Strengthening domestic investment appeal

In the first nine months of 2026, Hai Phong recorded impressive results in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). The city lured more than USD3.6 billion, up 64% year on year and equivalent to 93.3% of its 2026 target.

By contrast, domestic direct investment (DDI) reached only nearly VND 104 trillion, equivalent to 29% of the figure recorded in the same period of 2025.

Although investment attraction should be assessed over an entire period rather than at a single point in time, achieving the annual economic growth target requires measures to unlock DDI inflows and help drive development.

Balanced and harmonious development of domestic and foreign resources will provide a strong foundation and momentum for socio-economic growth. In particular, effectively mobilizing and utilizing both FDI and DDI will help complete supply chains in production and business activities. This, in turn, will enable the city to expand its economy, increase production capacity and generate new value, helping realize its target of annual growth of at least 13% in the 2026 – 2030 period.

To prevent DDI from remaining dormant, strengthening domestic investors’ confidence is a crucial first step. Hai Phong has proactively pursued this goal through clear institutional commitments. The issuance of a decision on the program for implementing the city master plan for the 2021 – 2030 period, with a vision to 2050, is one example.

The city has moved beyond general slogans to establish a clear development vision: becoming a modern, civilized, ecological and worth-living industrial port city of regional stature in Southeast Asia, at the forefront of industrialization, modernization, innovation, digital transformation and green transition.

It also aims to become one of the country’s leading centers for the marine economy, high-quality tourism, services and logistics, and clean energy.

A strategically important move by the City People’s Committee has been to publicly announce the list of priority projects for investment attraction in the 2026 – 2030 period. The list covers industrial park infrastructure, housing, commercial services, healthcare, education and the environment, among other sectors. This transparency is key to easing domestic investors’ concerns, giving them a sound basis for developing long-term business strategies and committing capital.

Hai Phong is gradually translating its objectives into concrete action, focusing on completing its transport network and technical infrastructure to meet the requirements of business and production activities. It is also accelerating the development of new industrial parks and industrial clusters to ensure they are ready to accommodate investors.

In the first nine months of 2026, the city established six industrial parks or approved their investment policies while simultaneously approving the investors. Construction also began on nine industrial parks.

The city prioritizes a transparent and fair investment environment while curbing harassment and misconduct in administrative procedures. It encourages investors to complete administrative procedures online and is implementing a “green channel” mechanism for various investment- and land-related procedures. These measures demonstrate the city’s determination to facilitate investment.

The city has also instructed agencies and units to select capable officials with appropriate professional expertise to support and work alongside investors, from their initial enquiries through the implementation of investment procedures.

Overall, Hai Phong’s coordinated measures covering planning, infrastructure and institutional reform are timely and on the right track. Through these efforts, the city aims to attract reputable businesses and corporations with extensive experience, along with high-quality investment capital, particularly DDI, which will help strengthen the economy’s autonomy, enhance competitiveness and lay the foundation for sustainable urban development.

HOANG LINH