As of August 31, total import-export turnover at the border gate reached USD 155 million, including USD 92 million in imports, 19.9% of the province’s total, and USD 63 million in exports, accounting for 2.9% of provincial shipments.
Imports included rubber, raw cashew nuts, cassava, bananas, and mangoes, while exports featured steel, fertilizers, plastic products, and pregnant cows.
Revenue for the state budget and other collections at the border gate stood at VND 8.6 billion (USD 340,000) in the first eight months of 2025, up 2.4% year-on-year. Infrastructure usage fees from vehicles reached VND 2.23 billion (USD 88,000), a 3.7% increase.
The economic zone spans more than 41,000 hectares across Đức Cơ district, with a central area of 155 hectares and an industrial park of over 210 hectares.
From 2002 to 2025, technical infrastructure investment totaled VND 398 billion (USD 15.7 million) in the central zone and VND 28.33 billion (USD 1.1 million) in the industrial park.
To date, the zone has attracted 37 projects with registered capital of VND 643.9 billion (USD 25.4 million). Actual disbursement is estimated at VND 319.1 billion (USD 12.6 million), equal to 49.6% of commitments.
The central zone accounts for 33 projects worth VND 530.5 billion (USD 20.9 million), while the industrial park hosts four projects totaling VND 113.4 billion (USD 4.5 million).
At the dialogue, businesses urged improvements in warehouse facilities, logistics, and cross-border vehicle quotas. THACO AGRI, which operates across Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, called for an expanded e-visa system and higher truck quotas to meet demand.
Other firms highlighted the need for local processing plants for raw materials such as cashew nuts and cassava to reduce costs and create jobs.
Provincial Chairman Phạm Anh Tuấn reaffirmed support for enterprises, pledging a “5 together” approach (listening, discussing, acting, sharing results, and overcoming challenges collectively).
He directed the Economic Zone Management Board to implement the “6 clears” (principle, including clear tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities), with priorities on bonded warehouses, cold storage, inspection systems, and transport links to the Quy Nhơn-Pleiku expressway.
Photo: Văn Ngọc
Gia Lai also plans to adopt digital and smart border gate models, applying QR code-based vehicle and goods management, and supporting cross-border e-commerce
Tuấn urged businesses to embrace innovation, expand investment, and shift from raw exports to deep processing for higher value.
“The province and enterprises have found common ground in the spirit of partnership and responsibility,” he said, adding that the Lệ Thanh zone could become a growth engine for Gia Lai and a bridge for trade with Cambodia.