Hai Phong strengthens cooperation with Belgian businesses and partners
With a shaped foundation and vast potential, cooperation between Hai Phong and Belgium is moving toward deeper, more substantive and more sustainable development.
Positive marks
By the end of October, Hai Phong had eight valid FDI projects from Belgian investors with total capital of more than 758.5 million USD, mainly in industrial park infrastructure and hotel services. The most notable is DEEP C Industrial Zones - the first cooperation project between Belgian enterprises and Hai Phong. After more than two decades of development, DEEP C has become a model of Vietnam – Belgium cooperation, contributing significantly to industrial infrastructure improvement and attraction of new investment flows.
Bilateral trade between Hai Phong and Belgium continues to maintain positive growth. In 2024, Hai Phong’s exports to Belgium reached more than 25 million USD, while imports exceeded 10 million USD.
Imports from Belgium are primarily textile and leather materials and paper, accounting for 24% of total import turnover, and machinery and electronic equipment, accounting for 22%.
These figures confirm that Belgium is an important market for Hai Phong businesses, particularly in manufacturing and processing.
Meanwhile, friendly cooperation between the two sides has been strengthened through numerous high-level delegations. Hai Phong hosted the King and Queen of Belgium in 2025 and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Heritage of Flanders in 2023. These visits opened new cooperation opportunities, especially in green energy - a strength of Belgium.
Hai Phong leaders have also conducted working trips to Belgium to study port governance models, logistics development and port infrastructure, supporting Hai Phong’s goal of becoming a modern port city.
Especially, a Hai Phong delegation led by Secretary of the city Party Committee Le Tien Chau has recently attended the Hai Phong – Antwerp Investment Promotion Conference themed “Exploring new-generation investment destinations in Hai Phong.”
Beyond economics, cooperation in culture, society, education, etc. between Hai Phong and Belgium continues to expand. Several Belgian NGOs are jointly implementing ODA projects focused on sustainable development.
Toward deeper and sustainable cooperation
As Hai Phong enters a new development phase with the goal of becoming an international logistics hub, a green port city and a modern industrial city, Belgium is identified as one of its key international partners. Future cooperation will focus on logistics infrastructure and seaport technology. With leading expertise in European port management, particularly the Antwerp port model of green logistics and supply-chain digitalization, Belgium can support Hai Phong in building a port authority model, developing an integrated port system and enhancing competitiveness.
Renewable energy and sustainable development also offer significant potential. Belgian enterprises are strong in offshore wind power, waste-treatment and recycling technologies, sustainable materials and carbon-reduction solutions, all aligned with Hai Phong’s green-growth strategy.
Cooperation in education and training is considered a pillar for improving human-resource quality. Building on existing programs, the two sides can expand cooperation into artificial intelligence, new materials, smart maritime systems, modern logistics, and public health.
In marine research, partnerships between the Institute of Marine Resources and Environment and Belgian scientific organizations provide opportunities to promote deep-sea surveys, climate-change studies, coastal-ecosystem restoration and environmental forecasting.
Cultural cooperation will remain an important bridge, helping strengthen Belgium’s presence in Hai Phong and promoting collaboration across sectors.
With a shaped foundation and vast potential, Hai Phong – Belgium cooperation is moving toward a deeper, more substantive and more sustainable phase. The continued support of Belgian businesses, organizations and diplomatic agencies will help Hai Phong realize its goal of becoming an international logistics hub and a green port city in the near future.
BUI HANH