The year 2024 concluded with remarkable achievements for Hai Phong’s Department of Industry and Trade, highlighting a year of immense challenges but also abundant opportunities. At the 2024 Annual Summary Conference and the 2025 Planning Meeting of the department, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Thành, Director of the Hai Phong Department of Industry and Trade, delivered a keynote address emphasizing Hai Phong’s pioneering role in the economic development of the Red River Delta region and the nation as a whole.
Mr. Nguyễn Văn Thành - Director of the Department of Industry and Trade - delivered a speech at the conference. Photo: Cấn Dũng
2024 Achievements: Affirming Economic Leadership
Amid a complex global economic landscape and internal challenges, Hai Phong’s Department of Industry and Trade implemented decisive and innovative measures in 2024. Guided by the directives of the Government, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the city administration, key tasks were executed effectively, establishing a robust foundation for socioeconomic development.
Hai Phong’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) grew by an estimated 11.01%, ranking third nationwide and achieving double-digit growth for the 10th consecutive year. The Industrial Production Index (IIP) increased by 15%, with the processing and manufacturing sector accounting for 43.86% of GRDP. Notably, high-tech industrial products in the processing and manufacturing sectors represented 66% of total output, reflecting a significant qualitative shift in production.
Hai Phong further solidified its role as a growth driver in the Red River Delta, achieving a trade surplus of $7.5 billion. The total export turnover reached an estimated $33.25 billion, a 9.5% increase compared to the previous year, while imports totaled $25.75 billion, up 4.6%. Trade promotion activities and market expansion efforts contributed to sustained export-import growth.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction also set a record, with $4.7 billion, achieving 235% of the annual target. FDI projects not only increased in number but also improved in quality, fostering technology transfer and enhancing competitive capacity.
Additionally, four new industrial clusters were established, bringing the total to 17 clusters covering 683.75 hectares. Trade promotion events such as the Industry and Trade Fair, the Logistics Forum, and international cooperation initiatives in Sweden and Finland created numerous new opportunities. E-commerce emerged as a vital tool, improving the efficiency of supply-demand connections.
2025 Vision: Innovation and Sustainable Development
Building on the successes of 2024, the Hai Phong Department of Industry and Trade enters 2025 with a proactive and innovative spirit. Mr. Nguyễn Văn Thành outlined key tasks and solutions aimed at driving Hai Phong’s continued economic breakthroughs.
The central focus for 2025 will be addressing challenges faced by businesses and accelerating administrative reforms to facilitate production and business activities. Investments in power infrastructure will be prioritized to ensure stable supply for high-tech projects and renewable energy development.
The department aims to restructure the industrial sector, prioritizing strategic fields such as mechanical engineering, electronics, renewable energy, and supporting industries. Efforts will be directed towards developing smart production systems and advancing new industries like semiconductors, robotics, and advanced materials, creating high-value-added products and deeper integration into global supply chains.
Commercial infrastructure will be modernized and aligned with e-commerce trends. Hai Phong plans to organize trade fairs, exhibitions, and supply-demand connection activities while leveraging next-generation free trade agreements. The logistics sector will be strategically developed with new logistics centers to optimize supply chains and support export-import activities.
Hai Phong will strengthen collaboration with other localities in the Red River Delta and the “Two Corridors, One Belt” economic zone while implementing key projects such as the Southern Coastal Economic Zone and new-generation free trade zones. These initiatives aim not only to stimulate economic growth but also to elevate Hai Phong’s international stature.
Closing 2024 with a lot of success, Hai Phong’s Department of Industry and Trade embarks on 2025 with the expectation of continuing to lead the region and nation in economic development. Bold yet practical objectives promise to transform Hai Phong into a modern and sustainable port city, further cementing its position as a key economic hub.