Within the framework of a business trip to China from February 10 to 12, 2026, Hai Phong City and Nanning City (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) solemnly organized exchange activities and signed important cooperation documents. This special milestone commemorates 20 years of the Hai Phong – Nanning sister-city relationship (2006–2026) and contributes to deepening the Vietnam – China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Signing the 2026 Cooperation Memorandum
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of their friendship, leaders of the two cities signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the 2026 Exchange and Cooperation Plan. This document defines a roadmap for practical cooperation in spearhead sectors, creating a foundation for both localities to develop strongly during the new "golden decade" of the local cooperation mechanism. Key contents include:
- Maintaining high-level delegation exchanges: Hai Phong will send a delegation to the China – ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and economic connection conferences in Nanning. In return, Nanning will organize a delegation and an art troupe to participate in the Hai Phong Red Flamboyant Flower Festival 2026.
- Economic and Technological Breakthroughs: Both sides are committed to promoting exchanges in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy, and improving cross-border logistics efficiency.
- Cultural Exchange and Friendship Symbols: The two cities agreed to research the construction of a symbolic Nanning structure in Hai Phong to mark their solidarity.
Connecting Education, Healthcare, and the Younger Generation
The Hai Phong – Nanning friendship specifically focuses on caring for future generations and public welfare:
- Education: Nanning commits to continuing scholarships for Hai Phong high school graduates to attend university in Nanning.
- Healthcare: Both sides will promote cooperation in traditional medicine training, technical exchanges, and the implementation of smart diagnosis and treatment solutions.
- Youth: They will coordinate "Red Study and Research Journey" programs for Hai Phong youth in Nanning to learn about the traditional friendship between the two countries.
New Position and New Responsibilities
The year 2026 marks not only the 20th anniversary of bilateral relations but also the year Hai Phong officially became an official member of the Spring Meeting mechanism and the Joint Working Committee Conference. Participating in the conference in Nanning as an official member has opened opportunities for deeper engagement in multilateral dialogue mechanisms, affirming Hai Phong's role as a “global connectivity city”.
The success of these activities serves as evidence of a long-standing traditional friendship, creating a solid premise for the two cities to head toward new achievements for the common development and prosperity of their people.