In 2024, the global economy continues to experience complex and unpredictable developments, marked by strategic competition among nations. Domestically, managing the economy requires a dual approach: responding flexibly and effectively to external fluctuations while addressing longstanding internal challenges and allocating time and resources to resolve unexpected issues, particularly Typhoon Yagi. In this context, the entire city, along with all sectors and localities, has made the highest efforts and demonstrated determination to act flexibly and effectively in adapting to new circumstances. By overcoming difficulties and challenges while seizing opportunities and leveraging new advantages, Haiphong has successfully advanced its socio-economic development goals. Thanks to this, the city has effectively implemented its key tasks and objectives for socio-economic development; created mechanisms and policies to attract investment, built and developed infrastructure, improved human resources, focused on education, training, healthcare, culture, and improved the quality of life of its citizens with the following specific results:
Results - The Core of Growth
(i) In terms of economic indicators: (1) GRDP growth rate reached 11.01%. While this did not meet the annual target, it marked the 10th consecutive year of double-digit growth, demonstrating the city's sustainable development and its role as a growth engine for the Red River Delta region; (2) Import and export activities were a highlight, achieving a trade surplus of USD 7.5 billion, with exports reaching USD 33.25 billion, up 9.5% compared to 2023, and imports estimated at USD 25.75 billion, up 4.6% compared to 2023. Both exports and imports maintained positive growth, reflecting the city's efforts in trade promotion and expanding export markets; (3) State budget revenue balance was ensured as planned, with revenues reaching VND 116.4 trillion, exceeding the plan at 118.9% of the estimate assigned by the central government; (4) Total social investment capital continued to recover and grow, reaching VND 210 trillion, up 9.4% compared to 2023. Of this, non-state investment saw a strong growth of VND 73 trillion, up 20.3%, reflecting the city's efforts in improving the investment environment and creating favorable conditions for businesses.
(ii) Social indicators all met their planned targets, notably the employment target, which exceeded the annual plan by 7.1%. There were no households below the national poverty line in the area, meeting the goal one year ahead of schedule.
(iii) Environmental targets were achieved, although 2% of rural solid waste remained uncollected and untreated, and the proportion of urban wastewater treated to standards was still below 50%. The city needs to strengthen measures to increase these rates.
Expanding Economic Space, Innovating Growth Models, Investing in Infrastructure, Restructuring the Economy - Foundations for Development
(i) Land clearance efforts were focused to promptly hand over sites to investors. Completed documents were submitted to authorities for approval of investment policies for industrial parks: Nam Trang Cat, Trang Due 3, Giang Bien 2, Vinh Quang, and Nhat Ban – Haiphong. Completed a proposal for the establishment of a southern coastal economic zone to be submitted to the Prime Minister. Continued to develop the proposal for the establishment of a new-generation free trade zone; established four industrial clusters: Tan Trao, Mechanical and Casting Village, Cam Van, and Le Thien – Dai Ban, bringing the total number of industrial clusters in the city to 17, with a total area of 683.75 hectares.
(ii) Berths 3 to 8 of Lach Huyen International Gateway Port have been approved for investment policy by the Prime Minister, with construction progressing rapidly and investment in remaining berths being called for.
(iii) Effectively implemented tourism development, promotion, and marketing plans to enhance the quality of tourism products.
(iv) Promoted trade promotion activities, developed e-commerce, and expanded export markets; accelerated the construction of major urban and commercial center projects.
(v) Infrastructure has been invested in synchronously and modernly, with regional connectivity traffic works completed and yielding results. Efforts were accelerated to implement and start key projects such as Terminal 2 and the cargo terminal at Cat Bi International Airport. Urban modernization and rural infrastructure development were carried out in conjunction with achieving new rural construction goals as planned.
Strengthening Fiscal Discipline, Improving the Investment and Business Environment
State budget revenue in the city exceeded the plan, reaching 118.9% of the estimate assigned by the central government. Local budget expenditure totaled VND 39.4 trillion, achieving 120.2% of the estimate, ensuring the full and timely allocation of recurrent expenditures, social security expenditures, and allowances for people with meritorious services and social protection beneficiaries. Continued efforts were made to improve the investment and business environment, prioritizing economic growth.
Competitiveness Index (PCI) in 2003 continued to rank 3rd out of 63 provinces and cities; Public Administration Reform Index (PAR Index) ranked 2nd; the Satisfaction Index of Public Administration Services (SIPAS) rose from 10th in 2022 to 5th; however, the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) remained in the lower-middle group.
Improved Education and Training Quality and Human Resource Quality
Haiphong continued to affirm its leading position nationwide in national and international student competitions. Scientific research, technology application, and innovation were effectively implemented, supporting the establishment of science and technology enterprises and the development of an innovative startup ecosystem. Completed proposals included establishing a startup innovation support center in Haiphong and making Haiphong an international center for training, research, and application of marine science and technology. Digital transformation was advanced, with 100% of document management and administrative operations conducted electronically, effectively fostering a digital society.
Cultural Development, Social Progress, and Equity, Enhancing People's Material and Spiritual Lives
Vibrant activities were organized to celebrate major national and city anniversaries; efforts in preserving and promoting cultural heritage values were prioritized; high-achievement sports were maintained; social welfare policies were implemented effectively; and resources were prioritized to enhance the capacity of the city's public health system.
Foreign affairs activities were focused and deepened, expanding cooperative relations and strengthening political foundations for bilateral relations between the city and international localities. Ten new agreements were signed with partners from South Korea, China, Japan, and Sweden, promoting economic, trade, technological, cultural, tourism, and education development in the city. Cultural diplomacy strategies, external information work, and activities for overseas Vietnamese were implemented comprehensively.
To create a solid foundation for Haiphong to continue its breakthroughs in the next phase, the city remains steadfast in implementing the following: (1) Grasping the situation and practical demands to promptly introduce tasks and solutions that are effective and suitable to the city's socio-economic characteristics; (2) Effectively managing state budget revenues to meet the needs for development investment, recurrent expenditures, and social welfare policies; (3) Enhancing the investment and business environment, administrative reform, and creating growth momentum for businesses; (4) Effectively conducting land clearance for projects; (5) Strengthening unity, discipline, and administrative order while maintaining determination and solidarity in decision-making and execution; (6) Balancing economic development with cultural and social progress, social welfare, and improving people's living standards; (7) Promoting foreign relations and international integration to maximize external resources for the city's socio-economic development.
In 2024, Haiphong continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt flexibly, overcome challenges, and maintain strong growth momentum, affirming its role as a driving force in the Red River Delta region. The achievements in economic development, social improvement, quality of life enhancement, and expanded international relations have laid a solid foundation for the city's sustainable development. With a spirit of solidarity, innovation, and determination, Haiphong is ready to face practical demands and embark on breakthrough developments toward building a modern, sustainable, and deeply integrated city in the future.