Vinh Long forges ahead, marking a pioneering path with refreshed strategy.
The southwestern region of Vietnam is witnessing a significant transformation with the merger of Vinh Long, Ben Tre, and Tra Vinh provinces. This new entity, spanning nearly 6,300 square kilometres and home to over 4.1 million people, is poised to become a magnet for foreign direct investment.
The merger reflects the province's grand development ambition and strategic vision for robust marine economic growth. With around 130km of shoreline, the province offers tremendous potential for developing the marine economy, logistics, seaports, offshore wind power, and new urban areas.
Vinh Long's export value is projected to exceed $3.6 billion for the entire year, marking a 7.94% increase year-on-year. The total export value in the first half of 2025 is estimated to reach $1.86 billion, up 17.6% on-year. Major export categories include leather and footwear, transport equipment and spare parts, accessories, and machinery and components.
Key infrastructure projects are being developed across the province, including Ba Lai 8 bridge, Dinh Khao bridge, Cua Dai bridge, and the coastal road linking Ben Tre with Tien Giang and Tra Vinh. The Rach Mieu 2 bridge connecting Tien Giang province is slated to open on National Day on September 2, shortening the travel time between Ho Chi Minh City and eastern coastal provinces.
The agricultural sector is set for transformation, focusing on green, organic, and high-tech farming methods, circular agriculture, and supply chain linkages for food safety and higher value products. The coconut industry, which occupies about 70% of the Mekong Delta’s coconut plantations in the new province, is a key area of emphasis.
The merger also presents opportunities for tourism development. Leveraging the expanded geography, the province aims to create integrated tourism routes linking inland and coastal areas, stimulating related service sectors like accommodation and handicrafts, creating jobs, and improving living standards.
In addition, the province is working towards creating ecological industrial clusters and expanding domestic and international trade networks based on its complementary strengths within the Mekong Delta region.
The department is also focusing on boosting the province's export and export-potential products, helping local businesses connect with global partners, and diversifying markets. To encourage investment and economic activity, the department aims to streamline bureaucracy and governance efficiency, reducing administrative burdens, and speeding up business processes by at least 30% by 2025.
However, the key challenges for sustainable economic growth include urgently restructuring regional industries and agricultural production chains toward more sustainable and innovation-driven models, complying with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards to maintain competitiveness, and managing the integration of administrative systems while maintaining efficiency.
In conclusion, the merger of Vinh Long, Ben Tre, and Tra Vinh provinces presents both challenges and opportunities. With a strategic location, robust infrastructure, and a focus on sustainable, diversified, and innovation-led growth, the new province is positioned to become a powerful growth hub for the Mekong Delta region and the country.
[1]: Source for streamlining bureaucracy and governance efficiency [2]: Source for agricultural sector transformation and ecological industrial clusters [3]: Source for tourism development potential [4]: Source for ESG compliance and industry restructuring challenges [5]: Source for GDP growth targets and balanced development strategy
- The department's focus on streamlining bureaucracy and governance efficiency aims to encourage investment and economic activity, creating a conducive environment for the development of various sectors, including sports.
- The expanded geography and integrated tourism routes linking inland and coastal areas present opportunities for the province to showcase its unique cultural heritage and attractions, potentially boosting the sports tourism industry and stimulating related service sectors.
