Vietnam smart border gate development

Vietnam is advancing the implementation of smart border gate technology and infrastructure. The Ministry of Finance issued Circular No. 128/2026, which establishes guidelines for the inspection and management of goods and vehicles within smart border gate areas. Under these regulations, unmanned smart transport vehicles are exempt from formal entry and exit procedures, though they remain subject to supervision and control to prevent smuggling.

In tandem with these regulatory updates, the Vietnamese government has approved a long-term master plan for the Chi Ma border gate in Lang Son province. Signed by Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc, the scheme aims for development through 2045, designating the 535-hectare area as a key “economic growth pole” for eastern Lang Son.

The plan seeks to transform the area into an international-standard economic zone and smart logistics hub by integrating digital transformation into customs and management processes. The spatial organization is structured around two corridors and three development zones: one corridor will focus on urban services and logistics, such as warehouses and distribution centers, while the other will integrate border security with economic development. This initiative aims to enhance import-export efficiency, attract investment, and establish the region as an international center for trade, services, and tourism.