On April 9, 2026, the Hai Phong Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation released a report on the implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW during the first quarter of 2026. With the motto “Breakthrough action, spreading results,” Hai Phong has not only excelled in achieving its set targets but is also step-by-step building a modern and sustainable digital ecosystem to serve as a foundation for the Port City's breakthrough development.
- Institutional Perfection: A "Launchpad" for Future Technology Industries
In Q1/2026, Hai Phong demonstrated proactive decisiveness in concretizing specific mechanisms and policies. The city focused on implementing six resolutions from the People's Council and four decisions from the People's Committee to create a solid legal corridor for innovation activities.
The most significant highlight is the prioritized policies for developing semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Hai Phong has issued regulations on the documentation and procedures for implementing human resource development policies in these fields for the 2025–2030 period. Furthermore, policies regarding land incentives for science and technology enterprises and tax incentives for innovative startups have created the most favorable conditions to attract high-tech investors. Notably, the city established a Working Group for High-Tech Investment Attraction and Innovation, directly headed by the Chairman of the City People’s Committee, affirming the city leadership’s strong commitment to accompanying businesses.
- Innovation Ecosystem: From Nucleus to a Comprehensive Network
The startup support network in Hai Phong is clearly taking shape, with the Center for Innovation and Applied Science-Technology as its nucleus. This center provides intellectual property consulting, training, and technology supply-demand matching, serving as a pillar for startup projects from the idea stage.
The city currently possesses a solid science and technology infrastructure with 76 certified science and technology enterprises and 61 VILAS-standard national laboratories. An educational system comprising nine universities and 14 colleges serves as a source of high-quality human resources for both Hai Phong and neighboring regions. Furthermore, Hai Phong aims for international reach with a scheme to become an International Center for Marine Science-Technology training, research, and application. The operation of the Online Technology and Equipment Exchange (Hatex.vn) has also played a crucial role in connecting startups with leading investors and experts.
- Digital Transformation and Digital Government: The Rise of Data
Digital transformation efforts in Hai Phong during Q1/2026 achieved landmark results, particularly in establishing data architecture and strategy.
- Infrastructure and Architecture: The city implemented the Digital Government Architecture Framework version 4.0 and approved the City Data Strategy to 2030. Hai Phong invested in and upgraded IT equipment for 114 communes, wards, and special zones, ensuring 100% of facilities have sufficient digital signatures to handle work in a network environment.
- “Right, Enough, Clean, Live” Data: The city has built six basic specialized data sets with high interconnectivity. Highlights include population data for over 4.4 million people, land data reaching 100% synchronization with the national system, and civil status data with over 4.6 million digitized records. High school graduation diploma data for the 2010–2025 period has also been over 66% digitized.
- Party Data: Hai Phong completed the digitization of nearly 2 million pages of historical documents from the City Party Committee and the former Hai Duong Provincial Party Committee. Concurrently, 100% of the 4.0 Party member database has been updated according to the Central plan.
- Serving the People: Online Public Services and Digital Utilities
Hai Phong continues to maintain its leading position in administrative reform through digital platforms. During the reporting period, the city received over 745,000 applications, with the online application rate reaching a record 99.86%. The digitization rate of administrative results citywide reached nearly 94%, and the rate of re-exploiting digitized data reached 98%. The operation of Public Administration Service Centers in both East and West areas has maximized convenience for citizens and businesses.
Digital utilities have also deeply integrated into social life. In health, 100% of health insurance facilities have accepted chip-based ID cards or the VNeID application. Cashless payment activities achieved impressive results: 100% of unemployment benefit recipients and over 99% of monthly social insurance recipients were paid via ATM. Regarding digital citizenship, the city has activated over 2.7 million Level 2 electronic identification accounts.
- Cybersecurity and Information Security: A Solid Shield
Alongside promoting development, Hai Phong focuses on protecting digital achievements by strengthening cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity Subcommittee has been perfected, with the City Party Secretary serving as the Head of the Subcommittee.
The city's Cybersecurity Operations Center (SOC) operates 24/7, ensuring timely detection and emergency response for both government agencies and businesses. The city has deployed a Centralized Authentication System, utilizing the VNeID account consistently when accessing provincial information systems and databases.
- International Cooperation and Financial Resources
Hai Phong is actively expanding foreign relations to stay ahead of technology trends. The city implemented a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) to establish the KIST-Hai Phong Techhub and conduct specialized R&D training programs. Additionally, cooperation with Guangxi (China) in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data is being strongly promoted.
Financially, Hai Phong proactively allocated approximately 1,100 billion VND for science, technology, and digital transformation in 2026, which is 1.28 times higher than the Central budget estimate. Specifically, recurrent expenditure increased 2.27 times compared to 2025, demonstrating the city's exceptional priority for this sector.
- "Bottlenecks" and Future Solutions
Despite many successes, Hai Phong acknowledges existing difficulties. These include a shortage of high-quality technology manpower, especially experts in AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. The startup ecosystem is still in its early stages, lacking regional-scale incubation centers and large-scale shared laboratories. Additionally, some policy mechanisms, such as the establishment and operation of Venture Capital Funds, still face legal hurdles.
To overcome these, Hai Phong has set key tasks for Q2/2026:
- Develop broadband infrastructure, eliminate signal dead zones, and deploy 5G networks.
- Provide free high-speed 1Gbps Wifi at communal culture houses and residential group offices.
- Launch a "Digital Literacy" movement to enhance digital skills for the public.
- Complete the smart city scheme and the Hai Phong Science, Technology, and Innovation Park project.
The city also requested the Central Government to soon issue a legal framework for a "Sandbox" mechanism to allow localities to proactively deploy new business models and support the synchronized connection of ministerial information systems to avoid system "hangs" and resource waste.
Hai Phong stands before great opportunities. With methodical preparation, appropriate investment, and high political determination, the Port City is firmly stepping on the path to becoming a growth pole for science, technology, and digital transformation for the entire country.