On the morning of June 24, 2026, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong City People's Committee, Hoang Minh Cuong, hosted a high-level working session with a delegation from the United States Embassy in Vietnam. Led by Mr. Pierce Davis, Political Counselor, the visit aimed to explore bilateral cooperation ideas and pave the way for a potential future official visit by the U.S. Ambassador-designate.
A Solid Foundation for Economic Partnership
During the reception at the City People's Committee headquarters, Vice Chairman Hoang Minh Cuong highlighted Hai Phong's position as Vietnam’s third-largest city and a critical growth engine for the northern region, supported by a modern and synchronized infrastructure system. The relationship between Hai Phong and U.S. partners is currently built on a robust economic foundation.
As of June 2026, Hai Phong is home to 35 active FDI projects from U.S. investors, totaling over $965.34 million in registered capital. This investment places the United States 9th in the number of projects and 7th in total investment capital among countries and territories investing in the city. Notable U.S. contributions include Ford Vietnam’s automobile manufacturing facility ($184.7 million) and major energy and technology projects by General Electric and GE Vernova, which focus on turbine components and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transformers.
The trade relationship has also seen remarkable growth. In 2025, the total import-export turnover between Hai Phong and the U.S. reached $5.78 billion. This momentum continued into the first five months of 2026, with exports to the U.S. reaching approximately $2.14 billion, representing a 23.20% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Key exports include electrical equipment, electronics, mechanical machinery, and garments, while imports from the U.S. primarily serve the city's industrial production and manufacturing needs.
Future Cooperation: Green Ports and Digital Transformation
Mr. Pierce Davis, Political Counselor, expressed deep admiration for Hai Phong's socioeconomic breakthroughs and stated that these achievements serve as a "firm foundation" for expanding deeper strategic cooperation. In the context of the growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, both sides identified several key areas for future collaboration:
- Green Seaport Systems: Leveraging Hai Phong's maritime strengths to develop eco-friendly port operations.
- Modern Logistics Infrastructure: Enhancing supply chain efficiency through advanced technology.
- Energy Transition: Moving toward cleaner energy sources to support sustainable industrial production.
- Digital Transformation and Circular Economy: Implementing smart city solutions and sustainable urban development models.
Vice Chairman Hoang Minh Cuong emphasized that with its new development space and superior investment attraction policies, the potential for Hai Phong-U.S. cooperation remains vast. He committed that the city would continue to accompany and provide the most favorable conditions for U.S. businesses to research and invest successfully.
Cultural Diplomacy and Public Health Cooperation
Beyond economic discussions, the visit underscored the importance of people-to-people ties and social cooperation. Following the official meeting, the delegation visited the Hai An Methadone Treatment Center. Accompanied by a representative from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the delegation discussed public health management and disease prevention, highlighting the long-standing cooperation in health sectors such as HIV/AIDS prevention and community care.
Strategic Significance and Future Outlook
This visit is of particular importance as it serves as a preparatory step for a potential visit by Ambassador-designate Wicks. It reflects the proactive efforts of both the U.S. Mission and Hai Phong authorities to realize the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" at the local level.
The history of cooperation between the two sides has already seen successful initiatives, such as the Vietnam Maritime University’s partnership with California Maritime Academy (CAL Maritime) and Fulbright University’s research on Hai Phong's economic development model up to 2030. Furthermore, the U.S. Embassy has previously coordinated with Hai Phong to organize capacity-building workshops for establishing Free Trade Zones and achieving Net-Zero goals.
The successful working session on June 24 concludes a significant day of diplomacy. The exchange of ideas and field visits demonstrate a multifaceted partnership that spans economy, culture, and health. As Hai Phong continues to integrate internationally, the strengthening of ties with the United States is expected to bring mutual prosperity and sustainable development for both the city and its international partners.