A new phase of international cooperation

From November 29 to December 8, 2025, Mr. Le Tien Chau, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the City Party Committee, Head of Hai Phong National Assembly Delegation, together with the city’s delegation, visited and worked in the Czech Republic and the Kingdom of Belgium to promote investment. This was the Secretary’s third overseas visit during his term and his first trip to European countries, a journey of significant strategic importance, demonstrating a strong commitment to expanding foreign relations, promoting multilateral cooperation, and affirming Hai Phong’s position in the process of deep international integration.

An important milestone in foreign affairs and investment promotion

The Secretary’s European trip took place as Hai Phong enters a phase of accelerated development, playing a leading role in the country’s seaports, logistics, and industrial sectors. The selection of the Czech Republic and Belgium, traditional partners with developed industries and important positions in Europe, demonstrates the city's strategic and systematic vision in expanding its international cooperation.

During the trip, the Hai Phong city leadership delegation carried out a busy schedule with over 20 official and side events, achieving notable results across three areas: political diplomacy, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

In the Czech Republic, the delegation held meetings with leaders of Brno city, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, and the Czech Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and met with executives of CTP Group—the largest commercial real estate development and management group in the Czech Republic, headquartered in Brno.

In the Kingdom of Belgium, the delegation held important meetings with the Deputy Mayor of Antwerp, the Chairman of the Antwerp-Bruges Port—one of Europe’s largest and most modern seaports, as well as representatives from major corporations such as Ackermans & Van Haaren (AVH) and other leading enterprises.

Through talks, meetings, and working sessions with the Vietnamese embassies in the Czech Republic and Belgium, leaders of ministries, local authorities, and major economic organizations, political trust between Hai Phong and its European partners was further strengthened. Open and friendly exchanges, carried out in a spirit of trust and deep mutual understanding, helped European partners gain a comprehensive understanding of Hai Phong’s potential, advantages, and business-friendly investment environment.

As Vietnam’s third-largest city and a major center for seaports, logistics, and industry, Hai Phong is experiencing one of the most impressive economic growth streaks in its history with 11 consecutive years of double-digit growth, ranking first among centrally-run cities. The city’s position is increasingly recognized by the international community. Hai Phong presents itself as a dynamic and decisive urban administration, closely accompanying businesses, always listening, and ready to create the most favorable conditions for international investors.

Mr. Zdenek Zajicek, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Czech Republic, commented: “After working with the Hai Phong city leadership delegation, I received many practical proposals. I could feel that the city’s leaders are extremely dynamic. That is why Hai Phong has developed so strongly in recent years. I also see opportunities for Czech businesses to invest in the city.”

In addition to diplomatic and economic cooperation activities, the visit also reflected the city leadership’s deep concern for the Hai Phong community abroad. Meetings and exchanges with overseas Vietnamese, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic and Belgium were held in a warm and sincere atmosphere. A consistent message emphasized by the Secretary of the City Party Committee was that overseas Vietnamese are always an inseparable part of the nation and an important resource for the homeland’s development.

With the spirit of “three readiness”—readiness in mechanisms, readiness in resources, and readiness in infrastructure—Hai Phong always warmly welcomes the overseas intellectual and business community to contribute ideas and efforts to the city’s development, or to return to invest, start businesses, and bring their knowledge and dedication to Hai Phong.

Spreading a spirit of dynamism, integration, and ambition.

In response to the sincerity, openness, and strategic vision of Hai Phong’s leadership, local governments, businesses, and the overseas Vietnamese community in Europe gave the city delegation a warm, respectful, and highly favorable reception. Many partners expressed deep admiration for the city’s development aspirations, determination to reform, and systematic, long-term approach. This recognition reflects not only the city leader personally but also serves as a vivid testament to the credibility, image, and brand of Hai Phong Port City on the international stage.

Notably, several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed with major corporations such as CTP and Deep C, opening concrete opportunities for investment, development of next-generation industrial parks, logistics, and green infrastructure. The visit also created momentum for cooperation in traditional sectors such as seaports and logistics, while expanding into new areas with potential and demand, including digital transformation, green transition, information technology, and artificial intelligence. Hai Phong not only aims to attract investment but also seeks to learn advanced management practices and development models, thereby improving the quality of growth and long-term competitiveness of the city.

Ms. Ait Daoud Nabille, Deputy Mayor of Antwerp, Belgium, stated: “Hai Phong is a potential market for Belgian enterprises in smart port operations, green transition, multimodal logistics, and renewable energy—sectors that Hai Phong is prioritizing in its new development phase. Therefore, we are very willing to cooperate with Hai Phong in sharing experience and providing technical support in port planning.”

For Hai Phong businesses, the visit reinforced confidence and created new opportunities for collaboration. Ms. Le Thi Que Anh, CEO of Kosame Vietnam, said: “Connecting with EU enterprises opens opportunities to provide goods, services, and green solutions for businesses in Hai Phong. We see real potential in carbon credit trading, recycling technologies, and green supply chains, which align with our sustainable development strategy.”

The successes from the European trip of the Secretary of the City Party Committee Le Tien Chau concluded 2025—a year full of challenges, but also a year that clearly demonstrated the determination, willpower, and organizational capability of the city’s Party Committee, government, and people. From these achievements, Hai Phong sends a clear message to the international community: a dynamic, integrated, and ambitious city, ready to accompany friends around the world and confidently step into a new era of national advancement.

Nguyen Hoang