On August 5, 2026, the Hai Phong City People's Committee officially issued a comprehensive assessment report on the socio-economic development situation in July and the first 7 months of 2026. Amidst efforts to complete the 5-year plan, Hai Phong's economic picture continues to record bright spots with stable growth in key sectors, especially the strong transformation in foreign affairs and international integration.
7-Month Economic Overview: Maintaining Pillar Growth Momentum
Under the drastic direction of the City Party Committee and the City People's Committee, Hai Phong has closely followed growth scenarios for flexible management. The Industrial Production Index (IIP) in the first 7 months is estimated to have increased by 15% over the same period. Although some major projects have not reached their designed capacity due to global supply chain disruptions, the processing and manufacturing industry still maintains its driving role with an increase of 16.94%.
State budget revenue in the area as of the end of July reached 133,384 billion VND, equal to 68.4% of the estimate assigned by the Central Government and a 13.7% increase over the same period last year. Within this, domestic revenue reached 67,310.19 billion VND, showing impressive growth thanks to contributions from key economic sectors.
The trade and service sectors also recorded positive results. Export turnover for the 7 months reached 36.8 billion USD, up 10%, completing 70.8% of the annual plan. Notably, cargo throughput via ports—the "lifeline" of the port city—is estimated at 115.36 million tons, up 11.65%, exceeding the proposed growth scenario. Tourism also made a strong breakthrough by welcoming over 11.01 million visitors, an increase of 17%, affirming the attraction of destinations such as Cat Ba and Do Son.
Foreign Affairs Activities: A Bridge to Promote Development and Integration
In the first 7 months of 2026, Hai Phong's foreign affairs work was implemented synchronously, closely linking political diplomacy and economic diplomacy, contributing to raising the city's position in the international arena.
- Reception Results and Outgoing Delegations: The city has demonstrated proactivity in connecting with global partners. Cumulatively over 7 months, Hai Phong welcomed 199 international delegations with 3,305 visitors from 40 countries and territories for visits and working sessions. In July alone, the city welcomed 26 delegations with 181 visitors from 16 countries. Conversely, the city organized and guided 88 delegations with 262 people for overseas business trips; it also managed 255 delegations with 297 people going abroad for personal reasons. These business trips focused on seeking cooperation opportunities, learning modern urban management experiences, and promoting high-tech investment.
- Expanding International Relations Network: Hai Phong currently maintains friendly relations and connections with over 130/204 countries and territories. The city has established direct cooperation with 31 foreign localities and maintains close ties with nearly 60 international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This network is an important resource for the city to mobilize capital and technology and promote its image to the world.
- Economic Diplomacy and Citizen Protection: Economic diplomacy has been strengthened through providing market information, supporting businesses to utilize Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and proposing working programs with strategic partners. In 7 months, the city appraised 2 new foreign non-governmental projects and supported extensions or modifications for 2 other organizations. Additionally, consular work and citizen protection were performed promptly, including resolving 21 citizen protection cases and 38 consular cases involving foreigners, ensuring security and legal rights.
Department of Foreign Affairs: Key Tasks in the New Period
To realize the Politburo's orientations on international integration (Resolution 59-NQ/TW) and socio-economic development (Resolution 06-NQ/TW), the Department of Foreign Affairs has been assigned breakthrough tasks.
- Consolidating and Expanding Strategic Partnerships: The Department is responsible for advising on twin-city relations with potential localities such as Suwon (South Korea) and researching cooperation with Kagoshima (Japan). It also maintains cooperation with nearly 60 international organizations.
- Preparing for Major Foreign Affairs Events in 2027: Highlight activities include the "Spring Meeting 2027" program, the 18th meeting of the Joint Working Committee with Guangxi (China), and the 10th anniversary of cooperation with Yokkaichi (Japan).
- Improving Integration Capacity and Building Long-term Strategy: The Department is building the Hai Phong City Foreign Affairs Strategy for 2026-2030, with a vision to 2050. It also focuses on training foreign affairs skills and organizing cultural contests like the 12th Korean Language Contest.
- Coordinating for International Title Campaigns: The Department plays a core role in seeking UNESCO recognition for Nguyen Binh Khiem and Tue Tinh, while managing the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago World Natural Heritage Site.
Identifying Challenges and Breakthrough Solutions for August and the Year-end Months
The report frankly noted that 03/10 major economic indicators have not met the growth scenario, specifically the IIP growth rate, FDI attraction, and newly established enterprises. FDI attraction reached 3,266 million USD, which is only 83.7% of the annual scenario. The causes include fierce investment competition and sometimes loose inter-sectoral coordination.
To overcome this, the city requires: (1) Determinedly implementing the "6-clear" motto: Clear people, tasks, time, responsibility, products, and authority; (2) Promoting public investment disbursement: Striving to reach 100% of the assigned capital plan; (3) Perfecting industrial park infrastructure: Urging progress in 26 industrial parks and starting the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone; (4) Improving foreign affairs efficiency: Being more proactive in connecting with major FDI corporations in high-tech and semiconductor sectors to build a dynamic and transparent city image.
With high determination, Hai Phong is confident in overcoming "bottlenecks" to complete its 2026 socio-economic goals./.