The emergence of Long An province as a key hub for international investment in Vietnam. Leveraging its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and dynamic workforce, Long An is experiencing strong economic expansion across key sectors, including energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics. This article delves into the province’s attractive investment prospects, highlighting opportunities in the booming renewable energy sector, expanding real estate market, and innovative agriculture.

Location

Long An is a strategically positioned province in southern Vietnam, bordering Ho Chi Minh City to the northeast. Spanning approximately 4,492 square kilometers, it ranks as the 34th largest out of Vietnam’s 63 provinces, offering ample space for industrial expansion, infrastructure projects, and urban development ([1]).

Serving as a vital gateway between the Mekong Delta and Vietnam’s economic hub, Long An provides businesses with seamless access to both urban and rural markets. Its connectivity is further strengthened by its proximity to key transportation routes, including National Highway 1A and Ho Chi Minh City–Trung Luong Expressway, which facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people.

With its strategic location and robust infrastructure, Long An has emerged as a prime destination for industrial and commercial investment.

Long An’s location in the Vietnam map

Source: Wikipedia

Infrastructure

Long An has solidified its position as one of Vietnam’s leading provinces in infrastructure development. According to the 2024 Infrastructure Quality Index by ALS, the province ranks among the top 10 in the country, highlighting its commitment to improving connectivity and industrial facilities ([2]).

The province boasts a well-developed transportation network that plays a crucial role in supporting industrial growth and trade. Major highways such as National Highway 1A and the Ho Chi Minh City–Trung Luong Expressway ensure smooth road connectivity, while the upcoming Ben Luc–Long Thanh Expressway will further enhance access to key economic centers like Dong Nai and Ba Ria–Vung Tau. Additionally, Long An International Port, a deep-water port located in Can Giuoc District, has become a vital gateway for maritime trade, enabling businesses to handle international cargo.

Long An’s strategic expansion of its industrial zones, now numbering 34 in 2024, coupled with its well-developed transportation network, positions the province as a prime destination for investment ([3]). Industrial parks such as Long Hau Industrial Park and Duc Hoa Industrial Zone provide state-of-the-art facilities, including ready-built factories, advanced logistics support, and comprehensive utilities. The province continues to develop its industrial land, ensuring ample space for new businesses and high-tech industries.

In June 2023, the Vietnamese government approved the Long An Provincial Planning for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, outlining a strategic roadmap to transform the province into a dynamic and sustainable economic hub ([4]). The plan focuses on urban development, the expansion of logistics and industrial infrastructure, and the enhancement of energy and water supply systems to support growing industrial demand. A key milestone in this vision is the Vingroup-backed urban project along the Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 4 corridor, designed to accommodate approximately 40,000 residents ([5]). This large-scale development is expected to accelerate Long An’s transformation into a modern business destination, attracting multinational corporations and foreign investors seeking a well-developed infrastructure network.

Labor market

Long An Province offers a young, abundant, and cost-effective workforce, making it an attractive destination for labor-intensive industries. As of 2024, the province’s population reached approximately 1.753 million, accounting for about 1.73% of Vietnam’s total population ([6]). Long An currently has a working-age population of approximately 1.061 million people aged 15 and older, representing around 59% of the province’s total population, compared to 57.3% at the national level ([7]).

Labor costs in Long An remain competitive, offering a more affordable alternative to Ho Chi Minh City while still providing access to a well-trained workforce. This cost advantage has made the province particularly attractive for manufacturing and industrial operations.

In 2021, the labor force is primarily engaged in agriculture (38%), industry and construction (33%), and commerce and services (29%). These sectors account for a large share of employment, supported by the province’s strong industrial growth. To further enhance workforce quality, the local government has been actively investing in vocational training programs and establishing partnerships with educational institutions. The province’s trained labor rate reached 75.63%, and trained labor with degrees and certificates reached 33.70% ([8]). According to the provincial plan, by 2030, Long An aims to have over 80% of its labor force trained, with at least 40% holding vocational certifications or diplomas. This initiative will significantly improve workforce quality to meet industry demands ([9]).

Economic Landscape

Long An’s economy is growing rapidly, driven by industrialization, agriculture, and trade. The estimated gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of Long An province in 2024 is expected to grow by 8.30%, ranking 21st in the country and 3rd in the Mekong Delta. Of which, the agriculture, forestry, and fishery sector accounts for 15.82% of GRDP; the industry and construction sector accounts for 52.08%; the service sector accounts for 26.40%; product taxes minus product subsidies account for 5.70% ([10]). Long An’s GRDP per capita reaches over 100 million VND/year, an increase of 10.7 million VND compared to 2023 ([11]).

Its industrial sector accounts for a significant portion of the province’s GDP, with strong contributions from food processing, electronics, and garment manufacturing. The province is also a major agricultural hub, producing rice, seafood, and fruits for both domestic consumption and export.

The approved provincial plan sets ambitious economic targets, including an average annual GRDP growth rate of 9% and a per capita GRDP of over 180 million VND by 2030. This plan aims to position Long An as a leading industrial and commercial province in Vietnam ([12]).

Investment Opportunities

Long An presents numerous investment opportunities across various sectors, offering a diverse and dynamic business environment. The province has become an ideal destination for manufacturing and industrial activities due to its well-equipped industrial zones. As of June 2024, Long An hosted 1,312 FDI projects with a total registered capital of approximately $11.32 billion. Singapore leads with 68 projects totaling $4.35 billion, followed by Taiwan with 185 projects amounting to $1.10 billion, and Japan with investments of $993 million ([13]). Long An’s strategic focus has attracted significant investments, particularly in the energy and industrial sectors.

The real estate and infrastructure sector is also on the rise, driven by increasing urbanization and industrial expansion. The demand for residential, commercial, and industrial real estate is growing, creating significant prospects for property developers. Large-scale projects such as the Vingroup urban development along the Ring Road 4 corridor underscore the province’s potential for real estate investment. This project is expected to attract businesses, boost economic activity, and further solidify Long An’s position as a key economic hub in southern Vietnam ([14]).

Below is a table highlighting some major foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in Long An province in recent years ([15] [16])

Conclusion

Long An stands out as a promising investment destination in Vietnam, thanks to its strategic location, well-developed infrastructure, competitive labor market, and robust economic growth. The province offers a business-friendly environment with attractive incentives for foreign investors. Whether in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, or renewable energy, Long An provides ample opportunities for businesses looking to establish a presence in Vietnam’s dynamic market. As the province continues to develop under its comprehensive planning framework, foreign investors can expect a supportive environment for long-term success.

[1] https://chinhsachcuocsong.vnanet.vn/dia-phuong/long-an.html

[2] https://als.com.vn/thay-doi-thu-hang-ve-cac-tinh-co-chat-luong-co-so-ha-tang-tot-nhat-viet-nam

[3] https://vnexpress.net/long-an-co-them-khu-cong-nghiep-hon-5-600-ty-dong-4755392.html

[4] https://baodautu.vn/phe-duyet-quy-hoach-tinh-long-an-thoi-ky-2021—2030-tam-nhin-den-nam-2050-d191880.html

[5] https://tuoitre.vn/long-an-khoi-cong-du-an-do-thi-40-000-dan-do-vingroup-dau-tu-tren-hanh-lang-vanh-dai-4-tp-hcm-20250326143540074.htm

[6] https://danso.info/en/dan-so-long-an/

[7]https://vptu.longan.dcs.vn/

[8] https://baolongan.vn/nang-ty-le-lao-dong-dang-lam-viec-da-qua-dao-tao-a182137.html

[9] https://baodautu.vn/phe-duyet-quy-hoach-tinh-long-an-thoi-ky-2021—2030-tam-nhin-den-nam-2050-d191880.html

[10] https://thoibaotaichinhvietnam.vn/long-an-grdp-nam-2024-dung-thu-3-vung-dong-bang-song-cuu-long-168593.html

[11] https://tienphong.vn/grdp-binh-quan-dau-nguoi-cua-long-an-dat-hon-100-trieu-dongnam-post1706522.tpo

[12] https://baodautu.vn/phe-duyet-quy-hoach-tinh-long-an-thoi-ky-2021—2030-tam-nhin-den-nam-2050-d191880.html

[13] https://vietnamhoinhap.vn/en/foreign-investors-flock-to-invest-in-southern-provinces-and-cities-50142.htm

[14] https://tuoitre.vn/long-an-khoi-cong-du-an-do-thi-40-000-dan-do-vingroup-dau-tu-tren-hanh-lang-vanh-dai-4-tp-hcm-20250326143540074.htm

[15] https://theinvestor.vn/southern-vietnam-province-completes-site-clearance-for-3-bln-lng-power-project-d12917.html

[16] https://vnexpress.net/long-an-hut-nhieu-du-an-dau-tu-lon-4793924.html