Hai Phong promotes comprehensive exchange and cooperation with the Cambodian Youth Federation

On September 24–25, 2026, Hai Phong City solemnly received the delegations of the Cambodian Youth Federation led by His Excellency Hun Many, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Public Service, and President of the Cambodian Youth Federation, to visit, work, and implement a series of exchange and volunteer activities in the locality. The visit took place in a warm atmosphere of close friendship, looking towards the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cambodia (June 24, 1967 – June 24, 2027), creating new momentum to promote cooperation between the youth of the two countries.

Overview of the meeting (Photo source: Baohaiphong)

On the morning of September 24, 2026, at the City People's Committee Headquarters, Mr. Dao Trong Duc, Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee, chaired a courtesy reception for the high-level delegation of the Cambodian Youth Federation. Also attending were Her Excellency Touch Sorpharath, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Vietnam; Mr. Nguyen Tuong Lam, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union; and representatives of leaders from municipal departments, sectors, and the Hai Phong Youth Union.

On behalf of the City Leadership, Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Dao Trong Duc warmly welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many and the delegation members to visit and work in Hai Phong. He emphasized that Vietnam and Cambodia are neighboring countries with a long-standing traditional friendship. The delegation's visit coincided with both countries looking forward to celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, serving as an important milestone to reflect on their shared journey and continue nurturing friendship and mutual understanding between the people and young generations of both nations.

Sharing about local socio-economic development, the City Leadership stated that following the administrative boundary adjustment at the provincial level effective July 1, 2025, Hai Phong expanded its development space to nearly 3,200 km², with a population of over 4.6 million people and an economic scale exceeding 29 billion USD (ranking 3rd nationwide). Hai Phong is the only locality in Vietnam to maintain double-digit GRDP growth for 11 consecutive years, affirming its position as an international hub for seaport services, logistics, green-smart industry, and marine tourism. In the first 8 months of 2026, two-way import-export turnover between Hai Phong and Cambodia reached nearly 9.5 million USD (up 121.18% over the same period in 2025). The city also maintains training support policies for Cambodian students and fosters good cooperative relations with Preah Sihanouk province.

The delegates took a commemorative photo (Photo source: Baohaiphong)

Expressing deep appreciation for Hai Phong's breakthrough development achievements, Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many was greatly impressed by the city's rapid progress in urban infrastructure, deep-sea ports, and connected transportation systems. He affirmed that in his positions, he would make every effort to further promote multi-faceted cooperation between Cambodia and Vietnam in general, and Hai Phong City in particular. Mr. Hun Many highlighted that he would continue supporting youth exchanges, expanding cooperation in public services, developing high-quality human resources, and strengthening trade and economic connectivity.

The working agenda of the 02 Cambodian Youth Federation delegations (comprising 44 delegates, co-hosted by the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union) in Hai Phong from September 24 to 25, 2026, featured many meaningful activities:

1. a) Activities of the High-Level Delegation (20 delegates):

• Industrial Development Field Trip: On the afternoon of September 24, the high-level delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many visited and worked at the VinFast Automobile Manufacturing Plant in Hai Phong to study its high-tech industrial manufacturing model.
• Thematic Youth Seminar: On the same afternoon, the Standing Committee of the Hai Phong Youth Union hosted the Vietnam–Cambodia Youth Seminar on "Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Development" at the Headquarters of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the city. The program provided a forum for youth union officials, members, and young entrepreneurs from both sides to share experiences in digital transformation, startup support, and technology application in production.
• Friendship Exchange: On the evening of September 24, a solemn Reception and Friendship Exchange program titled "Connecting the Young Generation, Nurturing the Future" was held at the Sheraton Hai Phong Hotel, attended by leaders of the City People's Committee, the Youth Union Central Committee, and the Hai Phong Youth Union.

1. b) Activities of the Volunteer Doctors Delegation (24 doctors):

• Humanitarian Medical Examination and Medicine Distribution: On the morning of September 24, the Volunteer Doctors Delegation of the Cambodian Youth Federation, in coordination with the Vietnam Young Physicians Association Central Committee and related units, organized a program providing free medical examinations, health counseling, and medicine distribution for residents in Hung Dao ward, Hai Phong City.
• Historical Site Visit and Healthcare Cooperation: On the afternoon of September 24, the delegation offered incense and visited the Bach Dang Giang Historical Relic Site, followed by a working session at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy. On the morning of September 25, the delegation conducted professional experience exchanges at Viet Tiep Friendship Hospital before concluding their working trip.

The visit and program activities of the Cambodian Youth Federation delegations in Hai Phong carried profound purpose and significance:

1. Nurturing Traditional Friendship: The event served as a practical people-to-people diplomacy activity aiming towards the 60th anniversary of Vietnam–Cambodia diplomatic relations (1967–2027). The visit helped the young generations of both countries enhance mutual understanding, inherit, and further develop the fine traditional friendship between the two nations.
2. Expanding Multilateral Cooperation and Experience Sharing: Providing opportunities for both sides to exchange practical lessons on operating two-tier local governance, attracting foreign investment, digital transformation in state management, and training high-quality human resources. It also promoted connections between Hai Phong and Cambodian localities and partners across trade, healthcare, and education.
3. Spreading the Spirit of Compassion for the Community: The humanitarian medical examination activities of the Cambodian volunteer doctors demonstrated sincere solidarity and mutual affection between the youth of both countries and local residents.

The successful visit of the Cambodian Youth Federation delegations affirmed the pioneering role of youth from both countries in strengthening and developing the relationship of "Good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability" between Vietnam and Cambodia.