The zone, located in Tan Phuoc and Tan Hai wards, will comprise eight subzones covering container terminals, a logistics centre, an inland waterway port, an industrial park and mixed industrial, urban and service areas.
The city said the free trade zone would pilot special investment and trade policies to strengthen manufacturing, logistics and international trade and support HCM City's goal of becoming a regional maritime hub.
The zone will focus on the digital, green and circular economies while linking the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port cluster, the planned Can Gio transshipment port and Long Thanh International Airport.
Areas that meet non-tariff zone requirements will be subject to separate customs supervision under Vietnamese law, while special policies will be implemented under resolutions passed by the National Assembly.
Between 2026 and 2030, the city plans to establish the zone's management framework, develop digital management systems, build connecting infrastructure, complete zoning plans and attract strategic investors.
The remaining infrastructure is scheduled for completion between 2031 and 2035, when the zone is expected to become a regional maritime logistics and trade hub.