Prime minister calls for development of the national center for refining, petrochemicals and energy at Dung Quất

On 3 April, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính chaired a meeting of the Standing Government and the Party Committee to discuss a set of important issues, including proposals on mechanisms and policies to promote the development of the National Center for Refining, Petrochemical, and Energy at the Dung Quất Economic Zone in Quảng Ngãi province.

Development needs and project objectives

The meeting heard that Vietnam is entering a new development phase that requires high, sustainable growth and a shift in energy supply. In this context, building large-scale, integrated energy industrial centers with international competitiveness was described as an urgent requirement.

The proposals are aligned with the Party and State’s orientation to form new growth poles, including national energy centers linked to regional advantages and global development trends. The center is intended to build a complete value chain—from import, storage, and processing of oil and gas to energy production and related industrial products—serving domestic demand and exports.

The center is also expected to integrate new technologies to support the energy transition, including green hydrogen, green ammonia, carbon capture, and other clean energy solutions.

Why Dung Quất Economic Zone

The Dung Quất Economic Zone was cited as having favorable conditions for development into the National Center for Refining, Petrochemicals, and Energy, including its strategic location, deep-water port, existing industrial base, and the Dung Quất refinery—the first refinery in Vietnam.

Officials said the center is expected to contribute to development not only in Quảng Ngãi province, but also along the Central Vietnam coast and to the national economy.

Policy framework and implementation approach

The proposal includes mechanisms and policies within the scope of both Government authority and National Assembly authority, drawing on international models to realize the center as a strategic national project contributing to energy security, growth of the coastal economy, and development of the country’s industrial base.

A representative from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) reported on the plan’s progress. The central goal was described as balancing economic viability with energy security, international competitiveness, attracting foreign investment, and building a complete energy-industrial value chain while supporting sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Cause to development: building the integrated value chain

The meeting noted that Vietnam’s energy strategy and sector plans define the role of developing an integrated value chain covering oil and gas, LNG, electricity, and renewable energy. The center is expected to form a complete chain from import and storage to processing and energy production, while promoting a circular economy and a low-carbon economy.

In addition to conventional energy-related activities, the project framework includes technologies such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, and carbon capture, alongside other clean energy solutions.

Prime Minister’s direction and next steps

After hearing reports and opinions, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính welcomed MoIT, Quảng Ngãi province, and relevant ministries for their rapid work on the center proposal.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the center will require diversified resources, including state and private capital, central and local resources, domestic and foreign investment, and both direct and indirect investment. He directed the deputy prime minister in charge to lead the completion of related dossiers, with relevant ministries participating as appropriate.

For policies within the Government’s remit, implementation will be carried out by the Government. For policies within the National Assembly’s remit, the meeting discussed piloting and step-by-step implementation, with MoIT leading the drafting of a proposed National Assembly resolution.

Attendees agreed to continue refining and completing the documents. The Quảng Ngãi Provincial People’s Committee was tasked with coordinating with MoIT and other agencies to finalize dossiers, assess policy impacts, and work with investors.

The Prime Minister reiterated that this is a large-scale center requiring diversified funding sources and stressed a pragmatic approach with a clear timetable to mobilize resources and ensure rapid, effective progress.

The Prime Minister’s remarks were reported by Hà Văn for the Government Portal.