Da Nang poised for two-digit growth as regional development plans advance

Da Nang stands at a golden moment to achieve two-digit growth. Da Nang is closely following the government’s directions, actively implementing key projects in the 2026-2030 period, especially investment projects that have already received approval in principle. The Da Nang 2nd Software Park campus, where the initial headquarters of the Vietnam International Financial Center will be located in Da Nang, illustrates the city’s development trajectory. With the Prime Minister’s approval of adjusting the regional planning and the special mechanisms recently approved by the National Assembly, Da Nang is at this golden moment to realize its ambition to become a major socio-economic hub for the country and Southeast Asia, targeting an average GRDP growth of 11-12% per year. Renewing development space through regional planning On April 4, 2026, the Prime Minister issued decisions approving adjustments to the six regional plans for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, covering: the Northwest and mountainous region; the Red River Delta; the North Central Coast; the South Central Coast and the Central Highlands; the Southeast Region and the Mekong Delta. In Decision No. 614/QD-TTg, the Prime Minister approved adjusting the Nam Trung Bo and Tay Nguyen regional plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. The scope and boundaries of the planning adjustment include: Da Nang City, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, and the sea-space and islands as defined by relevant laws. By 2030, the Nam Trung Bo coastal region and the Central Highlands region are expected to be fast-growing and sustainable; leveraging strong sea–plateau–border linkages; with a rational economic structure and modernization steps, becoming a desirable destination for sea, island, ecological, and cultural tourism. Several localities in the region are already leaders nationally in fields such as science, technology, innovation, tourism, logistics, and financial services. (Images omitted for brevity) According to Da Nang city leadership, the Prime Minister’s approval of the regional plan adjustments, along with city-level resolutions and decisions to adjust Da Nang’s city planning to 2050 (with perspective to 2075), provide an important basis for implementing key tasks and measures in the near future. The city aims to develop beyond a tourism-focused urban center to become a hub for science and technology, entrepreneurship, and international finance. Da Nang intends to become a smart, ecological city with a strong cultural identity, high living standards, and a dynamic, sustainable economy aligned with green transition and comprehensive digital transformation; gradually affirming its role as a major economic-socio center in the country with influence in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific. Exploiting policy prerogatives to drive development To realize double-digit growth, city authorities will continue to implement central and local resolutions, align with government directives—especially Prime Minister conclusions—and operationalize them through action programs. The city will aggressively implement special mechanisms and policies, remove project bottlenecks, and resolve findings from audits and court rulings to unlock resources. The Director of Da Nang’s Department of Finance emphasizes reform and project delivery as top priorities, along with simplifying licensing for private housing to mobilize resident resources and ensuring efficient disbursement through smart oversight systems. Da Nang is actively progressing key projects for 2026-2030, particularly investment schemes already approved in principle, including upgrading the Nam Hai Van bypass road; a Cu De riverside road connecting Liên Chiểu port to the motorway junction; National Highway 14D; a major logistics hub at Liên Chiểu; construction of the international passenger terminal; high-end urban, tourism, and ecological developments; and energy projects. In response to geopolitical shifts, Da Nang is also adjusting its tourism strategy to attract high-spending travelers from Northeast Asia, India, and Australia, including charter flights from Russia and CIS countries to Vietnam in 2026. The city will monitor market developments, forecast trends, and coordinate with businesses to ensure reliable supply chains and pricing of essential goods, maintaining food and energy security and adequate electricity and fuel. The city also plans to accelerate foreign investment into the International Financial Center, Free Trade Zone, and Science-Technology Innovation sectors. Da Nang continues to implement Plan No. 48-KH/TU for 2026, following national and municipal resolutions to create greater space and higher standards in strategic sectors, aiming to unlock breakthroughs for double-digit growth. Anh Dũng