HANOI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam plans to establish up to 10 free trade zones nationwide by 2045 as part of efforts to create new growth drivers and enhance international competitiveness, the government portal reported Friday.
Under a proposal presented by the Ministry of Finance at a government meeting on Friday morning, Vietnam is expected to pilot free trade zones in major cities in 2026, including the northern port city of Hai Phong, the central city of Da Nang and the southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City.
The Southeast Asian country aims to develop about six to eight free trade zones and similar models in localities with favorable conditions by 2030, according to the proposal.
By 2045, all zones combined are projected to contribute 15 to 20 percent of Vietnam's gross domestic product, the report said. ■