In the context of entering a new era of development following the historic merger, on June 12, 2026, the Hai Phong City People's Committee issued a report on the results of reviewing and evaluating Class I urban standards. The evaluation results affirm the position and potential of the port city after expanding its development space, aiming to become a maritime economic center and a primary driver of development for the entire Northern region.
A New Stature from Strategic Merger
Implementing a Resolution of the National Assembly, Hai Phong City merged with Hai Duong Province under the common name of Hai Phong City. This event created an urban entity of superior stature with a natural area of approximately 3,184.5 km² and a population of over 4.6 million people. The merger not only expanded geographic space but also strengthened regional linkages, helping to mobilize and effectively use resources for socio-economic development.
In 2025, despite facing many challenges, Hai Phong maintained its economic strength with a GRDP growth rate of 11.81%, ranking 2nd in the country and highest among the 6 centrally-governed cities. This marks the 11th consecutive year the city has maintained double-digit growth, bringing the size of its economy to nearly 30 billion USD.
Review Results: 14/15 Standards Meet Class I Urban Status
Based on the latest urban classification criteria under Resolution No. 111/2025/UBTVQH15, preliminary review results show that Hai Phong has met 14 out of 15 standards for Class I urban status. These results are categorized into specific groups:
- Role, Position, and Socio-Economic Development (6/6 standards met): Hai Phong affirms its position as an economic powerhouse, with its 2025 per capita income reaching 85.67 million VND/year, significantly higher than the national average of 72.04 million VND. The city remains a "magnet" for foreign investment, with total new FDI in 2025 reaching approximately 2.8 billion USD (ranking 6th nationwide) and a cumulative total of 51 billion USD (ranking 3rd nationwide). Notably, Hai Phong continues to be a locality that self-balances its budget without receiving supplementary funds from the central government.
- Level of Urbanization (4/4 standards met): The city's urban population currently exceeds 3.3 million people, with an urbanization rate of approximately 51% (exceeding the required threshold of 45%). The system of subordinate urban areas has also developed strongly, with 23 out of 45 wards having reached the Class II urban development level.
- Infrastructure and Urban Spatial Organization (4/5 standards met): The city possesses a strategic transport infrastructure system including the Lach Huyen International Gateway Port (the main exit to the sea directly connecting to Europe and the Americas), Cat Bi International Airport (currently expanding Terminal T2), and a dense highway network. Notably, the public passenger transport system now covers 100% of Class II urban areas.
Furthermore, Hai Phong takes pride in 09 architectural works and urban areas that have won national and international awards, including the Ecorivers Urban Area (formerly in Hai Duong), The Centric project in Thuy Nguyen, and the Adjustment of the City Master Plan to 2040.
Challenges and Future Orientation
The only standard not yet met is "Sustainable Urban Development". The main reason is that the city is currently in the process of building its Smart City Scheme, and the Ministry of Construction has not yet issued a full set of evaluation criteria for climate change resilience and adaptation capacity.
To maintain and improve urban quality, from now until the end of 2027, the city has assigned the Department of Construction to lead the review, update data, and construct an investment roadmap to complete the missing standards. Hai Phong will focus on a list of priority projects regarding technical infrastructure, social infrastructure, and the application of digital technology in urban management.
The success of the Class I urban standards review post-merger is a testament to the methodical preparation and high political determination of the city's leaders. With new room and motivation for development from the merger, Hai Phong is confidently creating a "new development space," worthy of being a smart, green, and sustainable city in the future.