On the morning of May 7th, comrade Le Trung Kien, Member of the Standing Committee of Hai Phong Party Committee and Head of Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority, held a meeting with the delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam led by Mr. Stephen L. Green, Commercial Counselor of the U.S. Embassy, during their visit and working trip to Hai Phong.
The delegation included Mr. Daniel J. Farkas, Deputy Commercial Counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, representatives from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, and the Office of International Affairs - Bureau of Regional Affairs.
At the meeting, Mr. Le Trung Kien provided an overview of Hai Phong’s socio-economic development, highlighting the significant role of industrial parks and economic zones in attracting investment, driving growth, and promoting international integration. He shared that in 2024, for the first time, Hai Phong was recognized by the business community as the leading locality in the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI), after seven consecutive years ranking within the Top 10 nationwide. With this result, in 2024, Hai Phong proudly ranks first in all three prestigious indices related to administrative reform and business environment improvement: the 2024 Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI), the 2024 Public Administration Reform Index (PAR Index), and the 2024 Satisfaction Index of Public Administrative Services (SIPAS).
The Head of Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority emphasized that Hai Phong always values and appreciates the role of U.S. investors and enterprises, setting a clear goal to attract American investors, especially to the Southern Coastal Economic Zone, which focuses on key development sectors such as high-tech industry, modern logistics, smart urban areas, eco-tourism, and a pilot free trade zone. He expressed hope for continued support from the U.S. Embassy in establishing new partnerships and future cooperation, including specialized training, technology sharing on customs management, and ongoing dialogue on best practices to facilitate and enforce trade.
Mr. Stephen L. Green expressed his impression with Hai Phong’s dynamic development and highly appreciated the city government’s efforts in improving the investment environment and facilitating foreign businesses, including American companies. He stated that this visit provided the delegation with the opportunity to conduct on-site surveys, explore potential economic and trade cooperation, and further promote the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the United States in Northern Vietnam.