On the afternoon of March 6, the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority organized a seminar on "Green Transition in Industrial Zones for the Sustainable Development of Hai Phong City" to implement the city's annual theme.
Economic development must go hand-in-hand with environmental protection
The seminar aimed to clearly demonstrate its role in responding to Hai Phong’s 2025 theme: "Expanding economic and urban space; promoting special mechanisms and policies; enhancing green transition and digital transformation."
Delegates exchange and discuss at the seminar on "Green Transition in Industrial Zones for the Sustainable Development of Hai Phong City." Photo: Thu Anh
The event attracted 400 delegates, including leaders of central agencies, embassies, and international organizations; departments and branches; People’s Committees of districts and Thuy Nguyen city; experts, researchers, managers, domestic organizations, and investors operating in industrial parks and the Dinh Vu – Cat Hai Economic Zone.
Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Do Manh Hien – Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee – emphasized that as a leading economic, industrial, and port center in Vietnam, Hai Phong is deeply aware of its role and responsibility in environmental protection and climate change response. The city is proud to be one of the pioneers in building and implementing green growth action plans, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainable development.
Mr. Hien noted that in recent years, Hai Phong has achieved significant accomplishments in socio-economic development, investment attraction, and the construction of modern infrastructure.
“In 2024, the city's GRDP is estimated to increase by 11.01% compared to 2023, ranking third nationwide and maintaining a double-digit growth rate for 10 consecutive years. Total state budget revenue in the city is estimated to exceed VND 107 trillion, ranking third nationally. Especially, Hai Phong attracted USD 4.35 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), nearly 1.3 times higher than in 2023, ranking second nationwide,” said Mr. Hien.
He also acknowledged the significant contribution of industrial zones and economic zones to the overall development of the city. However, Hai Phong aims to develop the economy in harmony with environmental protection, balancing economic and social interests for the sustainable development of the city and future generations.
To implement this directive, the Hai Phong Party Executive Committee will issue a Resolution on green transition in the first quarter of 2025, forming a basis for synchronous and effective deployment across all levels and sectors.
A lever to enhance competitiveness
Reporting at the seminar, Mr. Le Trung Kien, Head of the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority, stated that green transition is no longer an option but a mandatory requirement, a call of the times, and a new competitive advantage.
Recently, industrial zones in Hai Phong have taken the lead in green transition activities, notably DEEP C and Nam Cau Kien Industrial Parks, which are two of the five pioneering green transition eco-industrial parks nationwide.
Many businesses within these parks are also actively promoting green transition by using renewable energy, recycled materials, and pursuing ESG goals, showing responsibility to the community and workers.
“Reality shows that reducing negative environmental impacts is not just a social responsibility but also a lever to enhance competitive advantage and build sustainable brands,” added Mr. Kien.
The seminar consisted of two discussion sessions with the participation of over 20 speakers. Delegates shared directions, solutions, experiences, and recommendations on green transition in industrial parks for the sustainable development of Hai Phong in the context of comprehensive international integration, the 4th industrial revolution, and the demand for sustainability.
Particularly, experts and leaders of domestic and international organizations and enterprises exchanged on issues such as eco-industrial parks, circular economy, industrial symbiosis, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, carbon tracking; ESG, green port development, green credit, etc. They also provided suggestions to effectively implement green and digital transformation in Hai Phong’s industrial parks and economic zones in the future.