On January 22, 2026, the Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs issued the city's socio-economic, defense-security, and external affairs plan for the year. Under the action theme “Hai Phong External Affairs: Pioneering Integration, Elevating Stature,” the department aims to enhance local external capacity toward a professional and modern direction, with science, technology, and innovation as the core focus.
To affirm its position as a leading maritime economic and logistics service center, Hai Phong has set several impressive targets for 2026:
- Export Turnover: Striving to reach 52 billion USD.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Aiming to attract between 3.8 billion USD and 4.3 billion USD.
- Port Cargo Throughput: Reaching 238 million tons.
- Capacity Rankings: Maintaining DTI, PCI, PAR Index, and PGI indicators in the top 5 leading localities, while striving to enter the top 3 nationwide.
- Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Aid: Maintaining an attraction level of 4-5 million USD per year.
- International Cooperation: Establishing relations with at least one new partner and signing at least two international agreements in emerging fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and the maritime economy.
To achieve these breakthrough goals, external affairs in 2026 will focus on three main pillars:
- Comprehensive International Integration: Proactively expanding markets and connecting with strategic partners in the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, the EU, the Middle East, and ASEAN.
- Technology and Digital Diplomacy: Deeply integrating science and technology into external programs, effectively connecting the global overseas Vietnamese intellectual network, and promoting digital transformation across all departmental activities.
- City Branding and Promotion: Comprehensively innovating external information and utilizing multilingual digital platforms to promote Hai Phong as a “Globally Connected City” and a hub for international events.
In 2026, the city will implement various practical tasks, including promoting the value of the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage site and integrating cultural elements into major external events like the Red Flamboyant Festival. The city will also proactively prepare for strategic infrastructure projects, such as railway and aviation developments.
Regarding internal capacity, the Department of Foreign Affairs will organize at least three specialized training courses on external skills, protocol, and foreign languages for officials and civil servants. The entire workflow will strictly follow the “6 Clearances” principle: Clear people - Clear work - Clear responsibility - Clear authority - Clear time - Clear results to ensure the successful completion of all set objectives.
The effective implementation of the 2026 external affairs plan is expected not only to contribute to economic growth but also to enhance Hai Phong's international position and prestige within the context of new global integration.