The Van Don special economic zone in Quang Ninh province

Setting up an administration under the special economic zone model involves more than just renaming the area but requires a shift in mindset, actions, and a political commitment to a new, holistic approach to socio-economic development.

With an international airport, seaport, and highways, Van Don, one of the largest special economic zones in Vietnam, has what it needs to grow rapidly.

Local people have high expectation in the new government system:

"People’s wishes have come true. The new rules in the special economic zone are more open and what we need to do next is to promote strengths to grow further."

"In the past, applying for an investment project involved navigating multiple administrative levels—commune, district, province, and sometimes even central government. Today, in Van Don, all procedures can be completed entirely at the commune or ward level, within the special economic zone itself, streamlining the process and making it significantly more convenient for investors."

The Bach Long Vy Special Economic Zone in Hai Phong aims to pursue a comprehensive strategy to develop a blue sea economy that integrates fishing services, island tourism, and national defense.

Dao Minh Dong, Chairman of the Bach Long Vy Special Zone, said: “We aim to develop the Bach Long Vy Special Economic Zone by focusing on fishing logistics and search-and-rescue services, in line with Resolution 45 on Hai Phong’s development."

"We’ll also promote island tourism and leverage the island’s strategic location in the Gulf of Tonkin to enhance our marine economy while safeguarding national defense and protecting our maritime sovereignty," he added.