Abstract

Economic zone is a special model which plays an important role in the growth and development of a nation. The history of economic zones dates back from the early of 18th century under the form of autonomous regions or free trade areas. After many periods, economic zone has experienced different forms. The paper mainly uses synthesis and comparison methods to show the trend in establishing and developing economic zones in Vietnam. A comparison with the world’s experience is also conducted. The author finds that the model of economic zones in Vietnam has similarities and differences with that of the world and entails shortcoming. Vietnam’s model relies on attracting low-cost labor, available materials and preferential polices. To catch up with the current trend in the world, it is necessary to build a regime or policy which is appealing enough to attract investment capital, high-quality human resource so as to create a gateway for knowledge, science and technology. This is to turn economic zones into a booster for the economic development of the region and the nation.