In the context of the Vietnam – Thailand relationship being upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2025, Hai Phong City is asserting its role as a leading locality in implementing extensive cooperation commitments across all fields. From impressive trade figures and a strong presence of investment capital to vibrant cultural and sports exchanges, Hai Phong and Thailand are writing a promising new chapter for the common prosperity of the ASEAN region.
The Thai Festival in Ha Noi 2026 in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Thailand – Vietnam diplomatic relations
Bilateral Trade: Maintaining Growth and Integration Depth
Thailand has long been identified as a key trade partner for Hai Phong within ASEAN, serving as both an essential raw material supplier and a potential market for the Port City's goods. According to recent data from the Department of Industry and Trade, 2025 marked an important milestone with total import-export turnover reaching $779.34 million.
The commodity structure shows close links within the regional supply chain. Hai Phong primarily exports high-value-added items such as electronic components, machinery, and mechanical equipment, alongside traditional strengths like textiles and footwear. Conversely, the city mainly imports industrial raw materials, plastics, and consumer goods to serve production and daily life. In the first two months of 2026, these activities maintained stability with a total turnover of $125.98 million, although the balance remains tilted toward a trade deficit of approximately $51.69 million. A highlight of this relationship is the effective utilization of multilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) such as ATIGA and RCEP, with many Hai Phong businesses proactively applying for Certificates of Origin (C/O) to enhance competitiveness.
The Thai Ambassador and delegates attending the Thai Festival in Ha Noi 2026
Thai FDI Inflow: Diverse Sectors and Scales
Hai Phong has always been a "promising land" for Thai investors due to its transparent business environment and synchronous infrastructure. As of February 28, 2026, the city has attracted 16 active FDI projects from Thailand with a total registered capital of $234 million.
The distribution of investment capital demonstrates diversity in strategic focus, ranging from industrial production to trade and services.
- In Industrial Zones (IZs): The Economic Zone Authority recorded 10 projects with $160 million in capital. Prominent "locomotives" include the animal feed production project of the C.P. Vietnam group in Tan Truong IZ ($54 million), the Top Solvent port plant in Dinh Vu IZ ($26.3 million), and the Wonderful VN electric cable project in Dai An IZ ($24 million).
- Outside Industrial Zones: There are 06 projects totaling $73.93 million, notably a low-income housing project in An Hai ($50 million) and the Mega Market Hong Bang commercial center ($15 million).
Cooperation potential continues to expand as major groups like Thai Wah have expressed interest in investing in the cassava starch processing industry. Furthermore, Hai Phong's strategies for merging and expanding economic spaces are creating significant room in terms of land and labor, increasing its attractiveness to Thai investors seeking competitive production bases.
Logistics: A Gateway Connecting Regional Supply Chains
With its position as the largest seaport hub in the North, Hai Phong serves as a vital gateway between Vietnam and ASEAN countries, particularly Thailand. Logistics cooperation has seen substantive progress, with direct maritime routes connecting Hai Phong with leading regional ports like Bangkok and Laem Chabang maintained stably. The participation of major Thai shipping lines such as Regional Container Lines (RCL), along with companies like Thai Airways Cargo and Siam Shipping, helps shorten transit times and significantly reduce logistics costs.
Cultural and Sports Exchange: A Strong Bond
Cooperation is also imbued with a spirit of friendship through people-to-people diplomacy. At the opening of the Thai Festival in Hanoi 2026 on March 27, 2026, Hai Phong leaders were invited to share in the unique cultural space and strengthen ties. In the field of sports, Thailand is a priority destination for Hai Phong to send athletes and coaches for training and competition. Since 2022, 34 delegations (including rowing and martial arts) have traveled to Thailand, utilizing modern facilities and advanced curricula to achieve excellent results.
Orientation to Promote Future Cooperation
While results are encouraging, Hai Phong city authorities frankly acknowledge that the number of FDI projects and the proportion of investment in high-tech sectors remain limited compared to actual potential. To elevate the partnership, several breakthrough solutions have been proposed:
- Selective Investment Promotion: Focusing on attracting Thai enterprises into fields where Hai Phong has strong development orientations, such as green industry, circular economy, renewable energy, and smart logistics infrastructure.
- Supporting Businesses with FTAs: Promoting and simplifying C/O procedures to help enterprises, especially small and medium ones, navigate administrative procedures when entering the Thai market.
- Strengthening High-level Connections: Organizing regular working delegations to exchange experiences in seaport development and economic zone management.
- Strong Administrative Reform: Continually improving the investment environment and promptly resolving difficulties for existing investors.
With strong political determination and practical actions, the relationship between Hai Phong and Thailand faces bright new opportunities, contributing to the peace, stability, and common prosperity of the ASEAN region.