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Although it is attracting hundreds of projects and tens of thousands of workers, many observers say the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone should not be expanded at present. The reasons cited include that conditions are not yet fully met, infrastructure remains limited, and there is a risk of affecting water resources.
On the afternoon of April 17, Da Nang City Vice Chairman Phan Thai Bình chaired a meeting with the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone Management Board and related agencies to review development orientations for the zone.
Established under Prime Minister’s Decision No. 108/2003/QĐ-TTg, Chu Lai Open Economic Zone covers more than 27,000 hectares and follows a multi-sector development orientation, including industry, logistics, urban development, tourism, and high-tech agriculture. After more than two decades, the zone has become one of the investment bright spots in the central region.
To date, Chu Lai has attracted 262 projects with registered capital of more than VND 157,500 billion, including 67 FDI projects. Of these, 164 projects have come into operation, creating jobs for about 45,000–50,000 workers. The automobile manufacturing and assembly sector is emerging as a leading industry, contributing to the zone’s deeper participation in the global value chain.
Infrastructure in the zone has been gradually invested in. The Chu Lai port system can handle ships up to 50,000 tons, with expected cargo throughput of about 6 million tons by 2026. Chu Lai Airport is planned to become a large international airport, expected to provide a new boost if the privatization/socialization plan is implemented on schedule.
According to the Management Board, the entire zone has 14 industrial zones approved for investment, but only seven have started operation, with an average occupancy rate of about 60%. This level has not reached the 70% threshold required by Decree 35/2022/ND-CP to consider expansion.
Several expansion options—ranging from 31,000 to more than 43,000 hectares—have been studied, but all faced obstacles. First, there is not enough legal basis and conditions under current regulations. In addition, transport infrastructure connectivity in some areas remains limited and does not meet requirements for coordinated development if expansion occurs. Expansion also carries the risk of affecting water resources.
Based on these assessments, the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone Management Board recommends not proceeding with expansion for the time being, focusing on effective development within the current scale. Any expansion will be reconsidered when the necessary conditions are met, especially when the occupancy rate reaches the required threshold.
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