As the pivotal first year of the 2026–2030 Socio-Economic Development Plan, 2026 marks a critical juncture for Hai Phong as it strives to realize the ambitious goals set forth by the 14th National Party Congress and Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW of the Politburo. In the first six months of 2026, despite a complex global landscape characterized by strategic competition and economic volatility, the port city has demonstrated remarkable resilience and proactive integration, positioning itself as a leading regional hub for innovation, investment, and international cooperation.
Substantial Achievements in International Integration
Under the direct guidance of the City Party Committee and the People’s Committee, Hai Phong has achieved comprehensive results across several key pillars of international integration:
- Economic Integration and Investment Attraction: Hai Phong continues to be a magnet for both foreign and domestic capital. In the first half of 2026, the city successfully attracted $1,975.4 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and nearly 77,986.2 billion VND in domestic investment through 69 new projects. To maximize the benefits of various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), the city has actively guided local enterprises on rules of origin, C/O procedures, and market updates. High-level seminars, such as those focusing on the ASEAN Economic Community and the impacts of U.S. trade and tariff policies, have empowered businesses to reduce risks and expand their export footprints.
- Political, Defense, and Security Diplomacy: The city has deepened its relationships with traditional partners through high-level exchanges with delegations from Laos, Japan, China, and Cambodia. Hai Phong’s global footprint was further solidified by its participation in the 10th World Cities Summit in Singapore and ongoing preparations for the 15th Asia-Pacific City Summit (APCS) in Fukuoka, Japan. In the realm of defense diplomacy, the city hosted the Royal Netherlands Navy ship De Ruyter and received the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy, underscoring a commitment to regional stability and international trust.
- Science, Technology, and Digital Transformation: Hai Phong is pioneering the digital frontier by approving the Digital Transformation Strategy 2026–2030 and implementing the Law on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The city’s Security Operations Center (SOC) now monitors 15 core applications, while the Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) features 20 monitoring screens to ensure data-driven governance. Furthermore, the city has successfully promoted the "Innovation City" model, fostering technology supply-and-demand connections with partners in Australia and New Zealand.
- Social, Cultural, and Environmental Cooperation: The city is working closely with UNESCO to finalize dossiers for the recognition of Great Physician Tue Tinh and Nguyen Binh Khiem, alongside the designation of Cheo art as an intangible cultural heritage. Environmental sustainability remains a priority, with Hai Phong negotiating a World Bank loan for climate change adaptation and collaborating with JICA (Japan) on a marine waste reduction project in Cat Ba.
Strategic Competitive Advantages in Implementing the Resolution
Hai Phong’s success in implementing Resolution 59-NQ/TW is rooted in several distinct competitive advantages that distinguish it as a premier destination for global integration:
- Strategic Geopolitical Position and Modern Infrastructure: As a major port city, Hai Phong serves as a vital logistics gateway for Northern Vietnam and a key link to international maritime routes. Its partnership with nations like Belgium, which provides world-class expertise in logistics and port management through projects like the DEEP C Industrial Zones, creates a unique synergy that accelerates industrial growth.
- Leading Digital and Innovation Ecosystem: The city’s proactive stance on AI legislation and digital strategy (evidenced by Decision 1167/QD-UBND) provides a stable and forward-looking legal framework for high-tech investors. The integration of IOC and SOC systems ensures that the city’s management is both transparent and highly efficient.
- Specialized Policy and Institutional Support: The implementation of specific mechanisms and policies tailored for Hai Phong has created a breakthrough momentum for international integration. By centralizing foreign affairs under the Department of Foreign Affairs, the city ensures a streamlined and professional approach to international cooperation.
- Global Connectivity and Cultural Soft Power: With ties to 31 foreign localities and a presence on multi-language digital platforms (offering content in English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese), Hai Phong effectively projects its image as a dynamic and hospitable city. This cultural and diplomatic reach facilitates easier entry for foreign businesses and researchers.
Navigating Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite these achievements, the city faces challenges, including the need for more specialized human resources in international integration and a complex global economic environment. In the latter half of 2026, Hai Phong plans to intensify its economic diplomacy, prioritizing investments in semiconductors, high technology, and green energy. By leveraging its competitive advantages and maintaining the momentum of Resolution 59-NQ/TW, Hai Phong is well on its way to becoming a modern, civilized, and sustainable international port city.