On January 18, speaking with reporters from Newspaper of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Van Nhut, Director of the Khanh Hoa Department of Industry and Trade, noted that in the run-up to the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the province’s industry and trade sector is gradually affirming its role as a key pillar of economic development, creating a solid platform for stronger growth in the coming period.

Trade and services linked to marine tourism remain a bright spot

Following the administrative merger, Khanh Hoa has become the province with the longest coastline in Vietnam, stretching nearly 500 kilometers, opening up vast development space for marine tourism and the marine economy. Closely aligned with the orientation to develop services in a diversified manner with higher technological content and added value, the provincial industry and trade sector has focused on promoting trade and services linked with tourism, logistics and exports.

In 2025, total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue across the province were estimated at VND 198.843 trillion, up 15.3% from 2024 and exceeding the target assigned by the provincial People’s Committee. Export turnover was estimated at USD 2.35 billion, an increase of 8.8%, meeting the set plan.

According to Nguyen Van Nhut, these results show that the market continues to recover positively, while production and business activities are gradually stabilizing and adapting more effectively to the new context.

“Trade and exports not only support short-term growth but also create an important foundation for the province to prepare for a more robust development phase in the years ahead,” Nguyen Van Nhut emphasized.

At the same time, commercial infrastructure has continued to be consolidated and expanded. The province currently has 12 commercial centers, 228 markets, and 15 supermarkets operated by major distribution systems, along with thousands of traditional retail outlets. Many business models associated with marine tourism, such as night markets and OCOP product shops, have been developed, helping to create consumption highlights and enhance visitor experiences.

Trade promotion, consumer demand stimulation and the development of e-commerce have also been intensified. In 2025, the Khanh Hoa Department of Industry and Trade organized numerous trade fairs and supply-demand connection programs, supporting businesses in bringing their products onto e-commerce platforms. At the same time, it coordinated the implementation of events linked with marine tourism, generating positive spillover effects for local economic growth.

Industry, energy and logistics create room for double-digit growth

Looking ahead to 2026, Nguyen Van Nhut said the industry and trade sector has clearly identified strategic priorities to create growth breakthroughs. The focus will be on developing industry and energy as the main driving forces, targeting industrial production growth of over 10% and contributing to provincial GRDP growth of 10 - 11%.

“The Khanh Hoa industry and trade sector will concentrate on removing difficulties for businesses, accelerating the progress of industrial parks, industrial clusters and key energy projects, thereby creating room for the province to move towards its double-digit growth target,” Nguyen Van Nhut said.

Under the orientation, the province will focus on developing infrastructure for industrial parks and clusters such as Doc Da Trang, Ca Na Phase 1, Ninh Xuan 1 and 2, and Ninh Diem 1 and 3. At the same time, it will accelerate the implementation of nationally important energy projects, including two nuclear power plants, the Bac Ai pumped-storage hydropower project, the Phuoc Hoa pumped-storage hydropower project, and the selection of an investor for the Ca Na LNG project in line with Power Development Plan VIII.

Notably, Khanh Hoa will continue to study and propose the establishment of a logistics center in accordance with planning, linked to the marine economy and exports, with the aim of enhancing competitiveness and enabling businesses to integrate more deeply into regional supply chains.

With the foundation laid in 2025 and a clear orientation for 2026, towards the 14th National Party Congress, the Khanh Hoa industry and trade sector is gradually creating sustainable growth momentum, contributing to the realization of the province’s goal of rapid and sustainable development in the new phase.

In 2025, amid the expansion of development space following the merger, the industry and trade sector continued to play a pivotal role in stabilizing the market and promoting economic growth. Key indicators in trade, exports and market management all maintained positive growth. This has created an important foundation for Khanh Hoa to enter a new development phase, moving towards double-digit growth in line with the major orientations of the 14th National Party Congress.