New free trade zone to elevate Hai Phong’s status
Hai Phong’s free trade zone is poised to become a new growth driver, contributing to the successful implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 45-NQ/TW.
In the current era of global integration and competition, Hai Phong, the Northern gateway for international trade in Vietnam, faces a historic opportunity to make a breakthrough and assert its role as the leading hub for the nation’s maritime economy. The establishment of a free trade zone (FTZ), covering nearly 6,300 ha, embodies this ambition.
This initiative not only expands the city’s development space but also reflects a strategic mindset and a forward-looking vision, leveraging innovation, free trade, and international integration as engines for sustainable growth.
Unlike traditional economic zones, the FTZ is designed to serve as a new growth driver, supporting the implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 45-NQ/TW on Hai Phong development through 2030, with a vision toward 2045.
The zone is not merely a duty-free or production area but a competitive regional and international center for production, logistics, trade-services, high technology, and finance. It will promote high-tech industries, innovation, digital transformation, and green growth, positioning Hai Phong as a leading hub for economic renewal and open integration in Vietnam, with a ripple effect across the Northern key economic region.
On June 27, 2025, the National Assembly issued Resolution No. 226/2025/QH15, allowing Hai Phong to pilot special mechanisms and policies in planning, investment, finance, customs, and human resources.
Based on this, on October 16, the city People’s Committee officially announced the establishment of the FTZ, marking a key milestone in realizing Resolution 45-NQ/TW.
This is not an isolated move but part of a long-term maritime economic development strategy, integrated with the Red River Delta planning and Vietnam’s international integration strategy.
Hai Phong has actively studied and drawn on international experience in developing successful FTZs worldwide, while carefully selecting a model suited to Vietnam’s economic system and the city’s development characteristics. This approach ensures compliance with domestic laws while maximizing advantages in seaports, industrial parks, economic zones, and high-quality human resources.
With strategic vision, decisive political action, and strong commitment from the city authorities, Hai Phong is gradually implementing the FTZ in a scientific, synchronized, and efficient manner, making it an important growth engine. The goal is to turn Hai Phong into a center for trade, industry, and services and a maritime economic gateway for Vietnam and the region.
BUI HANH