The cooperative relationship between Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh Province is entering a stage of strong and deep development, becoming a model for regional linkage in the Northern Key Economic Region. This bond not only addresses trade challenges but also opens new development spaces based on two main pillars: synchronized transportation infrastructure and promoting the value of world heritage sites.
Delegates from Hai Phong and Quang Ninh together attended the Springtime Gathering Program between 5 provinces of Vietnam and Guangxi Province, China
Infrastructure Milestones: Ending the "Crossing Rivers by Ferry" Era The transportation network connecting Hai Phong and Quang Ninh has undergone historical transformations thanks to key projects.
- Bến Rừng Bridge: Officially opened to traffic in July 2024 with a total investment of 1,941 billion VND, connecting Bach Dang Ward (Hai Phong) with Hoang Que Ward (Quang Ninh). This project ended the 30-60 minute ferry wait times, reducing travel distances from 40 km to just a few minutes.
- Triều Bridge: Opened in January 2021, connecting Dong Trieu Ward (Quang Ninh) with Bac An Phu Ward (Hai Phong), thus completing the inter-regional transport network.
- Other Projects: The two localities have completed bridges such as Bạch Đằng and Lại Xuân and are currently implementing a high-speed river road project from the Ha Long - Hai Phong expressway to Dong Trieu.
- Railway Vision: It is expected that before 2030, the Hai Phong - Ha Long - Mong Cai railway line (double-track, 1,435 mm gauge) will be deployed, playing a pivotal role in international freight transport with China.
Elevating the Value of UNESCO World Heritage Sites Cooperation between the two localities is particularly close in managing and promoting international-scale heritage sites.
- Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago: Both sides coordinated to welcome the UNESCO and IUCN monitoring mission in March 2025 to evaluate conservation efforts. They also jointly prepared content for the delegation attending the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris to affirm their commitment to heritage protection.
- Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex: Immediately after being inscribed as a World Heritage site in July 2025, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh collaborated to draft a Conservation Plan and report on the implementation of international recommendations.
International Integration and Maritime Economic Linkages Hai Phong and Quang Ninh are striving to realize the scheme to develop this region into an international modern maritime economic center that leads Southeast Asia.
- Foreign Cooperation: Through proactive coordination, both localities and other border provinces participated in the Spring Meeting Program 2026 and the Joint Working Committee Conference between five Vietnamese provinces/cities and Guangxi (China) from February 8–10, 2026, achieving many positive results.
- Value Chain Development: The synergy between Quang Ninh as an international sea tourism hub and Hai Phong as a modern logistics center helps form a sustainable value chain and a green regional linkage development space.
Future Orientations and Proposals To continue improving the effectiveness of cooperation, Hai Phong's departments (especially the Department of Foreign Affairs) have proposed several strategic contents:
- Joint Promotion: Developing plans to promote inter-regional cultural and heritage tourism associated with the image of Hai Phong – Quang Ninh to the international market.
- New Infrastructure Investment: Researching the construction of additional connecting bridges in the Mao Khe - Nhi Chieu and An Sinh - Tran Nhan Tong areas.
- Proposals to the Central Government: Suggesting specific mechanisms and policies for inter-provincial management of world heritage sites, while simultaneously requesting budget support for connecting transportation infrastructure and heritage tourism development.
The close and comprehensive relationship between Hai Phong and Quang Ninh not only benefits the residents of both localities but also affirms its role as a driving force for sustainable growth for the entire Northern Key Economic Region.