Da Nang posts strong gains in international integration

Expanding its development space and deepening international integration, Da Nang is steadily emerging as a new hub of openness and connectivity in Central Vietnam. The Da Nang delegation poses for a commemorative photo with the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland. Photo: The Da Nang People’s Committee. The city has recorded notable achievements in foreign affairs and international cooperation, reflecting a strategic mindset marked by innovation, proactiveness and breakthrough thinking. Economic diplomacy at the core of integration strategy At a recent conference reviewing international integration efforts for the 2021 – 2025 period and setting orientations for 2025 – 2030, the city identified five key objectives. Special heed was paid to affirming Da Nang’s role as the economic, political and cultural center of Central Vietnam with a regional outlook; promoting economic diplomacy with the goal of developing an international financial center and a free trade zone; enhancing cultural promotion and strengthening the “Quang Da” brand; building a high-quality human resources base; and ensuring security while projecting the image of a safe, livable international city. In the past five years, Da Nang has welcomed more than 3,000 international delegations and established or maintained cooperative relations with 62 localities across 24 countries and territories. More than 120 cooperation agreements have been signed, covering a wide range of sectors and laying a solid foundation for deeper and more substantive international engagement. Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Ho Quang Buu (center) and delegates attended the Switzerland-Vietnam Economic Forum 2025. Photo: THANH PHUONG Economic diplomacy has been defined as a central pillar guiding Da Nang’s international economic integration. The city has actively reviewed and implemented integration programs, effectively leveraging free trade agreements, particularly new-generation FTAs, to expand markets, diversify partners and enhance its participation in global value chains. In parallel with capital attraction, Da Nang has shifted its focus toward high-quality investment, prioritizing strategic and high-tech sectors. Efforts are underway to gradually complete institutional frameworks for the development of an international financial center and a free trade zone. At the same time, the city is supporting local enterprises to improve their integration capacity, access international capital markets and engage more deeply in global production and supply chains, with businesses positioned as the core drivers of integration. Tourism, innovation and global connectivity International integration is also strongly reflected in tourism development and cultural exchange. Da Nang is building its brand as an “international tourism center,” closely linked with the heritage corridor of Hue, Hoi An and My Son. The first-ever Switzerland-Vietnam Economic Forum, held in Da Nang, opens up new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of finance and high technology. Photo: THANH PHUONG Besides, cooperation in science, education and technology is being expanded, with the aim of transforming Da Nang into the “knowledge hub of Central Vietnam” and an ASEAN technology hub connected to leading global innovation centers such as Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Bangalore and Silicon Valley. The city’s growing international profile is reinforced by its role as host to major global events, including the 2025 Forum of Friendly and Cooperative Cities, ASEAN-related meetings in Da Nang, and the 2025 Switzerland – Vietnam Economic Forum. Investment promotion missions have also been organized in key markets such as Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland. These integration efforts have delivered tangible results. Between 2020 and 2025, Da Nang attracted 797 foreign direct investment projects worth over US$1.07 billion, while mobilizing VND14.883 trillion in official development assistance and VND 1.432 trillion in non-governmental aid. In 2025, the city climbed 130 places to rank 766th among the world’s top 1,000 cities for startup ecosystems. Tourism has remained a bright spot in the post-COVID-19 period. By November 2025, Da Nang had welcomed approximately 6.9 million international visitors, a year-on-year increase of 26.9 percent, further strengthening its position on the global tourism map. With a renewed vision toward 2030, Da Nang aims to position itself as an internationally connected city, home to an international financial center, a free trade zone, leading technology corporations and a key node in the global heritage journey. en.baodanang.vn TỔNG ĐÀI DỊCH VỤ CÔNG: (0236) 1022 hoặc *1022, miễn phí phục vụ   1. Đường dây nóng tiếp nhận ý kiến phản ánh, góp ý của tổ chức, công dân và chuyển đến cơ quan chức năng xử lý 2. Hướng dẫn, giải đáp quy định, chính sách, thông tin kinh tế – xã hội 3. Hướng dẫn thực hiện thủ tục hành chính, dịch vụ công trực tuyến 4. Cung cấp thông tin phòng chống thiên tai, bão lũ 5. Cung cấp dịch vụ Tổng đài CSKH, nhắn tin CSKH, truyền thông, sự kiện và các dịch vụ tư vấn khác…