The province had more than 20,400 enterprises at the end of September 2026, following the establishment of 2,739 new businesses.
Its expanded boundaries bring together highland strengths in land, climate, agriculture and energy with coastal opportunities in maritime industries, trade and services.
The development goals include average annual private-sector growth of 9.5-11.5% and at least two large enterprises participating in global value chains by 2030.
By 2035, Gia Lai seeks to have around 75,000 active enterprises and at least five large businesses operating in those chains.
The expansion follows a sustained rise in enterprise numbers, from 6,705 in 2015 to 9,626 in 2020 and nearly 17,500 by the end of 2025, alongside efforts to renew the growth model and improve the investment and business environment.
The private sector’s contribution to gross regional domestic product (GRDP) increased from 71.9% in 2015 to 80.6% in 2025. Its ability to attract capital, organise production, adopt technology and bring products to market has also strengthened, supporting budget revenues and resources for infrastructure and public services.
Private-sector employment reached 1,697,467 people in 2025, up from 1,591,879 in 2015, and accounted for more than 93% of the province’s workforce.
Labour productivity in the sector rose from VND47 million per person in 2015 to VND72 million in 2020 and VND129 million in 2025.
Gia Lai’s stated targets for 2030 also include a private-sector contribution of 55–60% of GRDP, employment for 80–85% of the workforce and about 35–40% of total state budget revenue.
Some local businesses have already extended their reach beyond the province. Gia Lai has identified eight leading enterprises in key industries, including two ranked among the world’s 10 largest coffee exporters.
Coffee, pepper, rubber and fruit-growing areas provide a foundation for deeper participation in domestic and international value chains. Connecting these production areas with processing facilities, logistics networks and seaports is central to bringing local products to wider markets.
Realising that potential will require businesses to respond to market demand and increase the value of their products through technology, innovation, stronger management, branding and workforce development.
Closer cooperation will also be needed between large enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses, as well as among companies, farmers, universities, research institutes and government agencies. These links can help connect agricultural production with processing and distribution while strengthening access to markets.
The Gia Lai Provincial Business Association has committed to connecting enterprises with one another and with the government. Its priorities include gathering and presenting business concerns and helping companies access policies, information, markets, investment and cooperation opportunities.
The association has also called for stronger management capabilities, technological innovation, digital and green transformation, and better preparation in product quality, standards and workforce skills.
Beyond their economic activities, local businesses have supported welfare programmes, assistance for low-income households, charity housing and care for disadvantaged children. They have also helped residents during natural disasters, epidemics and other periods of hardship.
Marking Vietnamese Entrepreneurs’ Day on October 13, the association acknowledged the business community’s contribution to the province’s development. It said its work had been recognised with a Third-class Labour Order from the President, alongside emulation flags and certificates of merit from government bodies and business organisations.
As Gia Lai develops its connections between the highlands and the coast, stronger business partnerships and more complete value chains remain central to its ambitions for growth and international integration.