Home to Northern Viet Nam’s largest seaport system and an expanding industrial and logistics landscape, Hai Phong is entering a new window of opportunity to emerge as a modern international logistics hub, deeply integrated into regional and global supply chains. In this journey, the city’s local foreign affairs are undergoing a significant shift—from traditional exchanges and promotion towards actively connecting Hai Phong with international partners, markets, resources, technologies and knowledge, thereby directly contributing to the city’s development goals.
From Gateway Advantages to the Ambition of Becoming an International Logistics Hub
Against the backdrop of profound changes in global supply chains, coupled with the growing imperatives of digital transformation, green transition and emissions reduction, the competitiveness of a port city is no longer determined solely by the number of berths or the volume of cargo handled. A modern seaport must be embedded within an integrated ecosystem connecting road, rail, inland waterways and air transport with industrial parks, logistics centres and markets.
Hai Phong possesses a strong foundation for development along this trajectory. During the 2017–2025 period, the city’s logistics services recorded an estimated average annual growth rate of 10.92%, contributing approximately 11.5% of GRDP on average, while the logistics outsourcing rate reached around 25–30%. Cargo throughput at Hai Phong’s seaport system increased from 92 million tonnes in 2017 to more than 213 million tonnes in 2025, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 11.07%. In the first six months of 2026, cargo throughput was estimated at 96 million tonnes, up 11.42% year on year.
Hai Phong’s seaport system currently comprises the Lach Huyen deep-water port, 52 port terminals and six major terminal clusters, with a combined handling capacity of approximately 170–180 million tonnes per year. Container throughput stands at around 7.5–8 million TEUs annually, accounting for nearly 40% of Viet Nam’s total container throughput. The Lach Huyen port area currently has six operational berths, including Berths No. 5 and No. 6, which are capable of accommodating container vessels of up to 200,000 DWT (partially loaded).
Lach Huyen Port Area – a key pillar in Hai Phong’s vision to become a modern international logistics hub
The city’s hinterland logistics infrastructure continues to expand. As of August 2026, Hai Phong had six logistics centres, four of which were operational, along with four inland container depots (ICDs), 46 bonded warehouses and 25 container freight stations (CFSs). Approximately 5,703 enterprises are operating in logistics-related industries and sectors, including domestic businesses, foreign-invested enterprises and international logistics corporations.
Following the administrative reorganisation, Hai Phong’s expanded development space has created favourable conditions for stronger linkages between seaports, industrial areas and freight transport networks. The eastern part of the city capitalises on its strengths in seaports, economic zones, industrial parks and import-export activities, while the western area offers favourable conditions for developing supporting industries and warehousing and strengthening connectivity with Ha Noi, the Capital Region and other northern localities. These linkages provide a foundation for expanding the port hinterland, consolidating cargo flows and reorganising the city’s logistics landscape.
Major Policies Paving the Way for New Development Opportunities
Hai Phong’s goal of becoming an international seaport and logistics hub forms part of the broader national policy framework for the development of the marine economy and logistics sector.
Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW dated 22 October 2018 on the Strategy for Sustainable Development of Viet Nam’s Marine Economy identifies maritime industries as one of the key pillars of the marine economy. The Master Plan on the Development of Viet Nam’s Seaport System for the 2021–2030 Period, with a Vision to 2050, calls for the development of a modern and integrated seaport system closely connected with transport infrastructure, multimodal transportation, logistics centres, economic zones and industrial parks.
The Strategy for the Development of Viet Nam’s Logistics Services for the 2025–2035 Period, with a Vision to 2050, further sets the direction towards sustainable, efficient and high-quality logistics services with greater added value, while accelerating digital transformation, green transition, innovation and integration into supply chains.
For Hai Phong, Resolution No. 45-NQ/TW dated 24 January 2019 and Conclusion No. 96-KL/TW dated 30 September 2024 of the Politburo reaffirm the city’s development orientation as a centre for the marine economy and an international seaport and logistics hub. Hai Phong’s seaport system is to be developed in a coordinated manner with transport infrastructure, economic zones, industrial parks, the Free Trade Zone and port-related services. Under this orientation, Lach Huyen is designated as an international gateway port area with transshipment functions, while Nam Do Son is envisioned as the city’s next major seaport development area.
To translate these orientations into concrete action, Plan No. 96/KH-UBND dated 25 March 2026 of the Hai Phong People’s Committee sets the goal of developing Hai Phong into a modern international logistics hub and a gateway for the import, export, transshipment and distribution of goods for Viet Nam and the wider region. The city aims to develop an integrated logistics ecosystem linking seaports, industry, trade, services and urban development.
Hai Phong has also promulgated regulations on inter-agency coordination in the management of logistics activities; deployed the SmartLog Haiphong inter-agency logistics platform; upgraded the e-Heza system; expanded 5G and IoT infrastructure across industrial parks and port clusters; and further promoted electronic customs procedures and the application of digital technologies.
These orientations require Hai Phong to go beyond infrastructure development and further strengthen its connectivity with international markets, cargo sources, shipping lines, investors, technologies and global logistics networks.
From Friendship Ties to a Global Network of Seaport Partners
This is precisely where local foreign affairs can play an important role. Foreign affairs do not replace the functions of specialised agencies and businesses in sectoral management, infrastructure investment, production or commercial activities. Rather, they serve to build connections and pave the way, enabling the city’s stakeholders to gain more effective access to international partners, markets, resources, technologies and knowledge.
In the new development phase, foreign affairs should move beyond broad-based engagement towards building a focused network of international partners in such areas as seaports, logistics, transportation, technology, digital transformation, green transition and human resource development.
Relations with international localities and partners should increasingly focus on concrete areas of sectoral cooperation, including partnerships between port cities; connections among logistics centres, associations, shipping lines and businesses; exchanges of experience in port management and operations; and cooperation in multimodal transportation, technology, training and supply chains.
More importantly, Hai Phong should gradually move beyond visits, exchanges and promotional activities towards substantive cooperation programmes, business connectivity, expert exchanges and initiatives that deliver tangible outcomes. Such efforts will also help strengthen Hai Phong’s international profile and position the city as a port city and an international hub for industry and logistics.
Connecting Cargo Flows, Investment and Technology
A logistics hub can only realise its full potential when supported by stable cargo flows, broad market access, international transport networks and a strong business community.
At present, however, the majority of logistics enterprises in Hai Phong remain small and medium-sized. Many primarily provide individual or stand-alone services, while the number of enterprises offering integrated 3PL and 4PL services remains limited. The presence of major international logistics corporations has also yet to match the city’s potential.
Economic diplomacy should therefore be more closely aligned with investment and trade promotion, cargo generation and engagement with shipping lines. Through ministries and central agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Viet Nam’s trade offices and overseas representative missions, the city should strengthen the provision of market information, facilitate business connections and support enterprises in making effective use of free trade agreements. At the same time, greater efforts should be made to attract manufacturing enterprises, international logistics corporations and integrated logistics service providers.
Foreign affairs activities, outbound and inbound delegations, conferences, forums, and investment and trade promotion programmes should also serve as effective channels for presenting Hai Phong’s integrated seaport – Free Trade Zone – economic zone – industrial park – logistics ecosystem to international partners.
Hai Phong City leaders meet with A.P. Moller – Maersk and APM Terminals to promote cooperation in seaports and logistics
Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority hosts a workshop on U.S.–Viet Nam cooperation in seaport operations
Alongside cargo and investment flows is the flow of technology. Hai Phong should strengthen international cooperation in port technologies, smart logistics, data governance and automation; promote data connectivity and sharing across the logistics chain; and facilitate access to technologies for green ports, green warehousing, green logistics, energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
Through international cooperation, businesses should also be supported in accessing new standards, certifications and environmental requirements in global supply chains, while ensuring technological self-reliance, cybersecurity and information security.
Human Capital and Global Branding for an International Logistics Hub
High-quality human resources, particularly in digital logistics, green logistics and integrated supply chain management, remain an area requiring greater attention.
Hai Phong should strengthen linkages between local educational institutions and businesses and their international counterparts, including universities, training institutions and experts. Training, professional development, and exchange programmes for experts, lecturers and management personnel should be further promoted, with training closely aligned with the practical needs of businesses and the process of technological transformation.
At the same time, greater attention should be given to promoting and positioning Hai Phong within international seaport and logistics networks. The city should project a consistent image as a port city and a major industrial and logistics hub, highlighting its deep-water seaport system, Free Trade Zone, economic zones, industrial parks and key logistics projects.
The network of Viet Nam’s overseas representative missions, partner localities, associations and international organisations should be effectively utilised to bring Hai Phong’s potential and cooperation needs to the right investors, shipping lines, businesses and technology partners.
Removing Bottlenecks and Aligning Foreign Affairs with Development Needs
Despite its considerable potential, Hai Phong still faces a number of bottlenecks. Cargo transportation from ports remains heavily dependent on road transport; rail connectivity with seaports is limited; and inland waterway transport continues to face constraints related to navigation channels and bridge clearance. Data among ports, businesses and regulatory authorities are not yet fully interconnected; green logistics remains at an early stage of development; and there is still a shortage of high-quality human resources.
Moreover, the cross-sectoral nature of logistics requires closer coordination among regulatory authorities, foreign affairs agencies, businesses, industry associations and educational institutions.
Accordingly, a coordination mechanism should gradually be established under which specialised agencies and businesses identify their needs; foreign affairs and promotion agencies assist in identifying and connecting with suitable partners; relevant agencies, organisations and businesses directly implement cooperation activities; and the city monitors and evaluates the results.
At the central level, ministries and agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Viet Nam’s overseas representative missions should continue to provide information, introduce potential partners and connect Hai Phong with international logistics hubs, shipping lines, corporations and investors. Businesses should proactively identify their needs in terms of markets, technology and training; industry associations should consolidate these needs and facilitate connections within the business community; and educational institutions should align their training programmes more closely with actual market demand.
At the same time, the expansion of international cooperation must go hand in hand with safeguarding national defence and security, supply chain security, cybersecurity and environmental protection, as well as preventing and combating smuggling, origin fraud and illegal transshipment.
Harnessing International Resources for Hai Phong’s Development
By 2030, foreign affairs should make a tangible contribution to Hai Phong’s development into a modern international logistics hub, closely connected with the global seaport network and increasingly integrated with economic corridors, manufacturing and distribution centres, and international markets.
Looking towards 2045, Hai Phong aims to become a modern, green and smart international port city, with an integrated and advanced seaport and logistics system deeply connected with regional and global production networks, trade flows and supply chains.
This vision also calls for a new approach to assessing the effectiveness of foreign affairs. Success should not be measured merely by the number of relationships established, delegations exchanged or events organised. More importantly, it should be reflected in the ability to translate those relationships into partnerships, markets, cargo flows, shipping services, investment projects, technologies, training programmes and tangible cooperation outcomes.
Hai Phong possesses significant advantages in terms of its geographical location, seaport system, industrial base and newly expanded development space. To transform these advantages into international competitiveness, local foreign affairs must truly serve as an instrument for development: bringing Hai Phong’s needs to the world and connecting the right international resources with Hai Phong.