During the visit and working session with the two provinces of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai, including field surveys at the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, Truong Hai Group and Hoa Phat Group at Dung Quat Economic Zone in early 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed that Truong Hai Group participate in research, technology transfer, and the production of high-speed railway carriages, to eventually manufacturing locomotives.
At the same time, he proposed that Hoa Phat Group research and make high-speed railway tracks, as part of the North-South high-speed railway project.
The production of high-speed railway carriages and tracks is considered a "handshake" between large corporations and groups with the capacity to serve key national projects, strengthening the connection between the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone and the Dung Quat Economic Zone.
The two economic zones have attracted about 20.9 billion USD in investment capital, focusing on steel, petrochemical refining, automobiles, mechanics, supporting industries, trade services and logistics.
According to experts, these two economic zones still have room for multi-sector investment with the potential for linkage and production cooperation between enterprises.
By jointly participating in the research and implementation of the North-South high-speed railway project, enterprises in the two key economic zones in the central region will expand cooperation space, proactively form joint ventures and production linkages based on harmonious interests, reducing logistics costs, and create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in economic zones and industrial parks to participate in development within the value chain.
The central coastal region and the Central Highlands are home to 50 economic and industrial zones, benefiting from strong transportation connectivity via road, rail, air, and sea, particularly deep-water ports.
In the current trend of optimising production, reducing costs, and improving labour efficiency, regional cooperation and supply chain connectivity among the 11 provinces have become essential.
Strengthening investment linkages will allow investors and enterprises to expand their market reach, enter multiple production segments, identify potential partners, reduce production costs and transportation time, and minimise reliance on imports while promoting appropriate technology transfer.
This also presents an opportunity for major enterprises to take the lead in tackling complex and pioneering initiatives, helping to address national-level challenges and drive regional and national economic growth.
Collaborative production efforts will open new opportunities for economic and industrial zones, enabling businesses to support one another in manufacturing and product distribution. Local authorities should continue implementing policies to help businesses identify investment opportunities and foster mutual support. Economic and industrial zones must further enhance cooperation to successfully execute strategic projects and establish a new-generation, multi-sector industrial ecosystem.
Supporting central ministries and agencies in ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining a transparent, fair, and competitive investment environment will be crucial to achieving national development goals.
