The initiative follows Decision No. 1074/QĐ-TTg, issued by the Prime Minister on June 4, 2025, approving the master plan for the EZ through 2045. On September 30, the Provincial People’s Committee (PPC) announced a detailed implementation roadmap dividing the zone into six functional subzones, each with specific development priorities.
Key subzones and development focus
Subzone 1, the Le Thanh Border Gate Urban Area, covers 1,512 hectares and is designated as a central hub for trade and border exchange. It will include a non-tariff zone, industrial area, ICD dry port, and urban complex, with a projected population of 15,000 by 2045.
Subzone 2, Chu Ty Town (now Duc Co Commune, 1,545 ha), is envisioned as a key logistics and tourism center, connecting to the EZ and serving 26,000 residents.
The remaining subzones, Ia Dơk (4,995 ha), Ia Dom (13,266 ha), Ia Nan (8,797 ha), and Ia Pnôn (11,400 ha), will focus on rural residential development, agricultural raw material zones, and eco-, community-, and cultural tourism.
Strategic infrastructure and investor selection
Architect Võ Hồng Nhân, Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial Architects Association, said the master plan provides “a comprehensive framework” for socio-economic growth, defense, infrastructure, and environmental protection toward sustainable development.
He emphasized the impact of major infrastructure projects such as the Pleiku–Le Thanh Expressway and upgrades to National Highway 14C, which will enhance connectivity and investment potential.
This year, the province will prepare a 1/2,000-scale zoning plan for Subzone 1 and a 1/500-scale detailed plan for its 189-hectare central area. Once approved, investors will be selected to build and operate infrastructure in the logistics zone (10 ha), non-tariff zone (65 ha), and industrial zone (155 ha by 2030), according to Nguyễn Như Trình, Deputy Head of the EZ Management Board.
Current investment and trade performance
To date, the EZ has attracted 37 projects with total registered capital of VND 643.9 billion (about USD 25.6 million), of which VND 319.1 billion (USD 12.7 million) has been disbursed.
In the first nine months of 2025, the zone recorded USD 157 million in import-export turnover and VND 8.9 billion (USD 354,000) in budget revenue. Despite this progress, officials noted that border trade remains modest compared to the zone’s potential.
Lê Thị Hiện, Director of Gia Trọng Tín Co. Ltd, said synchronized investment in infrastructure, warehousing, logistics, and transport is crucial to making the zone’s trade activities more dynamic and competitive.
Long-term goals and policy initiatives
Gia Lai aims to surpass USD 2 billion in import-export turnover through Le Thanh Border Gate by 2030. Achieving this goal depends on effective implementation of the 2045 master plan and targeted incentives for sectors such as agricultural processing, wood, rubber, starch, and animal feed.
Communal authorities within the EZ are tasked with aligning subzone development plans to the province’s overall strategy. Ia Dom Commune Party Secretary Trần Ngọc Phận said local efforts will focus on attracting trade and tourism investments, including mini-supermarkets and convenience stores near the border.
Strengthening infrastructure and digital connectivity
During a September 27 meeting with import-export businesses, PPC Chairman Phạm Anh Tuấn directed the EZ Management Board to enhance infrastructure, prioritizing inspection yards, bonded warehouses, cold storage, and specialized inspection facilities.
He also called for the integration of digital border gate systems, QR code applications, and a “one-stop, one-time” customs model, alongside improved transport links to the Quy Nhơn–Pleiku Expressway.
Deputy Head Nguyễn Như Trình confirmed that by the end of 2025, the Management Board will finalize functional planning projects, establish a goods exchange market, and complete the organizational framework for managing goods, vehicles, and personnel, ensuring synchronized and compliant border operations.