Three messages, three demands, and a new vision for the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone.

Photo caption — Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee Le Trung Kien speaks at the conference. Photo: Manh Tu/TTXVN

The golden institutional framework

According to Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee Le Trung Kien, the event aims to introduce Hai Phong in its current rapid development phase, some specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Hai Phong city according to Resolution No. 226/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly , especially the establishment of a free trade zone and the mechanisms and policies within that free trade zone.

With the third largest economy in the country, Hai Phong has consistently maintained double-digit economic growth for 11 consecutive years, ranking among the top in the nation. Its investment and business environment has continuously improved, making it a trusted destination for thousands of domestic and foreign investors. However, Hai Phong is always striving to create new growth drivers and more innovative and superior economic models.

The establishment of the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone (FTZ) is not only a source of pride but also a great responsibility entrusted to the city by the central government. This is the first FTZ model in Northern Vietnam, built upon successful global experiences, combined with the practical realities and unique advantages of Hai Phong. It's not just a new name, but a new management philosophy.

"The FTZ will create a transparent legal framework to facilitate the smooth flow of goods, helping businesses solve the challenges of the global supply chain. Instead of relying solely on tax incentives, Hai Phong city is committed to creating an investment environment with streamlined administrative procedures, and investors' rights are guaranteed by superior policies approved by the National Assembly and the City People's Council. Most importantly, this is the city government's commitment to always stand alongside and readily adapt to serve the development of businesses," Mr. Le Trung Kien affirmed.

Resolution No. 226/2025/QH15 is the "golden institutional framework" for Hai Phong's breakthrough. Accordingly, the Ministry of Finance, in coordination with the city, will continue to refine the legal framework, mechanisms, and specific, breakthrough policies, especially in the areas of tariffs, customs, finance, and international trade governance, for the Free Trade Zone (FTZ), creating a synchronized, comprehensive ecosystem for sustainable development. The Hai Phong FTZ is an unprecedented incentive, not just a new model, but a strategic direction that will enhance the role and position of Vietnam in general and Hai Phong city in particular in the regional and global value chain.

According to Mr. Pham Van Thep, Head of the Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board, the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone (FTZ) covers an area of 6,292 hectares and is strategically located in three separate, non-contiguous areas, connected to two key economic zones: the Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Economic Zone and the Southern Hai Phong Coastal Economic Zone. The spatial allocation of the FTZ has been meticulously considered and strategically planned by Hai Phong city to maximize the potential advantages of existing and planned infrastructure, including transportation, creating a flexible, efficient, and highly adaptable overall FTZ.

At the conference, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Foreign Investment Department (Ministry of Finance), highlighted six directions for attracting FDI to Vietnam in the coming period. Hai Phong holds a strategic position on the FDI map of Vietnam and the region. Hai Phong is currently among the top 3 localities nationwide in attracting FDI, with a cumulative total of over 50 billion USD from 50 countries and territories. These impressive results demonstrate that Hai Phong has become a modern industrial and port center, playing a pivotal role in developing the supply chain in the northern region. Hai Phong is no longer just a locality attracting large and effective FDI, but is asserting its role as a leading engine of growth.

Core message

The presentations by representatives from various organizations, experts, associations, and businesses at the event highlighted three key messages and three essential requirements for the sustainable development of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ). These are: Hai Phong needs to shift from "industrialization" to "internationalization of trade and logistics"; the FTZ must become part of the overall institutional reform and trade infrastructure of the nation; and the Hai Phong FTZ must be linked to the ability to lead the entire Northern Coastal region and the Lang Son - Hanoi - Hai Phong economic corridor. The three requirements are: creating green standards, international standards, and digital standards for the FTZ; ensuring requirements for clean energy, modern logistics, and sustainable trade; and strengthening cooperation to develop high-tech clusters - electronic components - materials production, connecting seaports - logistics - supporting industries.

Mr. Bruno Jaspaert, President of EuroCham Vietnam, shared that Hai Phong possesses core advantages to pioneer the next-generation Free Trade Zone (FTZ) model with its deep-water port, highway and rail connections to Europe and China, and global supply chains. Current investors have contributed $28 billion and are ready to expand if the FTZ in Hai Phong adopts standards harmonized with the rules and norms of the European Union (EU).

EuroCham has proposed that Hai Phong city focus on three pillars to build an internationally standardized Free Trade Zone (FTZ). These are developing a modern FTZ transparency portal that provides information on permitting status, customs clearance times, environmental data, and investor obligations.

Mr. Koen Soenens, Director of Business and Marketing at DEEP C Industrial Park Complex, stated: DEEP C will build an operational ecosystem for FTZ, ready to become the "operational arm" of FTZ. In particular, FTZ Hai Phong is a promise that Hai Phong will continue to rise as the industrial and logistics center of Northern Vietnam. If implemented with clarity, coordination, and consistency, Hai Phong will not only be competitive but will also become an unmissable destination....

In his concluding remarks, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong City People's Committee Le Trung Kien stated that, through the presentations and discussions at the conference, Hai Phong wanted to convey three core messages to the investment community: firstly, the legal framework is complete and synchronized. The Hai Phong Free Trade Zone is no longer just an idea on paper. With Resolution 226 of the National Assembly and especially the resolutions recently passed by the City People's Council in October 2025, a complete legal framework has been created. From tax incentives and streamlined land acquisition procedures to direct financial support packages for human resource training and R&D, everything is regulated by law and takes effect immediately. Investors can be completely assured of the stability and transparency of the policy.

Furthermore, the infrastructure is ready to welcome the investment wave. The Hai Phong City Free Trade Zone has been identified in three locations, including one with existing infrastructure that can attract investment and immediately apply specific mechanisms and policies, and another that will have its infrastructure developed according to a roadmap to ensure it plays a crucial role in the growth of the city and the region, in line with the direction set by the Politburo. These locations all have strong linkages and support from the seaport system, airport, expressway, and soon the international railway, creating a complete logistics ecosystem that optimizes costs and time for businesses.

At the same time, the city is determined to innovate its management thinking. In the context of global competition, "speed" and "trust" are decisive factors. The city is committed to a strong transformation from a "manage and permit" mindset to a "serve and create" mindset. All procedures, as well as barriers and obstacles for businesses, will be resolved and removed with the highest sense of responsibility, in the shortest time, and with the fewest points of contact.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/ba-thong-diep-ba-yeu-cau-va-tam-nhin-moi-cho-khu-thuong-mai-tu-do-hai-phong-20251211142922689.htm