Cargo handling and vessel support operations at Phuoc An Port (Phuoc An commune). Photo: Hai Quan
The commercial and service sectors in the newly formed Dong Nai province are expected to have many opportunities to develop and expand in scale, diversify retail and consumption channels to meet local consumer demand, as well as focus on infrastructure investment for the development of a modern, comprehensive commerce and service sector.
**Developing modern service infrastructure**
Dong Nai will strengthen regional, national, and international connectivity, aiming to become one of the major trading hubs in southern Vietnam. Especially, by leveraging Long Thanh International Airport and Phuoc An Port, the province will boost activities such as import-export, industrial production, e-commerce, and passenger transport.
Phuoc An Port is a seaport covering nearly 800 hectares with a total investment of nearly VND 20 trillion, making it the largest seaport in Dong Nai province. According to planning, Phuoc An Port will include port subzones and logistics service zones. The port is committed to sustainable development, contributing to the modernization of the logistics sector and making Dong Nai an attractive destination in the global maritime transport network.
Once Long Thanh International Airport becomes operational, Dong Nai will not only serve as an international air transshipment hub and develop its strengths in logistics, commerce, and industry but will also gain advantages as a hub for data exchange, attracting information technology industries.
Mr. Truong Hoang Hai, Director of Phuoc An Port Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company, shared that the port will focus on investing in green port infrastructure and modernizing equipment to use clean energy, with most of its operations transitioning to electrification.
In addition, Phuoc An Port will actively connect and cooperate with shipping lines, logistics enterprises, and partners in the supply chain to establish an international green transport corridor. This is not only a global trend but also a driving force to enhance the competitiveness and position of Vietnam’s seaport industry in the global trade map.
Dong Nai will complete a modern, synchronized import-export service system, connected with seaports and Long Thanh International Airport. The province encourages investment attraction and socialization to develop logistics centers, distribution hubs, commercial centers, supermarkets, and markets to meet economic development needs.
Notably, the province is researching the establishment of a Free Trade Zone in Dong Nai in conjunction with Long Thanh International Airport and Phuoc An Port, covering approximately 8,200 hectares. The zone is expected to include four functional subzones: high-tech industrial production, logistics, financial and commercial services, and innovation.
Additionally, the new Dong Nai province still has ample room to develop urban infrastructure, border trade infrastructure, economic zone infrastructure, industrial parks, and clusters, as well as digital infrastructure associated with e-commerce. At the same time, priority will be given to training a skilled, professional workforce to meet the needs of fast and sustainable socio-economic development.
In recent times, the locality has focused on investing in the Hoa Lu Border Gate Economic Zone in terms of transportation, joint inspection stations, and cargo staging yards, thereby creating favorable conditions for economic zone operations, especially in managing import-export activities.
**Promoting sustainable production-consumption chains**
The province's commercial infrastructure is increasingly complete and diverse, involving various economic sectors, integrating digital technologies and e-commerce platforms. Alongside traditional markets, the distribution systems of major brands have expanded to commune, ward, and township centers across the province, better serving residents' needs.
E-commerce Index (EBI) ranking of Dong Nai province (historical) based on annual reports from 2017–2025 by the Vietnam E-commerce Association (Vecom). Graphic: Hai Quan
Currently, the province has 9 commercial centers and 19 supermarkets, along with expanding chains of convenience stores and mini-marts in both urban and remote areas. Moreover, convenience store chains such as Bach Hoa Xanh, Winmart, Co.opFood, GS25, FamilyMart, and others, as well as mini-marts and self-service stores, are developing strongly. At the same time, the province has 194 traditional markets and tens of thousands of business households providing essential goods to residents.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Bach Van, Director of Co.opmart Dong Xoai, shared that after over 16 years of development, Co.opmart Dong Xoai has not only served as an extension of the Saigon Co.op system to stabilize the market but also acted as a bridge bringing Vietnamese goods to consumers and gradually affirming the position of the oldest pure Vietnamese retailer in the area. Over 95% of products in the supermarket's self-service area originate from Vietnam.
"The merger of Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc provinces presents great opportunities for businesses to expand markets and customer bases. It’s also a chance to promote and sell local goods more widely. The new Dong Nai province currently has three operating Co.opmart supermarkets, offering favorable conditions for better customer service, and actively partnering with local OCOP (One Commune One Product) suppliers to boost product promotion and circulation within the province," emphasized Ms. Bach Van.
Developing a modern, integrated commerce and service sector is an inevitable trend and a necessary condition to meet local development needs in the context of international integration, digital transformation, technology application, and the implementation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The province focuses on building supply chains, particularly for high-tech agricultural products.
Besides traditional retail channels, in recent years, e-commerce has been growing rapidly in Dong Nai. The province has maintained a top 10 national ranking for e-commerce development for nine consecutive years.
Mr. Hoang Son (a resident of Tam Hiep ward) expressed hope that to foster sustainable commerce, Dong Nai should focus on developing digital economic infrastructure, innovating technology and sales methods, and strengthening linkages to promote local specialties and bring products closer to consumers both inside and outside the province through safe and modern retail and consumption channels.
Hai Quan