Photo courtesy of VietnamNet

Vietnam's Politburo has approved a long-term plan to turn Dong Nai into a globally connected airport city, placing Long Thanh International Airport at the centre of new transport, industrial and urban development.

Resolution No. 16, signed by General Secretary and State President To Lam, sets targets through 2035 with a wider vision to 2065. It says Dong Nai should develop as a multifunctional growth centre for aviation, aerospace, high-tech manufacturing, logistics, border trade, agriculture and innovation.

Long Thanh airport anchors the strategy

The plan calls for Long Thanh International Airport to become Vietnam's principal international aviation gateway, an international transit hub and a strategic link in regional and global supply chains. Phase two of the airport, access roads, the Bien Hoa-Vung Tau railway and other interregional connections are among the infrastructure priorities.

The surrounding airport region and the Long Thanh-Nhon Trach urban area are to be planned for a population of at least 2.5 million. Development corridors would connect the airport with Ho Chi Minh City, Phuoc An port, the Central Highlands, the South Central Coast and mainland ASEAN routes through Cambodia.

High economic targets through 2065

For 2026-2030, the Politburo is targeting annual gross regional domestic product growth of at least 10%. By 2030, Dong Nai's GRDP is expected to reach US$44 billion, equivalent to US$9,200 per person, while the digital economy should account for at least 30% and the urbanisation rate should reach 65%.

The targets rise to US$70 billion in GRDP and US$13,000 per person by 2035, when Dong Nai is intended to be a green, smart airport city. By 2045, it is expected to become a modern Asia-Pacific aviation centre, with GRDP of US$150 billion and US$23,000 per person.

The 2065 vision projects GRDP of US$600 billion and US$67,500 per person. The resolution also allows special mechanisms covering investment, land, construction, planning, digital transformation, strategic investors and high-quality workers.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

For foreign residents, investors and travellers, the plan is a long-term policy direction rather than an immediate change to airport operations. Its practical effects will depend on individual projects, approvals and construction schedules.

Businesses connected to aviation, logistics, technology, manufacturing, education and property may see new opportunities around Long Thanh. Travellers should expect continuing infrastructure work as links to the airport develop, and should check official airline and airport information rather than assuming routes or opening dates from the headline targets alone.

23 July 2026

Vietnamese society & government perhaps better than some others at the trilogy of intention > design > action.

8 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

Vietnamese society & government perhaps better than some others at the trilogy of intention > design > action.

Vietnam has progressed very fast since the devastation of war, just a few decades ago.

They are on course to overtake Thailand in many industries and sectors in the years to come.