On May 14, 2026, the Hai Phong City People's Committee issued Plan No. 177/KH-UBND to support digital transformation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the city for the year 2026. This move aims to concretize breakthroughs in science, technology, and innovation in accordance with the directives of the Politburo and the Government. As Hai Phong strives to assert its position as a modern international port city, this plan serves not only as technological support but also as a vital "lever" to promote economic foreign affairs, helping local businesses confidently expand and integrate deeply into global value chains.
Economic Integration via the Digital Transformation "Passport"
The core objective of Plan 177 is to enhance the readiness and substantive digital transformation capacity of SMEs. This is particularly significant for foreign affairs, as the ability to adapt to market fluctuations and meet international technical standards is a prerequisite for businesses to participate in regional and global value chains.
According to the plan, the city aims to support at least 1,000 SMEs in accessing digital platforms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2026. Equipping SMEs with "digital capabilities" helps them overcome geographical barriers and optimize digital management and e-commerce processes, thereby easily connecting with foreign partners and multinational corporations. This establishes the foundation for an open economy where local businesses serve not only the domestic market but also act as vital links in the international production ecosystem.
5G Infrastructure in Economic Zones: A "Magnet" for FDI
A breakthrough content linked to Hai Phong's foreign affairs advantage is the development of digital infrastructure in key economic areas. The plan sets out tasks to develop fixed broadband infrastructure and especially 5G mobile networks along with next-generation technologies in industrial parks, export processing zones, and economic zones.
By November 2026, the city targets having 70% of industrial and economic zones equipped with 5G mobile services to meet the stringent requirements of smart production, automation, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Possessing modern technological infrastructure with low latency and high reliability is a strong commitment from Hai Phong to foreign direct investors (FDI). This enhances the city's competitiveness in attracting high-tech projects from industrial powerhouses and creates an ideal testing environment for the world's most advanced digital technology products and solutions.
Mobilizing International Resources and Global Experience
In its implementation strategy, Hai Phong places special emphasis on mobilizing international aid and funding. The city aims to effectively mobilize and utilize non-refundable aid, sponsorships, and technical assistance from bilateral and multilateral cooperation programs, as well as development funds from international organizations.
In addition to capital, the city encourages the participation of research institutes, training facilities, and international organizations in investing, providing preferential loans, or offering credit guarantees for SMEs' digital transformation. Connecting with the innovative startup community and international experts not only brings financial resources but also helps Hai Phong businesses adopt digital transformation models and modern management experiences from advanced nations. Periodically, the city will organize exchange, study, and connection activities to share digital transformation experiences at both national and international scales.
Collaborative Roles of Departments and Implementation Roadmap
To ensure the plan achieves substantive results, the City People's Committee has assigned specific tasks to various units. Among them, the Department of Science and Technology serves as the lead agency, coordinating implementation and establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in the digital environment. Other departments are responsible for the controlled sharing of specialized data to serve business analysis and forecasting, prioritizing high-value-added sectors with export advantages such as logistics, processing, and finance.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, in its role as the state management agency for foreign affairs, will act as a connecting bridge, supporting local digital technology enterprises in promoting their products to international markets. It will also advise the city on signing international cooperation documents regarding digital transformation and core human resource training.
The implementation of Plan 177 in 2026 is a testament to the pioneering and constructive spirit of the Hai Phong city government in the digital age. By combining internal innovative spirit with external technical and financial support, Hai Phong is confident in creating "exemplary SMEs" that will serve as the core of the digital economy in the coming time.