The Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority announced on April 10 that the fast track process will apply once complete and valid dossiers are submitted, in line with Government Decree No. 96/2026/ND, CP, effective from March 31.
Le Van Thinh, deputy head of the authority, said the policy supports broader efforts to accelerate administrative reform, digital transformation and competitiveness in attracting investment into export processing and industrial zones.
Under the regulation, investors must submit a single, complete application dossier in accordance with Article 47 of the decree. This includes a request for project implementation with commitments to comply with regulations on construction, environmental protection, technology transfer, and fire prevention and fighting.
Notably, the dossier must include a project proposal with a full environmental impact assessment and mitigation measures, replacing the previously required preliminary environmental assessment.
After receiving the investment certificate, investors are responsible for implementing projects in line with registered commitments and legal provisions. Environmental procedures must follow Article 49 of the decree, and investors must notify authorities at least 30 days before construction begins.
The authority will oversee, inspect and evaluate projects throughout implementation, coordinating with relevant agencies to address bottlenecks and ensure progress.
Thinh said the mechanism is designed to shorten processing time and facilitate early project deployment, while requiring a shift in administrative practices across licensing, planning and environmental and labour management.
The agency is also promoting the use of information technology and artificial intelligence in post licensing supervision to detect issues early and support regulatory compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
