One of the key factors behind Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s success in building investor confidence is its strong commitment to administrative reform. For two consecutive years, the province has seen a marked improvement in governance performance indicators.

As a result, in 2024, the province ranked second out of 63 provinces and cities in the public administration reform index, up three positions from 2023.

Its Satisfaction Index of Public Administration Services ranked fifth, also up three positions, while its Provincial Competitiveness Index remained in the top tier, rising to fifth place, up one spot from the previous year.

These figures underscore the local government’s determination to streamline processes, shorten processing times, and eliminate red tape, thereby creating a more enabling environment for business investment and expansion.

At the same time, the province is actively reviewing and adjusting land use planning and industrial zone development in line with key criteria: high-tech, environmentally friendly industries with low labour intensity.

Newly designated industrial zones are being tailored to engage major corporations in green technology, logistics, and advanced supporting industries, aiming to generate high added value with minimal environmental impact.

In February, the People’s Committee outlined the implementation plan for Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s planning for the rest of this decade, with a vision towards 2050. The plan prioritises public investment in modern, synchronised infrastructure projects that enhance regional and intra-provincial connectivity.

These strategic infrastructure corridors aim to create new economic drivers, unlock investment opportunities, and foster socioeconomic development.

Key transport initiatives include linking Ba Ria-Vung Tau with neighbouring provinces in the Southeast region, strengthening national transport integration, and connecting local urban centres and economic zones to regional and national infrastructure networks.

Projects using non-public capital will focus on mobilising private and community investment to optimise the effectiveness of both existing and planned public infrastructure.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau is prioritising sectors such as seaport infrastructure and logistics, with a strategic vision to develop Cai Mep–Thi Vai International Gateway Port into a major regional and global transshipment hub.

Other investment targets include inland waterway port systems; economic corridors connecting Moc Bai with Ho Chi Minh City, Bien Hoa, and Vung Tau; the Trans-Asia corridor; industrial areas; power generation and digital infrastructure; high-tech agriculture and aquaculture; and coastal tourism hubs in Vung Tau, Long Hai, Phuoc Hai, Ho Tram, Binh Chau, and Con Dao.

In the first five months of 2025, Ba Ria-Vung Tau approved and adjusted 73 projects with total registered capital of $4 billion. This included 37 foreign-invested ventures with new and additional capital totalling $1.25 billion, and 36 domestic ones contributing nearly $2.75 billion.

At a ceremony held on May 29 in Vung Tau, the province officially approved 53 projects. These included 26 foreign-led schemes, with major investments such as an additional $400 million into the Long Son Petrochemical Complex, $120 million from Chimelong for a colourful nylon fibre plant, and $25 million for the Aventon electric bicycle factory in Dat Do I Industrial Park.

A number of major investors from South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong have chosen Ba Ria-Vung Tau as their first point of entry into Vietnam, underscoring their strategic vision and trust in the province’s investment environment.

According to Nguyen Van Tho, Chairman of Ba Ria-Vung Tau People’s Committee, the province is committed to working alongside businesses, continuously improving the investment climate, developing modern infrastructure, and creating conditions for investors to operate with long-term confidence.

“Today, Ba Ria-Vung Tau is not only the southern economic gateway but also a model in administrative reform and investment attraction. Its achievement of securing billions in investment in less than half a year is a powerful validation of its strategic position and vast potential in this new development phase,” Tho said.

With forward-looking leadership, supportive governance, and a strong commitment to partnership, Ba Ria-Vung Tau is opening its doors wide to investors seeking long-term, sustainable value.

In the context of intensifying competition for investment capital, the province continues to affirm its appeal to both domestic and international business communities. Its strategic location, deep-sea port network, and business-friendly environment position it as a rising star in Vietnam’s southeast region.

Source: Vietnam Investment Review