The economic development of northern Vietnam’s border areas has always been a priority for the government. To enhance the economic strength of this region, the Prime Minister of Vietnam approved the establishment of eight border gate economic zones. These economic zones not only help ensure national security and defense but also serve as crucial engines driving regional economic growth. Over the years, local governments have relied on the national budget and external investments to continuously advance infrastructure construction and actively introduce digital border platforms to reduce costs and improve customs efficiency. Currently, various regions are accelerating transportation connections with domestic and international markets, striving to build smart border gates, laying a solid foundation for future development.
Operation of Digital Border Platforms and Infrastructure Construction
In northern Vietnam, Quang Ninh Province represents a key example of border gate economic development. The province is home to three border gate economic zones: Mong Cai, Hoanh Mo – Dong Van, and Bac Phong Sinh, with a total area exceeding 144.75 hectares. Mong Cai is seen as a national power zone and a key development area. The Quang Ninh provincial government has implemented a breakthrough strategy of modern transportation infrastructure to promote economic development in this area. Notably, the construction of the Van Don – Mong Cai expressway in 2022 significantly shortened the travel time from Lao Cai to Mong Cai. This expressway connects Hanoi, Hai Phong, Van Don, and Mong Cai and is linked with border gates in China’s Yunnan and Guangxi provinces, making it an important link in Sino-Vietnamese trade.
Lang Son Province’s border gate economic zones are also key areas for government investment and development. Since 2016, the region has attracted 154 projects, including 16 foreign-invested projects, with a total investment of over 87 million USD, while domestic projects have received over 16 trillion VND. These projects mainly focus on infrastructure and commercial services, effectively boosting local economic vitality.
In addition, Lang Son’s Dong Dang – Tra Linh expressway is scheduled to open in 2024. This expressway will connect Cao Bang Province to the Hai Phong International Port and extend to Chongqing, Urumqi, and Khorgos in Kazakhstan, eventually linking to European countries. This will significantly enhance Cao Bang’s position in the international logistics chain.
Highlights of Border Gate Economic Zones
In recent years, the provinces along the northern border of Vietnam have achieved remarkable results in the construction of border gate economic zones. For example, Ha Giang Province has invested heavily in infrastructure construction for the Thanh Thuy Border Gate Economic Zone, with about 600 billion VND allocated for land clearing and infrastructure projects. The zone has attracted 41 investment projects with registered capital exceeding 1.22 trillion VND, primarily in import-export and warehousing services. The Thanh Thuy Border Gate Economic Zone provides fixed jobs for hundreds of local workers each year, and its fiscal revenue plays an important role in the province’s finances.
The Ma Lu Thang Border Gate Economic Zone in Lai Chau Province has also attracted significant investment since its establishment. To date, 43 investors have set up 49 projects there, with a total investment of over 6 trillion VND. In 2023, the region’s per capita GDP reached 45 million VND, higher than the provincial average. These import-export activities have not only injected new vitality into the local economy but also improved the quality of life for residents.
Lang Son Province’s import-export activities have also maintained strong growth. Each year, approximately 2,800 to 3,000 domestic enterprises and economic organizations conduct import-export activities through the province’s border gates, with an average annual border crossing traffic of 1.3 million people and more than 4.5 million vehicles. From 2013 to 2022, the province’s revenue from border gate infrastructure usage fees reached nearly 4.56 trillion VND, effectively supplementing funds for border infrastructure investments, providing solid financial support for local economic development.
Cao Bang Province’s Ta Lung Border Gate Economic Zone has also shown strong development momentum. So far, the border gate has attracted 39 investment projects with a total registered capital of 3.319 trillion VND. Of these, 28 projects are already operational, providing thousands of jobs and becoming an important driving force for local economic development.
The Role of Transportation Projects
The Vietnamese government recognizes that improving transportation infrastructure is crucial to the development of border gate economic zones. In 2023, construction officially began on the expressway connecting Tuyen Quang and Phu Tho, which is expected to be completed in 2025. This expressway will provide a convenient passage between Ha Giang Province and the delta provinces of Vietnam, reducing traffic pressure on National Highway 2 and speeding up the import-export process through the Thanh Thuy International Border Gate. This move will help strengthen Ha Giang’s economic ties with other regions and further consolidate its position in national trade.
Conclusion
In summary, the development of northern Vietnam’s border gate economic zones is on an upward trajectory, becoming a key force driving the country’s economy and regional cooperation. With strong government support and improved infrastructure, many border provinces are moving towards smart and modern development.
- The development of northern Vietnam’s border gate economic zones relies on support from the national budget and external investment, with infrastructure construction being key.
- Modern transportation networks, especially the construction of expressways, have greatly enhanced the economic competitiveness of the border provinces.
- The introduction of digital border platforms has effectively reduced customs costs, improved efficiency, and facilitated smooth Sino-Vietnamese trade.
- By attracting domestic and foreign investment, the border provinces have increased employment opportunities, improved the living standards of local residents, and promoted socio-economic development.
