Forward momentum for Vinh Long with enhanced trajectory
Vinh Long Province: A Growing Powerhouse in the Mekong Delta
Vinh Long province, following its recent merger with Tra Vinh and Ben Tre provinces, is implementing a two-tier local government model and embarking on a new economic development strategy. The province's growth trajectory is robust and sustained by a balanced approach that combines agricultural modernization, industrial development, social welfare improvements, and administrative efficiency.
In the first half of 2025, the province's economy is experiencing a significant surge, with an estimated growth rate of 7.49%. This growth is visible across key sectors: agriculture, industry, and services, with growth rates of 2.93%, 12.44%, and 8.74% respectively [1][3]. The province's strategic development plan focuses on restructuring and upgrading its agriculture sector, with a particular emphasis on transforming crop and livestock structures, expanding agricultural product value chains, and promoting green, organic, circular, and high-tech farming to ensure efficiency and sustainability [1]. The agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector alone targets a growth rate of 3.57% for the year [1].
Industrially, Vinh Long is enhancing its industrial growth as a contributor to the provincial economy. The strong industrial growth rate of 12.44% in the first half of 2025 demonstrates this [1][3]. The province is continuing to attract investment and streamline industrial activities, though specific new industrial projects are not detailed in the latest reports [1][3].
While direct tourism focus was not highlighted in recent data, the province has made notable advances in social welfare. These include poverty reduction, improved housing by eliminating dilapidated homes (new houses provided to 6,530 households), and supporting ethnic minorities [1][3]. These efforts contribute indirectly to improving the quality of life and creating a better environment, which supports tourism potential.
Following the merger, Vinh Long is now classified as a coastal province with over 130km of shoreline, offering tremendous potential for developing the marine economy, logistics, seaports, offshore wind power, and new urban areas. Key infrastructure projects, such as Ba Lai 8 bridge, Dinh Khao bridge, Cua Dai bridge, and the coastal road linking Ben Tre with Tien Giang and Tra Vinh, are being developed across the province [1]. The Rach Mieu 2 bridge connecting Tien Giang province is expected to open on National Day on September 2, shortening the travel time between Ho Chi Minh City and eastern coastal provinces [1].
The integration of the Mekong River system with expressways, inland roads, and the coastal road network is forming a robust backbone to support a new economic development strategy. Post-merger, Vinh Long is now expected to become a magnet for foreign direct investment. The province has already approved 13 projects with a total registered capital of nearly VND19.6 trillion ($790 million) [1].
In terms of infrastructure, Vinh Long benefits from key infrastructure like National Highway 1 and the Trung Luong-My Thuan-Can Tho expressway. Major export categories in Vinh Long province include leather and footwear, transport equipment and spare parts, accessories like bags and umbrellas, machinery and components [1]. The streamlined governance model in Vinh Long is unlocking new opportunities for investment and development.
In the energy sector, Tra Vinh, now part of Vinh Long, is an emerging energy hub for the region, with numerous large-scale wind and solar power projects, and Duyen Hai thermal power complex [1]. Ben Tre, part of Vinh Long, is developing a coastal land reclamation project covering around 50,000ha, aiming for robust marine economic growth [1].
Experts believe the merger of the three localities enables the new Vinh Long to expand its development scope towards the coast and transform into a powerful growth hub for the Mekong Delta region and the country. By the end of 2025, Vinh Long province is expected to have 119,270ha of coconut trees, leading the nation and accounting for nearly half of Vietnam's total coconut-growing area [1].
The Vinh Long Department of Industry and Trade is coordinating with other departments to support businesses in technological innovation and enhancing competitiveness [1]. Tra Vinh, part of Vinh Long, is revitalizing its tourism sector as a strategic economic pillar by 2030 [1].
In a recent development, VIB has finalized a VND1.64 trillion ($62.7 million) credit facility agreement with Duyen Hai Wind Power JSC for a wind power project in Vinh Long [1]. The province's total export value for the first half of 2025 is estimated to reach $1.86 billion, up 17.6% on-year [1]. For the entire year, Vinh Long's export value is projected to exceed $3.6 billion, marking a 7.94% increase on-year [1].
In conclusion, Vinh Long's growth trajectory is robust and sustained by a balanced approach that combines agricultural modernization, industrial development, social welfare improvements, and administrative efficiency. The province aims to continue this path with a strong emphasis on sustainable and high-tech agricultural practices and enhanced public services to support both economic development and social stability [1][3].
References: [1] VietnamPlus (2025). Vinh Long: A new economic growth hub in Mekong Delta. Retrieved from https://vietnamplus.vn/vinh-long-moi-mot-tinh-kinh-te-moi-trong-khu-vuc-delta-mekong/126547.vnp [3] VietnamNet Bridge (2025). Vinh Long's economic growth in first half of 2025. Retrieved from https://vietnamnet.vn/en/business/vinh-long-s-economic-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-744671.html
1. The strategic development plan of Vinh Long Province, with its emphasis on agricultural restructuring and high-tech farming, may open new opportunities for sports facilities and athletic programs, as such advancements could promote a healthier lifestyle among its residents.
2. As Vinh Long continues to attract investment and establish new urban areas, the provincial government might consider including sports infrastructure projects in their development plans, fostering a more vibrant and active community, and potentially positioning the region as a promising destination for international sports events.
