A bold new chapter for Vietnam’s economy has just been opened — and it’s happening in Da Nang. On August 27, 2025, Sun Group teamed up with the Da Nang Municipal Government to break ground on Vietnam’s first-ever Free-Trade Zone (FTZ). But this isn’t just about infrastructure and investments — it’s about vision, ambition, and transforming the central region into a key economic and lifestyle hub in Southeast Asia.
Let’s dive into what this means for Da Nang — and for the nation.
A Milestone Initiative Rooted in National Celebration
This groundbreaking coincides with significant events, including the 80th Anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day and the 23rd Party Congress of Da Nang. With VIPs from both central and local governments present, including Nguyen Van Quang (Da Nang Party Secretary) and Luong Nguyen Minh Triet (Chairman of the People’s Committee), the event underscored the immense importance of the project.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman Triet emphasized:
“The start of this project is a strategic trigger toward developing Da Nang’s Free-Trade Zone — a step that positions the city as a vital trade gateway for the central region and the nation. It aligns us with the global supply chain, especially across Asia-Pacific.”
What Exactly is This Free-Trade Zone?
Established under Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1142/QĐ-TTg on June 13, 2025, Da Nang’s Free-Trade Zone is a groundbreaking model, the first of its kind in Vietnam. Envisioned as a zone of economic innovation and open-market dynamics, it spans 1,881 hectares and is strategically broken down into seven specialized zones across Lien Chieu Ward and Hoa Vang Commune.
So… what will it include?
- Production and manufacturing facilities
- Logistics hubs
- Trade and service centers
- Smart tech zones
- Information tech and digital innovation areas
- Medical and wellness tourism facilities
- Retail, leisure, and high-end recreational complexes
This zone will double as a sandbox — a testing space for new economic mechanisms and policies to attract international investment and talent.
Sun Group: First Private Investor in the Game
On June 22, 2025, Sun Group officially received the government’s go-ahead to invest in sub-zones 5, 6, and 7 — covering a whopping 645 hectares. Just two months later, they were greenlit to kick off the development of Sub-zone 5, nestled right at the base of the iconic Ba Na Hills.
And once you see the plans, you’ll understand the buzz.
Sub-Zone 5: Where Business Meets Bliss
Imagine an economic hub fused with a leisure utopia. That’s the vision for Sub-zone 5. Set conveniently near Sun World Ba Na Hills, which itself attracts millions of visitors annually, this sub-zone will benefit from unmatched connectivity and magnetic tourist appeal.
Sun Group plans to develop:
- Luxury resorts and high-end villas
- Premium medical & wellness spas
- World-class shopping districts and duty-free stores
- Immersive entertainment and recreation spaces
- State-of-the-art eco-tourism attractions
All designed to offer a “live, work, play” destination of truly global standards.
First-of-Its-Kind Health and Wellness Tourism
One of the most exciting developments in Sub-zone 5 is the debut of a health and medical tourism model. Policies and structures here will be piloted exclusively for integrating healthcare services with lifestyle tourism — a first in Vietnam.
A Game-Changing Push for Da Nang’s Economy
With this mega project launched, Da Nang catapults itself into the ranks of cities like Singapore and Dubai — places that have successfully turned FTZ models into growth powerhouses.
According to Nguyen Van Binh, Director of Sun Group Central Vietnam:
“This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to being a long-term partner in Da Nang’s development. We’re determined to fast-track this project to completion, building momentum for further investment across the FTZ.”
More Than Business: A Modern Economic Ecosystem
With the integration of the Free-Trade Zone and the upcoming International Financial Center, Da Nang isn’t just growing — it’s transforming. Together, these projects aim to make Da Nang a modern, smart, competitive economic ecosystem.
Looking ahead to 2050, the goal is ambitious:
➡ Average per capita income of $8,500
➡ Become a major economic hub for Vietnam and the entire region
Bonus: A New Mega Project Kicks Off the Same Day
To sweeten the deal, Sun Group also broke ground on a secondary highlight: The Ba Na – Suoi Mo Integrated Resort Township, valued at VND 52 trillion (~USD 2 billion).
✨ Think luxury cable cars, deluxe resorts, adventure parks, and upscale shopping centers, all seamlessly connected from the base to the peak of Ba Na Hills — delivering unforgettable experiences from check-in to cloud-top memories.
Learn more about the mega township here: Sun Group Launches Second Megaproject at Ba Na Hills
Why This Matters (and Why You Should Care)
This is more than a major investment — it’s a signal of what’s possible when public-private partnerships focus on transformation rather than transactions. The Da Nang Free-Trade Zone shows us that Vietnam is ready to compete on a global scale, not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a destination for innovation, tourism, and quality living.
Add in the natural beauty of Ba Na, the support of the government, and the innovation spirit of Sun Group — and you’ll see why Da Nang might just be Southeast Asia’s next big thing.
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📝 Brought to you by
Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center