Executive Summary
The National Assembly has officially adopted Resolution No. 260/2025/QH15, amending Resolution 98/2023/QH15 regarding special mechanisms for Ho Chi Minh City.
This legal update is revolutionary. It goes beyond mere decentralization to actively construct a “Global Business Ecosystem” within Vietnam. The highlights include the establishment of the Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone (FTZ) (integrated within the southern economic locomotive) and the unprecedented authorization to use English in official transactions within specific zones. For foreign investors, HCMC is effectively transforming into a “Singapore-style” business hub.
Key Regulatory Breakthroughs
1. The Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone (FTZ)
The Resolution provides the legal backbone for this “Super Seaport City,” designed to rival regional hubs like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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Scope: 3,764 hectares comprising three functional areas:
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Area 1: Multimodal transport hub (Port + Railway).
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Area 2: Logistics & Industrial warehousing.
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Area 3: Hi-tech industry, urban services, and Green Space (Forest Carbon Credits).
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The “19 Unprecedented Measures”: The FTZ is granted 36 special policies, 19 of which are completely new to Vietnam’s legal system.
2. English in Official Transactions
Perhaps the most “investor-friendly” reform in Vietnam’s modern history.
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Mechanism: The Resolution permits the use of English in official administrative procedures and transactions within the FTZ and specific high-tech zones.
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Impact: This eliminates the “Lost in Translation” risk and drastically reduces the cost/time for notarized translations, making the “Ease of Doing Business” index soar for non-Vietnamese speakers.
3. Strategic Investor Privileges
The criteria for “Strategic Investors” have been clarified to filter for high-quality capital.
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Equity Requirements:
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Projects < VND 30 trillion: Investor must have 20% equity.
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Projects > VND 30 trillion: Investor must have 15% equity.
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One-Stop Shop: A genuine “single-window” mechanism is established, empowering local authorities to bypass line-ministry approvals for faster licensing.
Strategic Analysis: Implications for Business & Investment
At Lexora Partner, we interpret these moves as a shift from “Incentives by Tax” to “Incentives by Efficiency.”
1. The Logistics & Supply Chain Renaissance
For our clients in Logistics, E-commerce, and Manufacturing:
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Analysis: The Cai Mep Ha FTZ is not just a port; it’s a multimodal hub. Companies setting up Regional Distribution Centers (RDCs) here will benefit from seamless customs and the ability to re-export without friction. This is the prime location for “China+1” supply chain diversification strategies.
2. Rise of the “International Service Hub”
The permission to use English signals HCMC’s ambition to attract Regional Headquarters (RHQ).
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Analysis: Financial institutions, Legal firms, and Consultancy agencies will find it easier to operate. We anticipate a wave of “Office Relocation” from traditional CBDs to these new zones to capitalize on the administrative ease.
3. Real Estate & “Green” Opportunities
The explicit mention of land reserved for Forest Carbon Credit schemes within the FTZ is a signal for ESG investors.
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Analysis: Developers who can integrate “Green Port” or “Eco-Industrial Park” concepts will receive priority land allocation.
Lexora’s Perspective: First-Mover Advantage
The legal framework is set, but the implementation window is opening now (Effective from 2026). Lexora Partner advises:
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For Logistics/Manufacturing Investors: Immediately conduct a feasibility study on relocating or expanding into the Cai Mep Ha FTZ to lock in early-bird land rates and incentives.
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For Service Providers: Prepare your workforce. The “English-speaking” administration requires your local compliance team to be fluent not just in language but in international legal terminology.
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Monitor Decrees: While the Resolution is passed, the detailed Decrees guiding the “One-Stop Shop” and “English usage” protocols will follow. Stay subscribed to our updates to know exactly which forms can be submitted in English.
Lexora Partner – Positioning your capital where the policy tailwinds are strongest.
Disclaimer: This update reflects the latest legislative changes as of January 2026.
