As a marine economic center and an important international trade gateway for Vietnam, Hai Phong City consistently values expanding and deepening cooperation with European partners. Within the framework of the Political Consultation at the Vice-Ministerial level in early March 2026, the city evaluated the overview and proposed cooperation orientations with three partners: Spain, Norway, and Italy.
- Spain: A Highlight in High-Tech Industrial Cooperation
The relationship between Hai Phong and Spain has remained stable, characterized by delegation exchanges and substantive economic cooperation.
- Trade: In 2025, bilateral turnover reached approximately $82.33 million, with Hai Phong maintaining a strong trade surplus of $67.63 million. Major items such as footwear, textiles, and mechanical machinery are favored in the Spanish market.
- Investment and Industry: There is currently 01 automobile component production project in the Cat Hai Special Zone with a registered capital of $2 million. Notably, VinFast has established close links with Spanish corporations like Grupo Antolin (automotive interiors) and Fagor Arrasate (high-speed stamping lines), enhancing local industrial production capacity.
- Norway: Great Potential in the Marine Economy and Renewable Energy
Although Norway currently has no active direct investment (FDI) projects in Hai Phong, the room to restore and promote cooperation remains vast.
- Trade: Import-export turnover in 2025 reached $26.28 million, with the trade balance leaning toward Hai Phong's exports ($20.71 million). Key complementary items include maritime safety products and manufacturing materials.
- Energy: A significant milestone is the Equinor Group (Norway) collaborating on a survey for an offshore wind power project in Hai Phong, opening prospects in the green economy and maritime services where Norway leads globally.
- Italy: A Comprehensive Partner in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Culture
Italy is currently the partner with the largest investment capital and trade turnover among these three countries in Hai Phong.
- Economy: With 03 FDI projects totaling $8.4 million focused on artificial fibers, electronic components, and furniture, Italy has affirmed its substantive presence in key industrial parks like Nam Dinh Vu and Trang Due. Bilateral trade reached $105.49 million in 2025.
- Infrastructure and Culture: The city sent a working group to inspect stay-cable systems for the Nguyen Trai and Hai Thanh bridge projects in Italy in late 2025. Additionally, cultural exchanges, including contemporary dance and Jazz performances by Italian artists, have strengthened people-to-people ties.
- Obstacles and Proposals to Promote Cooperation
Despite stable trade relations, the city recognizes that the investment scale and turnover remain modest and not yet commensurate with potential. Local enterprises still face difficulties accessing in-depth market information and meeting strict European technical and environmental standards. To promote cooperation, Hai Phong City proposes:
- On Investment: Focus on attracting FDI from Spain and Italy into processing, manufacturing, energy, and logistics. For Norway, it is necessary to promote the potential of offshore wind power and the marine economy.
- On Trade: Request that these countries provide timely information on quality standards and traceability, and support businesses in utilizing incentives from the EVFTA agreement and the EFTA ratification process.
- On State Management: Promote administrative reform, apply digital technology in import-export management, and support resolving difficulties for European investors operating in the area.
Hai Phong City commits to creating all favorable conditions regarding land funds, mechanisms, policies, and a transparent investment environment to welcome a new wave of cooperation from Spain, Norway, and Italy, aiming for sustainable development and common prosperity.