Affirming the position of a 'City of Events'
Hai Phong is gradually realizing its goal of becoming a dynamic 'City of Events' and a strategic destination in the new era.
The city recently co-hosted the successful national scientific conference titled “Innovating the National Development Model Based on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation.”
The conference served as an important academic forum where leaders, policymakers, experts, scientists, and the business community exchanged ideas and contributed theoretical and practical foundations for strategic policymaking and the development of proposals to be submitted to the Central Executive Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Prior to this, Hai Phong was also honored to host a series of major national and international events, including the ABAC III Meeting and the Vietnam Industrial & Manufacturing Fair (VIMF) 2026.
In particular, the ABAC III Meeting gathered hundreds of international delegates, including ABAC members from 21 APEC economies, executives of multinational corporations, financial institutions, research and innovation centers, international organizations, and leading domestic business associations and corporations.
In addition to participating in official discussions, delegates attending ABAC III also joined field trips to explore Hai Phong’s majestic natural landscapes, distinctive culture, and rich culinary traditions.
Among the highlights was a visit to Lan Ha Bay, located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago. The trip provided Hai Phong with an opportunity to showcase the magnificent and pristine beauty of Vietnam’s first inter-provincial World Natural Heritage site, while affirming the city’s commitment to tourism development associated with nature conservation.
In Vietnam’s national development strategy, Hai Phong has been identified as one of the key growth poles of northern Vietnam and a major international trade gateway for the region. On that basis, the city aims to become a leading economic hub of the country, a modern port city, and a pioneer in industrialization, digital transformation, green transition, and innovation.
To realize these goals, Hai Phong is focusing on maximizing its advantages, promoting long-term, modern, and synchronized urban planning, investing in strategic infrastructure, and accelerating administrative reforms to continue serving as a strategic destination for investors in the new era.
With an economic scale surpassing USD 29.4 billion and maintaining double-digit GRDP growth for 11 consecutive years, Hai Phong is currently the locality assigned by the National Assembly with the country’s highest average GRDP growth target for the 2026–2030 period, at 13–14% annually.
Hosting and co-organizing major national and international events not only affirms Hai Phong’s position as a strategic gateway port city, but also demonstrates that the city possesses modern transportation infrastructure and conference facilities capable of meeting international standards.
Through continuous investment in and upgrading of infrastructure, including projects such as the Flamboyant Flower Theater and various public spaces and urban works, Hai Phong is demonstrating its determination to build a civilized, modern urban model and gradually position itself on the global map of innovative cities.
In reality, the success of these high-profile events has significantly enhanced Hai Phong’s image as a dynamic, innovative, and high-potential city, thereby expanding opportunities for international cooperation.
At the same time, these achievements contribute to the city’s goal of becoming a leading regional event destination, while using conferences, festivals, and large-scale cultural and artistic events as drivers for tourism, services, and the creative economy.
Alongside major national and international events, the city has also intensified the organization of large-scale cultural, artistic, and academic activities, such as the 71st Anniversary of Hai Phong Liberation Day combined with the Red Flamboyant Festival, and the traditional Con Son – Kiep Bac Festival, helping preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the heroic port city and the culturally rich Eastern region.
This coming June, Hai Phong will once again host a major national event — the National Press Festival 2026. With strong support and strategic direction from city leaders, together with the proactive and creative spirit of local authorities and agencies, Hai Phong is increasingly affirming its role as a true “City of Events,” ready to embrace new opportunities in an era of deep international integration.
Le Oanh