On March 23, 2026, the People's Committee of Hai Phong officially issued Decision No. 1049/QĐ-UBND, approving the Outline and Cost Estimate for the project "Developing Hai Phong into an International Center for Marine Science-Technology Training, Research, and Application". This is a breakthrough step to realize the vision of turning the Port City into a dynamic growth pole and a leading marine knowledge hub in Southeast Asia and the world.
A Strategic Vision in the Ocean Era
In the context of the global transition to a green economy and increasing maritime strategic competition, the ocean is no longer just a source of resources but a space for survival and sustainable development. For Vietnam and Hai Phong specifically, mastering marine science and technology is the key to protecting sovereignty and promoting prosperity.
The project is built on a solid legal foundation, particularly Decision No. 1516/QĐ-TTg by the Prime Minister regarding Hai Phong's planning for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050. This confirms the city's proactive shift from a resource-based growth model to one driven by knowledge and innovation.
Learning from Global Elite Models
A core international activity of the project involves in-depth research, comparison, and international benchmarking. Hai Phong will not build its model in isolation but will study successful international "case studies" to draw lessons in governance, financial mechanisms, and talent attraction. The project classifies global marine science centers into different ecosystem structures to find the most suitable path for Hai Phong. These include:
- Science-driven models: Learning from world-class institutes like Woods Hole (USA) or centers in Rotterdam (Netherlands) and Hamburg (Germany) where universities and research institutes play a core role.
- Industry-Market driven models: Studying Busan (South Korea), Qingdao, and Xiamen (China), where science directly serves logistics and high-tech marine economies.
- Policy-serving models: Referencing Monaco, Bergen (Norway), and Hobart (Australia) for providing scientific evidence for ocean governance and climate change response.
By identifying "strategic gaps" compared to these global leaders by 2030, Hai Phong can determine urgent priority areas for intervention during the 2026–2030 period.
Internationalizing Training and Research
To achieve true "international status," the project sets out specific tasks to expand foreign cooperative networks in education and science. High-quality human resource development is a priority, focusing on building training programs and attracting leading experts in marine science.
The city aims to enhance its research capacity and international publications, encouraging high-application research that meets global standards. This involves increasing Hai Phong's presence on the global "knowledge map" and digitizing marine data infrastructure to integrate with international data systems.
Building an International Brand and Science Diplomacy
A key highlight of the project’s foreign affairs strategy is building a distinct international brand for Hai Phong’s marine science and technology. The city plans to foster international cooperation and integration to create a unique identity in the global scientific community.
The implementation process itself is inclusive and international in scope, involving multilateral consultation workshops with scientists, managers, and businesses. By mobilizing the wisdom of high-level experts and ensuring transparent coordination between central and local agencies, the project aims for high feasibility and international alignment.
Roadmap and Sustainable Expectations
The project expects to create a massive social and economic impact. By becoming an international hub, Hai Phong aims to:
- Attract a wave of high-quality FDI in new marine economic sectors such as renewable energy, marine pharmaceuticals, and smart logistics.
- Create a professional working environment for overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and international experts to contribute to the country.
- Protect marine ecosystems and effectively respond to climate change based on precise scientific evidence.
Decision No. 1049/QĐ-UBND is a strong affirmation of the will of the city's leadership and people. With meticulous preparation, a clear roadmap, and secured resources, Hai Phong is stepping firmly toward becoming an "International City" and a lighthouse of marine science for the entire country in the new era.