AsemconnectVietnam - On behalf of the Government, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang signed Decree No. 378/2026/ND-CP dated October 1, 2026, detailing specific articles and implementation measures for the Law on Urban Development.

The Decree clearly stipulates the criteria and conditions for the establishment of Free Trade Zones.
The Decree specifies the criteria and conditions for establishing Free Trade Zones as follows:
1. Possess a geographical location favorable for the development of international trade, logistics, manufacturing, and services, including:
a) Being adjacent to or having direct transport connections with international seaport systems, international airports, international financial centers, major international border gates, or other strategic logistics infrastructure;
b) Having multimodal transport connectivity utilizing at least two modes of transport among road, rail, inland waterway, maritime, and air transport. In cases where connecting infrastructure is not yet completed, such projects must be included in investment plans approved by competent authorities, with a completion schedule aligned with the zone's operational launch phase.
2. Have a minimum area of 1,000 hectares. If organized into non-contiguous areas, infrastructure connectivity and unified operational management must be ensured.
3. Demonstrate socio-economic and land-use efficiency; and exhibit complementarity and linkages with existing economic zones, industrial parks, logistics centers, and functional zones.
4. Possess infrastructure and functional zone layouts that align with the prescribed development orientation for Free Trade Zones. 5. Possess a feasible management and operational plan, an inter-agency coordination mechanism, an integrated "single-window" system, and a digital data-based management system.
6. Possess plans to ensure national defense, national security, social order and safety, financial safety, cybersecurity, and data protection; to prevent and combat smuggling, trade fraud, origin fraud, illegal transshipment, money laundering, and high-tech crime; and to manage risks and protect the environment.
Infrastructure requirements for the Free Trade Zone
As prescribed, a Free Trade Zone must possess—or have the capacity for the synchronized investment in—essential technical infrastructure facilities, including:
a) External and internal transport systems and multimodal connectivity;
b) Electricity supply, water supply, drainage, and waste and wastewater treatment systems;
c) Telecommunications and information technology systems, data centers, or digital infrastructure serving management, business operations, and data sharing;
d) Warehousing systems, dry ports, and facilities serving export, import, and transshipment activities;
đ) Facilities for fire prevention and fighting, search and rescue, safety and security assurance, and specialized inspection and supervision.
Investment in technical infrastructure must be phased in alignment with the Free Trade Zone's development schedule, meet long-term development requirements, and ensure connectivity with regional and national infrastructure systems; investment in green, smart, and low-emission infrastructure is encouraged. The management, monitoring, and operational system of the Free Trade Zone shall be implemented on a digital platform, facilitating data connectivity and sharing with central and local specialized management agencies in accordance with the law.
Structure of functional zones within the Free Trade Zone
Based on development requirements, the Free Trade Zone shall be organized into one or more of the following functional zones:
- Integrated logistics zone;
- Industrial zone;
- Trade and service zone;
- Research, development, and innovation zone;
- Concentrated digital technology zone and data center;
- Non-tariff zone;
- Other functional zones as prescribed by law.
Adjustments to the structure of functional zones shall be carried out by competent authorities based on development needs, regulations on urban and rural planning, and other relevant laws.
Sequence and procedures for establishing a Free Trade Zone
The People's Committee of the province or city shall organize the preparation of a report proposing the policy for establishing the Free Trade Zone and submit it to the competent authority for consideration and approval of the implementation policy.
Based on the policy approved by the competent authority, the People's Committee of the province or city shall organize the preparation of the scheme for establishing the Free Trade Zone.
Based on the scheme for establishing the Free Trade Zone prepared in accordance with regulations, the state management agency for Free Trade Zones shall solicit opinions on the scheme from the Ministries of Finance; Industry and Trade; National Defence; Public Security; Agriculture and Rural Development; Natural Resources and Environment; and other relevant ministries and agencies.
Within 15 working days of receiving the scheme, the ministries and agencies shall submit their comments regarding the scheme; Within 25 days of receiving comments from the Ministries, the state management agency responsible for the Free Trade Zone shall explain and clarify said comments, finalize the Scheme, and report to the Chairperson of the Provincial or Municipal People's Committee for consideration and a decision on the establishment of the Free Trade Zone.
If the area proposed for the establishment of a Free Trade Zone impacts national defense or security, written consensus must be obtained from the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security;
Within 05 working days of its issuance, the Decision establishing the Free Trade Zone shall be sent to the Ministry of Finance.
The Chairperson of the Provincial or Municipal People's Committee shall decide on adjustments to the name, objectives, functions, and other matters related to the organization and operation of the Free Trade Zone, following consultation with the Ministries of Finance; Industry and Trade; National Defense; Public Security; Agriculture and Rural Development; and Natural Resources and Environment, as well as other relevant ministries and agencies. Adjustments to boundaries or the expansion of the Free Trade Zone shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of this Decree.
This Decree takes effect on October 1, 2026.
Source: VITIC/tapchicongthuong.vn