The cooperative relationship between the port city of Hai Phong and the Kingdom of Denmark is entering a period of positive development with significant progress ranging from economic investment to education and green energy. This connection not only brings material value but also builds the foundation for a sustainable future based on modern knowledge and technology.
High-level Diplomatic Milestones and Strategic Vision
Relations between Hai Phong and Denmark are built on deep trust through high-level delegation exchanges. A memorable milestone was the visit of the Crown Prince of Denmark in November 2022. This visit was not only symbolic but also included substantive activities such as a trade promotion program and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hai Phong and the city of Esbjerg (Denmark) in the field of offshore wind energy.
Denmark's interest in Hai Phong was further confirmed by the visit of a delegation from the Economic and Trade Committee of the Danish Parliament in March 2025, led by Ms. Louise Elholm. Notably, in July 2025, the Danish Ambassador to Vietnam, Nicolai Prytz, paid an official visit to Hai Phong to meet the new Chairman of the City People's Committee, Le Ngoc Chau. This visit aimed to discuss in depth the strengthening of cooperation in trade, investment, people-to-people exchange, and cultural diplomacy, placing Hai Phong at the center of the Vietnam-Denmark cooperation map.
Economy and Trade: Impressive Statistics
Regarding investment, Denmark currently contributes an FDI project at Tan Truong Industrial Park by investor Mascot International. With a total investment of 46 million USD, this factory focuses on apparel manufacturing, processing, and warehousing, contributing to the city's industrial development.
In the trade sector, Hai Phong and Denmark maintain a stable flow of goods. In 2024, import turnover from Denmark reached 16.7 million USD, focusing on essential items such as electrical equipment, electronic components, seafood, and industrial raw materials. Conversely, Hai Phong exported iron and steel products, perfumes, cosmetics, and essential oils to Denmark with a 2024 turnover of nearly 500 thousand USD. Although the export figures remain modest, these items show the potential for local businesses to penetrate the Nordic market.
Another economic highlight is the Hateco Haiphong International Container Terminal (HHIT) project at Lach Huyen. The opening ceremony in April 2025 marked the strategic cooperation between Hateco Group and APM Terminals (Denmark). With the capacity to receive vessels up to 18,000 TEU, this is considered an ideal model for other Danish enterprises wishing to invest in seaport infrastructure in Hai Phong.
Pioneering in Green Energy and Sustainable Logistics
Denmark, a world leader in renewable energy, is actively supporting Hai Phong in its green transition roadmap. Through the Vietnam-Denmark Energy Partnership Program, many workshops were held in Hai Phong during 2024 and 2025. The city also sent departmental-level representatives to join a working delegation to Denmark to gain practical experience in the offshore wind industry.
The cooperation extends beyond energy to the transport sector. The Danish Embassy is currently actively seeking cooperation opportunities with Maritime - Waterway College No. 1 in Hai Phong to promote the green transition in the logistics industry. This is a strategic step to prepare human resources and technology for a spearhead economic sector of the port city.
STEM Education and Robotacon 2026
Education and training are seen as the "connecting thread" between the younger generations of both sides. The most prominent activity in 2026 is the Robotacon First Lego League Haiphong. This is the second year the event has been organized with close coordination between the Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs, the Danish Embassy, and LEGO Education.
The 2026 competition attracted 65 teams with 438 students from all levels, demonstrating the city's strong interest in STEM education and innovation. With the global theme "Unearthed", students transformed into scientists, using LEGO technology to solve problems related to heritage conservation, sustainable resource exploitation, and environmental protection.
The playground, featuring an engaging Robot Game round, serves as a platform for Hai Phong students to confidently enter the international arena. Two outstanding teams from Vo Thi Sau Primary School and Vinschool Imperia won the championship and will represent Vietnam in the international finals in China and Greece.
Future Expectations: Depth and Diffusion
The Hai Phong – Denmark relationship is not limited to economic figures or educational awards but lies in a spirit of companionship. Denmark brings sustainable technological solutions to Hai Phong, from offshore wind energy to modern educational thinking. In return, Hai Phong offers a dynamic investment environment, an important "gateway" for Danish businesses to penetrate deep into the Southeast Asian market.
Strengthening foreign affairs skills for city officials and maintaining regular information exchange channels with the Danish Embassy are making this relationship increasingly professional and substantive. Successes from projects like Mascot or HHIT are the clearest evidence of the effectiveness of this cooperation.
Cooperation between Hai Phong and Denmark is facing new opportunities. It is believed that with the proactivity of the city government and the enthusiastic support from Denmark, this cooperative relationship will break through strongly in the 2026-2030 period, truly making Hai Phong a center of creativity, green, and sustainable development within the international network.