CATALYST FOR INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

The consolidation of provincial/municipal administrative boundaries in Vietnam is expected to deliver a powerful impetus to the industrial real estate market, unlocking opportunities to establish expansive industrial-urban zones, boost competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

Expanding administrative boundaries allows provinces to plan larger industrial parks, providing more options for businesses

Streamlining governance, expanding development horizons

Far beyond a mere redrawing of geographical lines, the merger of administrative units aims to streamline governance structures, reduce planning fragmentation and enhance inter-provincial competitiveness. Mr. Thomas Rooney, Associate Director, Industrial Services at Savills Hanoi, emphasized that, if executed systematically, this process will pave the way for integrated urban-industrial ecosystems that are highly attractive to increasingly discerning foreign investors.

The expansion of administrative boundaries enables provinces to plan new industrial parks with larger land areas, offering greater options for businesses. By increasing available land, both domestic and international companies can more readily secure suitable locations for factories, addressing the shortage of industrial land in high-demand regions.

In practice, cities like Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) faced significant challenges due to a lack of clean land for new industrial park development prior to consolidation. The merger of HCMC with Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau is seen as a strategic solution, not only streamlining administrative operations but also expanding land resources, thereby facilitating the creation of modern industrial parks aligned with high-tech industry trends.

Moreover, post-merger provinces with larger territories gain the ability to designate specialized zones more effectively, fostering the development of tailored industrial complexes, such as supporting industrial parks or sector-specific parks supplying components and parts for major manufacturing industries, including automotive and semiconductor production.

According to Mr. Thomas Rooney, localities that have been magnets for investment will, through mergers and closer planning coordination, complement each other in infrastructure, labor and development strategies. Larger scale enables regions to meet higher standards in infrastructure and governance, thereby elevating their position in the global value chain.

In the northern region, for instance, the merger of Bac Giang and Bac Ninh is yielding positive results. Major investors such as Luxshare – ICT (Hong Kong) and Foxconn (Taiwan) have poured hundreds of millions of USD into high-tech projects in the area, while developers like Hoa Phat, Vinhomes and Danko Group are investing heavily in infrastructure and supporting services.

According to VCBS Research, administrative mergers lay the economic foundation for large-scale economic zones with robust models, substantial populations and ample budgets, facilitating infrastructure and amenity development. Post-merger provinces will benefit from diverse geographical features, ranging from coastal areas and plains to mountainous regions, which will support multifaceted economic growth in sectors such as logistics, industry and tourism.

Ms. Trang Bui, Country Head of Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam, affirmed: “Synchronized infrastructure investment will lead to reduced logistics costs and shorter transportation times, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of industrial parks and logistics hubs in attracting international manufacturing and export investors.” Consolidated budgets and public assets also provide a strong foundation for critical infrastructure projects, such as inter-regional highways, seaports and airports.

Moreover, provincial/municipal mergers help reduce unhealthy competition by preventing situations such as aggressive land price cuts or unregulated tax incentives. Integrated planning for industrial parks, logistics and transportation supports the development of mega urban-industrial complexes with modern digital infrastructure (IoT, 5G), robust supporting business ecosystems, and comprehensive amenities, including R&D centers, housing, healthcare and education facilities.

The consolidation of administrative boundaries is set to boost Vietnam’s industrial real estate market

Short-term challenges, long-term gains

The realignment of administrative boundaries will inevitably impact various aspects, from land-use planning and investment licensing to legal procedures related to environmental and construction regulations. Mr. Thomas Rooney noted that in the short term, businesses may face challenges due to changes in administrative oversight and policies that have yet to be fully synchronized across merged localities. However, in the long run, this presents a significant opportunity to establish a more transparent and efficient legal framework. Streamlined procedures in newly consolidated administrative regions will save time and bolster investor confidence.

“For industrial real estate, stability and clarity in planning are critical. Unified procedures and policies will pave the way for large-scale industrial parks integrated with logistics infrastructure, satellite urban areas and inter-regional transportation networks,” Rooney added.

A key factor is the impact on the labor force, which forms the backbone of industrial real estate competitiveness. Boundary changes may affect workers’ residency plans, administrative registrations and transportation connectivity. This could pose a hurdle if not adequately prepared for, but it also offers a chance to redesign labor supply networks on a regional, inter-provincial scale.

If mergers are executed in tandem with infrastructure investments - particularly in ring roads, seaports, airports and digital infrastructure - industrial parks will no longer be constrained by administrative boundaries. Businesses will gain access to a broader labor pool from multiple localities, optimizing operational costs. The development of inter-regional infrastructure will also drive a shift away from traditional industrial markets, where limited supply and rising investment costs are becoming barriers. Emerging localities with abundant land, lower costs and improved infrastructure stand to rise as new industrial hubs.

According to Rooney, the transition period, expected to span at least two to three years, will be a critical time. Businesses must proactively stay informed, build relationships with new local authorities and flexibly adjust their land-use strategies.

For governing bodies, clear and transparent communication about the transition roadmap is paramount. Proactive engagement with businesses and the provision of support mechanisms, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, will be crucial in minimizing disruptions and sustaining the momentum of investment inflows. Administrative restructuring should not become an obstacle but rather serve as a springboard toward a more consistent, equitable and efficient investment environment.

“Provincial/municipal mergers represent a landmark administrative reform, directly shaping Vietnam’s development landscape. With a long-term vision and synchronized efforts, this could become a new catalyst, propelling Vietnam’s industrial real estate to expand and play a strategic role in the global supply chain,” Rooney concluded.

Source: VCCI