Da Nang’s economy sustains strong growth momentum in Jan. – May 2025

Da Nang maintained a positive growth trajectory in the first five months of 2025, with robust performance across key sectors. Services and tourism remained key drivers, buoyed by a sharp increase in international arrivals, which in turn fueled significant gains in hospitality, accommodation, and food services. Trade and exports maintained steady growth, while the manufacturing and processing industry continued to serve as a primary engine of industrial production, accounting for a major share of the city’s industrial structure.

In the first five months of 2025, total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue in Da Nang were estimated at VND 66.271 trillion, marking a 27.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Shoppers are seenm at the GO! Da Nang supermarket. Photo: Duyen Anh

Stable and robust performance

According to the Da Nang Statistics Office, total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue were VND 66.271 trillion (approx. US$ 2.6 billion), marking a year-on-year increase of 27.5%. Tourism played a pivotal role, with local accommodation facilities serving an estimated 4.6 million visitors, up 20.7% from the same period in 2024. Notably, international arrivals surged by 35.8% to 2.2 million, while domestic tourists reached 2.5 million, up 10.1%.

Revenue from travel services reached VND 1.588 trillion, rising 19.9% year-on-year and accounting for 2.4% of total retail and service revenue. Accommodation and food services generated VND13.128 trillion, contributing 19.8% of total turnover and reflecting a 24.4% increase over the same period last year. These numbers reaffirm Da Nang’s strong tourism brand and the effectiveness of its promotional and product diversification efforts amid a rapidly recovering market.

Alongside tourism, other consumer service segments posted strong growth, driven largely by real estate, healthcare, education, entertainment, and support services. Specifically, revenue from these ancillary services was estimated at VND15.625 trillion in total in the first five months of 2025, representing a sharp 61% rise from the previous year.

Transportation also recorded a strong recovery in May, buoyed by accelerated infrastructure development, tourism stimulus policies, and business support initiatives. Sector-wide revenue in the first five months was estimated at VND 11.468 trillion, up 16.4% year-on-year, with notable increases across passenger transport, freight, warehousing and delivery services.

The transport sector’s rebound played a crucial role in supporting Da Nang’s logistics and trade activities. In the first five months of 2025, the city’s total merchandise trade was estimated at US$1.45 billion, up 10.1% year-on-year. Of this, exports accounted for approximately US$843 million (up 10.9%), while imports reached around US$ 604 million (up 8.9%). The trade balance remained in surplus at US$ 238 million.

In a similar vein, the city’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose by 11.81% over the same period last year. All four major industrial groups recorded positive growth: manufacturing went up by 12.09%; electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply by 4.73%; water supply and waste management by 13.44%; mining by 11.02%. The consumption index for manufacturing rose up 8.69%, while industrial employment 6.89%.

Departments, agencies are implementing key measures to advance breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. A business networking activity is seen at the Da Nang Venture and Angel Summit (DAVAS) 2025. Photo: M. Que

Go ahead with measures to sustain strong economic growth

According to the May 2025 economic and administrative report issued by the Da Nang People’s Committee, relevant agencies are focusing on fulfilling their assigned tasks in June to ensure the city achieves its double-digit economic growth target.

A key focus is the proactive preparation of human resources, infrastructure, and information systems under the two-tier governance model, to ensure a smooth and timely administrative restructuring process without disrupting public services. Authorities are also accelerating the implementation of tasks assigned by the central government, resolving investment bottlenecks, expediting site clearance, and disbursing public investment capital for major infrastructure projects.

Accordingly, the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology is advising the municipal government on effectively implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo, which outlines a strategic breakthrough in the development of science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

The Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Training (DSAC) under the Authority of the Da Nang Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones, continues to lead efforts in advancing the city’s semiconductor and AI industries. DSAC is coordinating with other unints to ensure the effective implementation of  key activities under the city’s Master Plan for Semiconductor and AI Development, aiming to position Da Nang as a hub for high-tech innovation.

In parallel, the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is rolling out a series of promotional programmes and tourism campaigns during the summer peak season, including flagship events such as the ongoing Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2025 and the Enjoy Danang Festival 2025, thereby positioning reinforcing Da Nang’s image as a dynamic and attractive destination.

The Da Nang Department of Industry and Trade is launching a series of trade promotion events to leverage the city’s festive season, such as the Vietnamese Goods Fair – Celebrating OCOP Products (June 11–16) and the Da Nang Summer Mega Sale 2025 (June 12–15).

This municipal agency is also submitting a proposal to the city’s leadership on developing specialized commercial streets, night markets, and pedestrian shopping zones. Additional efforts include advising on market infrastructure investment, business models for market operations, and overall market management improvements.

A strategic task currently underway is the finalization of the city’s proposal that will be summited to to the Prime Minister for the approval and establishment of the Da Nang Free Trade Zone (FTZ). Once approved, the FTZ will provide the legal foundation for subsequent implementation steps, aimed at ensuring quality and timely development aligned with the city’s economic ambitions.

DA NANG Today