The potential and advantages of seaports and logistics have gradually transformed into real resources for Hai Phong’s development.
Reaching Strongly Towards the Sea
Located in a key position in the North Central Coast region, Hai Phong has relied on its coastal strength for thousands of years to grow. Recognizing its existing potential and advantages, and aligning with current maritime economic trends, Hai Phong has developed strategies to chart a course toward greater integration into the global maritime economy.
Currently, Hai Phong's seaport system includes 5 main wharf areas with 52 ports listed in Vietnam’s seaport catalog. Notably, the Lach Huyen International Gateway Port can accommodate container ships up to 200,000 DWT. In addition to the operational berths 1 and 2, the government has approved the investment proposals for berths 3 through 8 at Lach Huyen Port, which are under rapid construction. Investment calls for the remaining berths are ongoing, with 7 investors having already proposed investment plans for berths 9 to 12, which are currently under review by the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
In terms of developing coastal economic zones, Hai Phong's Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Economic Zone has become a dynamic and multi-sectoral economic hub, with a focus on maritime service development. It has also become a key driver for Hai Phong’s industrialization and modernization, positioning the city as one of the central maritime economic hubs of the northern region and the entire country.
At the 21st meeting of the Hai Phong People's Council, the council passed a resolution on the adjustment of the master plan for the construction of the Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Economic Zone until 2045. This adjustment provides a legal basis for the implementation of detailed sub-zone plans and investment projects, aligning with the zone’s potential, position, and the latest development trends.
In addition, the government recently granted permission to establish the Southern Hai Phong Coastal Economic Zone, covering around 20,000 hectares. This zone will take advantage of the advantages of the Nam Do Son Port and Hai Phong International Airport in Tien Lang district, with a free trade area set up to apply international best practices and policies. The Southern Coastal Economic Zone is expected to become a new growth engine for Hai Phong and a key link in Vietnam's coastal economic chain.
To position itself as a major maritime economic center of the country, Hai Phong has also been focusing on investing in infrastructure projects, linking key economic centers in the Red River Delta, industrial parks, urban areas, and coastal ports.
According to Nguyen Van Tung, Chairman of Hai Phong People's Committee, the proactive restructuring and appropriate arrangement of port operations are affirming Hai Phong’s strong transformation to adapt to the competitive maritime economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This will be a crucial foundation for the city to develop into a green, smart port city and a global maritime hub in Southeast Asia.
Riding the Investment Wave
The advantages of seaports and logistics have become key leverage for Hai Phong to continuously lead the nation in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). For over a decade, the city has consistently ranked among the top regions in Vietnam for FDI attraction.
The city has become an ideal destination for leading global investors, including LG Group (South Korea), Bridgestone Group (Japan), Regina Miracle Group (Hong Kong), Pegatron Group (Taiwan), and SK Group (South Korea), among others.
According to Takashi Kagamoto, General Director of Mitsubishi Estate Vietnam, the investor in the Logicross Hai Phong project at Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park, the process of obtaining investment certificates and construction permits has been very smooth. The Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority and the Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park Management Board have provided strong support throughout the implementation process.
Mr. Nguyen Van Tung, Chairman of Hai Phong People's Committee, emphasized that in the coming period, the city will focus on attracting large, reputable international investors for high-tech projects, especially in semiconductors and electronic chips.
Mr. Tung also highlighted that Hai Phong will provide the best conditions for investors while fostering greater connectivity between FDI enterprises and Vietnamese businesses to integrate into global supply chains, creating new drivers for the city's growth.