The FTZ is a pioneering model designed to pilot and accumulate experience with preferential institutions and an international-standard free trade and investment environment. It promotes institutional innovation, and serves as a hub connecting a city’s production, trade, and services with the world.
An FTZ opens cross-border transactions for businesses and investors. Contractual relationships between businesses, banks, shipping companies, logistics providers, insurers, and international partners become increasingly complex. Dispute resolution require suitable arbitral mechanisms, particularly international arbitration.
Chau Viet Bac, Deputy Secretary-General of the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre, said: “Ho Chi Minh City plans include a dispute resolution services complex. It could be housed in a single building, bringing together services to support dispute resolution similar to Singapore’s model.”
Experts say the city needs to develop a digital transaction ecosystem connecting businesses with banks, logistics providers, and international partners, and standardize the storage and authentication of electronic evidence. Without a pilot customs procedures mechanism, transporting goods between ports within the FTZ could become extremely difficult. The city should have support policies to make the process fast and efficient.
Nguyen Xuan Ky, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Seaports Association, said: “Hai Phong is piloting Vietnam’s first model that processes all customs procedures by a single unit, handled by Regional Customs Branch No. 3. The pilot is performing very well. Ho Chi Minh City should propose that the General Department of Customs adopt a similar model of centralized customs clearance for the entire area.”
Truong Tan Loc, Marketing Director of the Saigon Newport Corporation, said the city should introduce a digital boundary, a single-window customs system, and e-commerce integration to facilitate transporting goods. “I propose that ports in the upper Cai Mep area and upstream along the Thi Vai River be planned as open ports which will connect to the Free Trade Zone to create an integrated system,” Mr Loc said.
Ho Chi Minh City is finalising an FTZ Resolution in anticipation of the Urban Development Law, which will take effect on October 1, 2026. Once the FTZ Resolution is adopted, it will enable the city to fully capitalize on its potential and advantages and create momentum for future economic breakthroughs.
