On the morning of March 16, during a working session with the Standing Committee of Hai Phong Party Committee, General Secretary To Lam stated that the port city requires a new development mindset and a long-term vision to become an international trade hub of East Asia in the future.

He expressed satisfaction with Hai Phong's breakthrough achievements, recognizing its special position in the nation's development strategy. Amidst global economic fluctuations, the city has maintained its role as a crucial industrial and seaport hub for the entire country.

In 2025, Hai Phong's GRDP grew by 11.81%, ranking second nationally and highest among centrally-governed cities. The city has achieved 11 consecutive years of double-digit growth. Its economy reached nearly 30 billion USD, placing it third nationwide. The economic structure has shifted towards industry, construction, and services, accounting for almost 90% of its GRDP. Hai Phong also leads in various administrative reform and investment environment indices, including PCI, PAR Index, SIPAS, and PGI.

However, the General Secretary also pointed out several limitations: foreign direct investment attraction and average income have not met expectations; regional connectivity infrastructure, logistics, and inland waterways remain uncoordinated; and the economy still heavily relies on processing and assembly.

To achieve its goal of becoming a leading growth pole in the North, the General Secretary instructed Hai Phong to operationalize its action plan for implementing Resolution of the 14th Party Congress and Politburo resolutions, adhering to the principle of "clear personnel, clear tasks, clear timelines, clear authority, clear responsibilities, and clear outcomes."

General Secretary To Lam working in Hai Phong city on the morning of March 16. Photo: Dam Thanh

According to him, the city's development strategy is defined by long-term milestones. By 2030, Hai Phong aims to become a logistics and supply chain coordination center for the Northern region and beyond, establishing a modern marine economic structure with the Lach Huyen and Nam Do Son port systems, the Van Uc river, and a new generation free trade zone. By 2045, the city envisions itself as an Asia-level modern industrial-service port model, a green, smart, and livable coastal urban area.

"By 2100, Hai Phong must strive to build a globally competitive coastal megacity, an international trade hub of East Asia", the General Secretary stated.

Additionally, he emphasized that the city's development should not only be measured by GRDP growth but also by the quality of life and the comprehensive human development.

The Party leader urged Hai Phong to focus on six major orientations: developing social infrastructure for workers through social housing and worker accommodation integrated with cultural and healthcare facilities; increasing the proportion of skilled and certified laborers; establishing Hai Phong as a regional medical hub for the Northern coastal area; creating sustainable livelihoods for residents and supporting vulnerable groups; controlling pollution and adapting to climate change; and fostering an environment for people to learn, innovate, and develop.

During the working session, Hai Phong city leaders reported that despite Resolution 226 on piloting some specific mechanisms, new resolutions issued for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in December 2025 include more prominent policies. Therefore, the city proposed amending Resolution 226 to add equivalent mechanisms, aiming to remove institutional bottlenecks.

Hai Phong also requested the central government to supplement funding to complete its transport infrastructure system and to delegate authority to the city for approving and adjusting certain plans currently under the Prime Minister's jurisdiction.

General Secretary To Lam affirmed these proposals are legitimate, stemming from the city's development needs and practical requirements. He assured that the central government will always provide support, accompany, and create conditions for Hai Phong to develop faster and more sustainably, making increasingly greater contributions to national development.

Le Tan