preparing to develop three FTZs in Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Ba Ria – Vung Tau, with plans to expand to other localities with strong air and rail connectivity, beyond just those with seaports, he said.
