Hai Phong 70 Years of Surmounting Challenges to Achieve Robust Growth

70 years after Liberation Day (May 13, 1955 - May 13, 2025), Hai Phong, with “Loyal and Valiant, Resolved to Win and Enterprising” virtues and bold, innovative steps, has become as a major economic, cultural, medical and educational center of the Northern Coastal Region as well as a vital driving force of the nation. Building on these achievements, the city continues to unleash its resources and potential to realize its aspirations and strives to become the most modern, civilized and sustainable industrial city in the region and in Asia.

To learn more about the city’s journey and aspirations, our reporter has an interview with Mr. Nguyen Van Tung, Deputy Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee and Chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee.

Could you provide an overview of Hai Phong City’s key milestones in seven decades of development, along with notable achievements after six years of implementing Resolution 45 of the Politburo on Hai Phong construction and development to 2045?

On May 13, 1955, Hai Phong was completely liberated, marking an historic turning point and ushering in a new chapter of the city's development. In the seven decades since, the city has made significant strides to establish itself as a pivotal center of industry, services, seaports and logistics in Vietnam.

Hai Phong City has witnessed a robust and breakthrough development phase since 2016. The city’s economic growth has consistently outperformed the country, with double-digit growth for 10 consecutive years. Modern and synchronized transport infrastructure has been constructed. Notably, Lach Huyen deepwater port, which came into operation in 2018, is recognized as the largest of its kind in northern Vietnam. Additionally, key interregional connectivity projects, such as Tan Vu-Lach Huyen sea-crossing bridge and a series of newly constructed bridges like Dinh, Quang Thanh, Ben Rung, Song Hoa and Lai Xuan, have significantly supported local economic growth.

Hai Phong has successfully attracted giant domestic corporations Vingroup, Sungroup, Geleximco and Flamingo, with gigantic projects totaling over VND200 trillion in investment. At the same time, the city has welcomed major investors from Japan and South Korea, including LG Electronics, LG Display, Bridgestone, Nipro Pharma and Fuji Xerox, whose projects have the potential to attract a wide range of supporting industries and satellite investments.

A particularly important milestone was the Politburo’s January 24, 2019 Resolution 45-NQ/TW on Hai Phong construction and development to 2030, with a vision to 2045. This resolution is considered a strategic compass to materialize the city’s development aspirations and seen as a launchpad for the city to reach new highs. After six years of implementation, Hai Phong’s role as a major socioeconomic center in the Red River Delta and the country at large has been reaffirmed and strengthened.

During the 2019-2024 period, Hai Phong achieved average GRDP growth of 11.99%. The city’s state budget revenue totaled an estimated VND607,459.8 billion, representing average annual growth of 6.43%. Notably, Hai Phong has consistently ranked among the top recipients of foreign direct investment (FDI) funds nationwide. Total disbursed fund reached VND1,023,070 trillion in the 2019-2024 phase, 2.76 times higher than the value in 2013-2018, representing average annual growth of 11.51%.

In addition to economic development, Hai Phong has made significant progress across various sectors, including society, culture, education and training, healthcare, science and technology, and innovation.

Currently, the city is focusing on directing the development of Hai Phong Southern Coastal Economic Zone, aiming to turn it into a key economic driver by 2030.

As the first quarter of 2025 brought a lot of promising signs, what major decisions and commitments has the city made to keep up the momentum for sustainable growth?

In the first months of 2025, despite numerous difficulties and challenges, Hai Phong’s socioeconomic performance remained stable with continued growth. Its first-quarter Index of Industrial Production (IIP) was estimated to rise 15.5% year on year. State budget revenue reached VND40,950.41 billion, up 23.31% year on year and equal to 34.92% of the full-year target assigned by the central government.

Wharves 3, 4, 5, 6 of Lach Huyen international gateway port, which were completed on schedule, significantly boosted the cargo handling capacity of the seaport. The city also started construction on Ring Road 2, Tan Vu - Hung Dao - Bui Vien Road to connect important parts of the city.

To sustain growth momentum throughout 2025 and the years to come, Hai Phong City will concentrate on implementing some key tasks and strategic solutions:

Hai Phong will center on completing proposals for a new resolution to replace Resolution 35 of the National Assembly, which allows for piloting certain special mechanisms for the city’s development. This proposal is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly by the second quarter of 2025. The city aims to finalize and submit to competent authorities the proposal to establish a next-generation free trade zone within 2025.

Hai Phong City will accelerate growth pattern transformation and economic restructuring based on three main pillars of development: High-tech industry, seaports - logistics, and tourism - commerce. At the same time, the city will study and set up new industrial zones in accordance with the approved master plan.

The city will promote the development of a synchronized infrastructure system, with a particular emphasis on transportation, urban infrastructure and digital infrastructure. It will submit for approval or approve adjustments to key plans, including the General Construction Plan for Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Economic Zone, the General Construction Plan for Hai Phong City, and the General Plan for the Southern Coastal Economic Zone. Hai Phong will work closely with the Ministry of Construction to complete necessary procedures to commence construction of the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway line by the end of 2025. It will speed up digital transformation across all sectors.

Hai Phong will develop a high-quality workforce, fostering scientific and technological research, development, application and innovation.

It will strengthen fiscal discipline in both revenue and expenditure, with a priority on driving economic growth. It will accelerate public investment disbursement to allocate over 95% of the budgeted plan.

In addition, Hai Phong will enhance the effectiveness of external affairs, strengthen regional connectivity, consolidate national defense and security, and maintain political stability and social order.

Hai Phong is among the first in the country to develop and issue the Action Plan for implementation of the National Green Growth Strategy. The Hai Phong Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, establishes three key development pillars: seaport and logistics services; green, smart and modern industry; and an international coastal tourism hub. Could you elaborate further on this strategic approach?

Hai Phong assigns green growth as a central, long-term and consistent priority and achieves it in a methodical, persistent and scientific manner. In April 2023, the Hai Phong People's Committee decided to establish the Steering Committee on Green Growth.

The city gives priority to developing green and ecological industries as well as industrial real estate that meets environmentally friendly sustainable standards and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Regarding investment attraction, Hai Phong persistently adheres to the list of encouraged investment sectors and fields and resolutely rejects investment sectors that are polluted and resource-consuming.

It focuses on developing into a green, modern and civilized harbor city, and an economic and ecological city through urban and sectoral planning, and land use aligned with green growth objectives. Hai Phong Southern Coastal Economic Zone is designed to become a comprehensive, multisector, multifunctional destination for green growth, circular economy and sustainable development. It is expected to serve as a model for green transition in industrial parks and economic zones. In addition, the city encourages and directs port operators to study and invest in initiatives and to access supportive resources to accelerate the green transition in port operations.

At the same time, the city places emphasis on developing the renewable energy sector, particularly waste-to-energy, nearshore and offshore wind power, aiming to promote economic development in association with green and sustainable growth.

Hai Phong is pursuing a bold and determined path toward faster, more sustainable development, with the aspiration to become a "second Singapore" as envisioned by General Secretary To Lam. In this transformative journey, the engagement and contribution of businesses and investors are extremely important. What is your perspective on commitments to and support of local authorities for businesses?

Hai Phong recognizes businesses as the driving force behind economic growth. After seven decades of development, particularly following 10 years of implementing Resolution 09-NQ/TW dated December 9, 2011 and nearly two years of enforcing Resolution 41-NQ/TW of the Politburo dated October 10, 2023, the local business community has made steady progress and grown in both quantity and quality.

Recognizing this as a golden opportunity for transformation, Hai Phong is channeling its resources into developing strategic infrastructure, ranging from transportation, logistics and seaports to social infrastructure such as education, healthcare and digital transformation, with the ambition of becoming a “second Singapore” as envisioned by General Secretary To Lam.

The city is also committed to providing meaningful and effective support for FDI firms, fostering innovation, promoting sustainable development and sharing economy while reinforcing connectivity between local businesses and global supply chains

In addition, Hai Phong continues to push forward bold administrative reforms with a business-centered approach, engaging actively with businesses, maintaining open dialogues and listening attentively to their needs. The city is committed to policy stability, information transparency and a competitive, investor-friendly environment.

The city hopes that businesses and investors will see Hai Phong not just as a place to do business but as a long-term partner in growth and value creation. It stands ready to offer opportunities, build trust and take action, always walking alongside businesses and investors to help them see Hai Phong as a “destination for success.” Together, we can turn aspirations into reality, making Hai Phong not only a harbor city but also a livable, investable city that we are truly proud of.

Thank you very much!

Ha Thanh  (Vietnam Business Forum)