Hai Phong has requested relevant units to accelerate the implementation process and strive to commence the Southern Coastal Economic Zone by the end of 2025.
This was emphasized during a recent meeting reviewing the progress of industrial zones (IZs) in Hai Phong.
Accelerating Industrial Zone Projects
According to the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority (HEZA), in January 2025, Hai Phong issued new investment registration certificates to four infrastructure developers for IZs: Vinh Quang IZ Phase 1, Japan-Hai Phong IZ Phase 2, Trang Due IZ Phase 3, and Nam Trang Cat IZ.
Including 14 previously established IZs with a total area of over 6,080 hectares, Hai Phong now has 18 IZs and 2 economic zones (EZs). Among them, 11 IZs and 1 EZ are already operational. An additional 16 IZs are planned to meet the growing demand for investment resources.
The IZs and EZs in Hai Phong are identified as strong growth drivers, making significant contributions to the city’s economic development. By the end of 2024, Hai Phong’s IZs and EZs had attracted over 840 investment projects with a total capital of nearly USD 48 billion. In 2024 alone, they attracted USD 4.35 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), nearly 1.3 times more than in 2023. This contributed to a GRDP growth rate of 11.01%, ranking third nationwide, and marking Hai Phong as the only locality to maintain double-digit growth for ten consecutive years.
At the recent meeting, district and investor representatives reported on the implementation of approved but not yet operational IZs: Vinh Quang IZ Phase 1, Trang Due IZ Phase 3, Nomura IZ Phase 2, and Nam Trang Cat IZ. Local authorities and developers are working on land clearance and preparations for groundbreaking. Notably, Trang Due IZ Phase 3 and Tien Thanh IZ may begin construction as early as April or May.
However, some IZs face difficulties, such as delays in land acquisition and insufficient compensation funds from developers.
To ensure timely implementation, Mr. Le Tien Chau, Secretary of Hai Phong Party Committee, urged investors to collaborate with the city to expedite IZ projects, viewing them as urgent and strategic. Each project scheduled to start in 2025 and operate in 2026 should have specific timelines. Relevant departments must develop schedules to meet these milestones, and Hai Phong authorities will inspect and handle delays as regulated.
Mr. Le Tien Chau noted that the central government has set Hai Phong’s 2025 growth target at 12.5%, 1.56 times the national average. Achieving this requires collective efforts from the entire political system, citizens, and especially businesses involved in IZ development.
Striving to Launch the Southern Coastal Economic Zone by End of 2025
For IZs without investment policy approvals, Mr. Chau tasked the city administration with studying the city’s industrial development needs, planning, land, and labor resources to accelerate projects. Priority will be given to eco-industrial, high-tech, and supporting industries, especially within the Southern Coastal EZ.
Regarding this EZ, the Secretary requested investors to quickly conduct research and aim for groundbreaking by late 2025. Hai Phong commits to supporting and facilitating businesses, while investors must allocate resources and expedite project implementation.
Following Mr. Chau’s directives, Mr. Nguyen Van Tung, Chairman of Hai Phong People’s Committee, called on enterprises to actively prepare conditions for implementation and resolve difficulties. Relevant departments were urged to speed up land clearance and address issues related to dykes, electricity, and transportation.
Hai Phong targets basic completion of industrialization and modernization by 2025, aiming to become a modern industrial city. Developing IZs and EZs remains a key pillar requiring coordinated political action. Land clearance and procedural completion for new IZs are top priorities.
Mr. Le Trung Kien, Head of HEZA, stated that the authority would resolve existing IZ issues, establish new zones per the master plan, and speed up clean land provision and investment procedures. It will also coordinate vocational training and labor attraction for IZs and EZs.
Mr. Ko Tae Yeon, Chairman of the Korean Business Association in Vietnam and General Director of Heesung Electronics, shared that Hai Phong is noted for its fast administrative processes and prompt resolution of business issues. Therefore, foreign investors, especially Korean companies, are very interested in Hai Phong. He expressed his wish to share positive information to attract more investors to the area.