DEEP C: The "operational arm" of the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone in restructuring global supply chains.

On the morning of December 11th, in Hai Phong, Deep C demonstrated its potential to become an extension of FDI businesses at the conference on investment potential and opportunities in Hai Phong, "Hai Phong Free Trade Zone - A Destination of a New Era".

On the morning of December 11th, in Hai Phong, the Hai Phong City People's Committee, the Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board, in coordination with the Foreign Investment Agency ( Ministry of Finance ), organized a conference on investment potential and opportunities in Hai Phong titled "Hai Phong Free Trade Zone - A Destination for a New Era," with the presence of nearly 150 delegates representing city government leaders, central ministries and agencies, international business associations, and infrastructure development partners.

Amidst discussions on monetary policy, tariffs, and customs, one foreign enterprise demonstrated the spirit of service and strategic responsibility that many expect from a long-term partner – that is the DEEP C Industrial Complex, through the speech of Mr. Koen Soenens, Director of Business and Marketing at DEEP C Industrial Complex.

Against the backdrop of a profound restructuring of global supply chains, with international businesses seeking locations that offer both geographical advantages and a stable and transparent business environment, Mr. Soenens's remarks provided a realistic, frank perspective and, importantly, built trust through concrete commitments.

Mr. Koen Soenens, Director of Sales and Marketing at DEEP C Industrial Park.

Six years have witnessed transformation.

Mr. Koen Soenens began with a vivid image: six years ago, he first came to Hai Phong , then a city frantically building its infrastructure. Today, after six years of participating in Hai Phong's development, he has witnessed new bridges springing up faster than anyone can remember, and new roads being opened even before digital maps can keep up.

But what's more important? He noticed something profound about Hai Phong: when the city says "We're planning," it often means "It's already being built." This isn't just a compliment about the speed of implementation, but a frank commentary on the strategic vision and determination of the city's leadership. International investors, according to him, see this clearly. Every delegation visiting DEEP C comments that Hai Phong is a city in motion, building, not waiting for anyone.

Free Trade Zones: A Strategic Signal for a New Phase

According to Mr. Soenens, the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone (FTZ) is not just a simple economic policy, but a signal, a statement, an affirmation that the city is ready for the next chapter of economic development. This is Vietnam's second FTZ, and its role in the global context cannot be ignored.

Mr. Soenens pointed out that globally, supply chains are undergoing restructuring. Businesses are seeking three core elements: predictability, green operations, and access to strategic logistics hubs. Northern Vietnam is rapidly rising in the rankings of international investors, and Hai Phong, thanks to its superior connectivity – a deep-water port, highway and rail links – often takes the lead.

Potential investors, when approaching DEEP C, typically make four main requests: Stability; Simplified customs procedures; Multimodal logistics options (seaport, road, inland waterway); Green, modern, and digitized logistics – not a 2035 vision, but starting today.

FTZs have the potential to meet precisely these requirements. However, Mr. Soenens stressed the most important keyword: implementation. "An FTZ may look great on paper. But investors only invest in what works well in practice."

Mr. Koen Soenens spoke at the Conference on Investment Potential and Opportunities in Hai Phong, "Hai Phong City Free Trade Zone - A Destination of the New Era".

DEEP C is located right within the FTZ boundary: Opportunities and responsibilities.

Here, Mr. Soenens' statement hits a crucial point. DEEP C is very fortunate that its boundary lies right within the FTZ. This creates a historic opportunity, but also comes with enormous responsibility.

DEEP C's responsibility is to build the essential infrastructure that FTZ needs: stable electricity, water, and utilities; green energy conversion options; and a one-stop investor support service.

DEEP C's opportunity lies in promoting Hai Phong internationally as a seamless FTZ ecosystem, where manufacturing, logistics, and exports operate with the lowest possible friction. But Mr. Soenens stated very frankly: "We can only promote what is clear and consistent."

Mr. Soenens then presented three specific requirements that he considered prerequisites for DEEP C to truly become an "ambassador" of the FTZ. First, the FTZ needs a unified and clear set of written guidelines. Second, transparent competitive incentives. Third, a coordination mechanism between the FTZ and cities, ports, customs, and industrial zones.

In this context, the remarks by EuroCham Vietnam President Bruno Jaspaert added depth to the international perspective. He presented three key lessons from Europe on how to build an internationally standardized FTZ:

European investors choose locations where rules are predictable, enforcement is consistent, and data is easily accessible.

Furthermore, climate shocks pose a direct threat to the continuity of industrial production. EU-Vietnam trade is increasingly affected by CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism), ESG requirements, and green logistics. In addition, digitized FTZs help reduce costs, attract advanced manufacturing, and improve compliance.

Mr. Bruno Jaspaert, President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (Eurocham) and CEO of Deep C Industrial Park, spoke at the conference.

The Role of DEEP C: The "Operating Arm" of FTZ

In this context, the role of DEEP C becomes clearer than ever. DEEP C is not only committed to building infrastructure, but also committed to becoming an integral part of the FTZ ecosystem, acting as a bridge between policy and reality, between ideas and implementation.

Mr. Koen Soenens pledged, "No FTZ in the world has succeeded without collaboration. The leadership of Hai Phong city is the cornerstone. Clear guidance, quick approvals, and consistent messaging will build investor confidence. DEEP C will build the FTZ operational ecosystem – we are ready to become the 'operational arm' of the FTZ."

Through Mr. Koen Soenens's statement, DEEP C demonstrated that it is not just an infrastructure development company, but a strategic partner that understands the challenges facing international investors, the demands of the digital and green era, and the specific commitments it is ready to make to turn the FTZ from an idea into reality.

The Hai Phong FTZ is a promise that Hai Phong will continue to rise as the industrial and logistics hub of Northern Vietnam. If we implement it with clarity, coordination, and consistency – as Mr. Soenens emphasized – then Hai Phong will not only be competitive, but will become an unmissable destination on the global supply chain map.

DEEP C's role in this journey is irreplaceable. As an infrastructure development unit with international experience, DEEP C not only builds physical structures but also builds trust – the trust that international investors need to make long-term investment decisions in Hai Phong.

The conference on December 11, 2025, will be remembered not only for the policies announced and the impressive FDI figures, but also for the clear, frank, and practical commitments made by leaders like Mr. Soenens – commitments that, if implemented well, will transform Hai Phong into a model FTZ trusted and chosen by international businesses.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/deep-c-canh-tay-van-hanh-cua-khu-thuong-mai-tu-do-hai-phong-trong-tai-cau-truc-chuoi-cung-ung-toan-cau-337407.html