In celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Hai Phong’s diplomatic tradition, on the afternoon of March 18, the Department of Foreign Affairs of Hai Phong organized the “Hai Phong 2025: Connecting Businesses and the International Community” program.
Attendees included His Excellency Kees Van Baar, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Vietnam, leaders from various departments and agencies—Department of Foreign Affairs, Office of the Party Committee, Office of the People’s Committee, Department of Industry and Trade, Department of Finance, and Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority—along with representatives from foreign business associations and expatriate groups: EuroCham, the Dutch Business Association in Vietnam, the Japanese Business Association – Hai Phong branch, the Korean Business Association in Hai Phong, the Chinese Business Association, the Northern Sichuan-Chongqing Business Federation, the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in Hai Phong, and other international communities in the city.
The program aimed to share and understand the aspirations of foreign businesses and expatriates in Hai Phong, demonstrating the city government’s commitment to supporting international citizens and enterprises. It fostered a collaborative and friendly environment between domestic and international business associations and expatriate communities, with the goal of developing Hai Phong into an international city.
Additionally, the event served to maintain close ties with foreign business associations and expatriate groups, providing a forum to propose solutions for social issues, build trust and confidence among investors, and leave a positive and reliable impression of Hai Phong with embassies, international organizations, investors, and tourists.
In her opening speech, Director Nguyen Thi My Dung from the Department of Foreign Affairs noted that Hai Phong is on a strong growth trajectory, steadily enhancing its competitiveness and further integrating into regional and global economies. The city is not only an international trade gateway but also a prime destination for foreign investors, hosting 1,040 active FDI projects with a total registered capital of over USD 34.5 billion from investors across 38 countries and territories. The foreign business community and expatriate residents in Hai Phong have grown significantly in both size and importance to the city’s socio-economic life. Currently, more than 18,000 foreign nationals from 101 countries and territories are living and working in the city. Their presence contributes to Hai Phong’s image as an open, friendly, and livable city.
The connection between foreign businesses, local government, and domestic enterprises has created a dynamic business ecosystem that promotes shared growth, projects Hai Phong’s image to the world, connects international partners, and supports city-led foreign delegations and programs in education, healthcare, culture, trade, and investment. Besides economic activity, foreign businesses and communities have also actively contributed to charity, education, healthcare, environmental protection initiatives, and disaster response efforts—such as support after Typhoon Yagi—highlighting their role as an important segment of Hai Phong’s populace.
The city government remains committed to creating the most favorable investment environment, continually improving business-supportive policies and public service quality. Special attention is given to enhancing the quality of life for expatriates, ensuring social safety, upgrading infrastructure, healthcare, education, green – clean – beautiful living spaces, and strengthening coordination with local authorities to support and safeguard the legal rights and interests of foreign nationals.