Foreign affairs - a 'reliable bridge' bringing Hai Phong to the world

Tectonic imprint

According to the Hai Phong Foreign Affairs Department, after the Geneva Agreement in 1954, Hai Phong became the gathering place of the French Army and the city with the largest foreign population in the North, with many consulates and international organizations... On May 13, 1955, the last French soldiers disembarked at Ben Nghieng, Do Son to withdraw from the North, Hai Phong was completely liberated. Hai Phong people were jubilant in the forest of flags and flowers, welcoming their children back to take over the city.

Immediately after taking over the city, in the context of the country having just achieved peace in the North and facing numerous difficulties, the city's leaders soon realized the role of foreign affairs in promoting development, gaining international support and consolidating the city's position in the new context. In March 1955, the first apparatus of the city's Foreign Affairs sector was officially established - an important historical milestone, opening the journey of 70 years of sustainable, comprehensive and proud development of Hai Phong's foreign affairs.

In the early years, foreign affairs focused on managing foreigners, welcoming overseas Vietnamese, coordinating with international agencies and supporting experts. During the war, the city actively protected expert delegations, received people's aid and expanded friendly exchanges.

Assembling electronic components for the printing industry at Chee Yuen Electronic Technology Vietnam Co., Ltd., invested by Taiwan (China) in An Duong Industrial Park, An Duong District. (Photo: VNA)

In the period of 1975-1986, foreign affairs continued to be promoted, with international obligations, trade promotion and expanding twinning relations with many foreign localities. In the early period of renovation (1986-2004), the city's Foreign Affairs sector proactively implemented an open foreign policy, attracting investment, development aid, expanding international cooperation - laying an important foundation for the process of deep integration and dynamic development of Hai Phong later.

Director of Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Thi Bich Dung shared that from the first steps of confusion in the conditions of a divided country, the city's foreign affairs work has been flexible and proactive in each stage, constantly growing, gradually professionalizing, expanding scale and improving quality. Those working in Hai Phong's foreign affairs have always demonstrated a spirit of initiative, creativity, pioneering innovation; keenly grasping the international situation and closely following the foreign affairs orientation of the Party and State to effectively advise the City Party Committee and People's Committee, organizing practical, effective and in-depth foreign affairs activities... On that foundation, Hai Phong's international cooperation relations have been increasingly expanded, deepened and brought about real value.

Standing Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee Le Anh Quan said that with its mettle, professionalism and sense of responsibility, Hai Phong's foreign affairs will continue to be a solid foundation, a "reliable bridge" bringing the city to the world - worthy of its role as a development locomotive of the Northern region and the whole country.

Bringing the city to the world

Up to now, the city has established and maintained friendly cooperative relations with 26 localities of countries around the world such as the United States, France, Germany, China, Japan, Korea, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands..., welcoming over 2,000 international delegations in the past 10 years. Hai Phong has become a regular destination for heads of state, senior leaders of multinational corporations, international organizations, foreign diplomatic missions..., leaving deep impressions of a dynamic, hospitable city, full of potential and increasingly deeply integrated.

Through economic diplomacy activities, Hai Phong has promoted the opening of 3 international air routes, connecting hundreds of large enterprises and corporations to survey and invest. The city currently trades with more than 130 countries and territories, attracts direct investment from 42 countries, has relations with 45 international organizations and foreign non-governmental organizations, becoming one of the top attractive destinations for foreign investors.

Illustration photo. (Source: Internet)

In particular, Hai Phong does not wait for opportunities, but proactively creates opportunities through high-level foreign affairs trips led directly by the Secretary of the City Party Committee. These delegations have traveled to many major economic centers of the world such as the United States, Japan, China, South Korea, etc. to promote the city's image, seek strategic partners, and contribute to bringing high-quality FDI and ODA capital to Hai Phong.

On April 2, within the framework of the State visit to Vietnam (from March 31 to April 4), King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Kingdom of Belgium visited and worked in Hai Phong city. Here, the King of the Kingdom of Belgium was very proud that Belgian companies such as DEEP C and many other enterprises are investing and developing in Hai Phong. This visit to Hai Phong, the King of the Kingdom of Belgium hopes to be a driving force to promote cooperation between the two sides and attract more attention from the Belgian business community; at the same time, he wishes to convey the message that Vietnam is truly the gateway to Southeast Asia and in particular, Hai Phong is a destination full of potential.

At the 2025 Business and Foreign Community Connection Program in Hai Phong at the end of March, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Vietnam acknowledged the efforts of the Hai Phong city government in improving the business and investment environment. The Ambassador said that the development of bilateral cooperation between Hai Phong and Dutch partners is going well. The number of Dutch companies in Hai Phong is increasing. Besides Damen, Van der Leun, Alewijnse, Winel, Praxis, Steinweg..., APM Terminals has just established an office in Hai Phong. The Ambassador was very pleased that Hai Phong International Container Port - a strategic cooperation between Hateco Group and APM Terminals - came into operation in February 2025.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Dung, along with the city establishing and maintaining friendly cooperative relations with countries and territories; economic diplomacy activities; in the journey to promote the city's image, cultural diplomacy and foreign information are also promoted. One of the outstanding successes is the campaign to UNESCO to recognize Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba archipelago as a World Natural Heritage after more than 10 years of persistent efforts. This event not only created a big echo in the international arena, but also opened an important turning point for Hai Phong tourism industry in the process of integration and sustainable development...

During his recent visit and working session, General Secretary To Lam emphasized that Hai Phong needs to strive to become a modern international port city, on par with typical Asian cities; an international center for economics, education, training, science and technology; leading the country in industrialization and modernization; ensuring people's lives are increasingly better - in line with the goals set by Resolution 45-NQ/TW of the Politburo. That is also the guiding principle for the Hai Phong Foreign Affairs sector to continue to innovate, be creative, and accompany the city on the road ahead.

According to VNA
https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/cong-tac-doi-ngoai-cau-noi-tin-caydua-hai-phong-vuon-ra-the-gioi-20250424083138027.htm

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/cong-tac-doi-ngoai-cau-noi-tin-cay-dua-hai-phong-vuon-ra-the-gioi-213034.html