Hai Phong speeds up to achieve new growth target after merger

On the afternoon of September 11, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc led a working delegation to Hai Phong city. The purpose of the meeting was to urge and remove difficulties and obstacles, promote economic growth and disbursement of public investment capital in the locality.

Hai Phong City Party Secretary Le Tien Chau reported that, after merging with Hai Duong province, despite facing a large workload, the city has strived to fulfill the socio-economic targets assigned by the Central Government. The Hai Phong City report indicated that in the first eight months of 2025, all socio-economic indicators reached high levels compared to the national average.

Specifically, the GRDP for the first six months of the year increased by 11.2% compared to the same period last year; the industrial production index (IIP) for the first eight months increased by 14.51%. Total export turnover is estimated at 31.8 billion USD, an increase of 6.25%. Cargo throughput at ports reached 120.14 million tons, an increase of 12.25%. Total state budget revenue in the area for the first eight months reached 132,239 billion VND, an increase of 29.5% compared to the same period in 2024. Regarding investment attraction, Hai Phong achieved 1,923 million USD in FDI capital, equivalent to 94.4% compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, domestic investment attracted more than 324,502 billion VND.

Scene from the working session. (Photo: Government Newspaper)

The city is also accelerating the establishment of the Southern Economic Zone with key projects such as the Free Trade Zone, Nam Do Son Port, and Tien Lang International Airport. Hai Phong is also actively coordinating the implementation of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project. Regarding the disbursement of public investment capital, as of August 31st, Hai Phong had disbursed 21,749.4 billion VND, reaching 60.6% of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister, higher than the same period in 2024. The city also exceeded the target for social housing in the 2021-2025 period.

However, city leaders and departments also highlighted several difficulties. Businesses face additional tax policies from the United States and fluctuations in input material prices; there is a shortage of skilled labor and leveling materials. Regarding social housing, preferential loan interest rates remain high. The disbursement of public investment capital and land clearance are hampered by incomplete adjustments to the medium-term public investment plan and delays in land handover by some central government units.

In his concluding remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc emphasized that Hai Phong needs to focus on developing its economic pillars: industry, seaports, and logistics. The city needs to review and adjust its planning to maximize its potential after the merger.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc gives instructions at the working session. (Photo: Government Newspaper)

The Deputy Prime Minister instructed relevant ministries and agencies to urgently study and definitively resolve the city's requests as soon as possible. At the same time, he noted that Hai Phong needs to accelerate the disbursement of public investment capital, reform administrative procedures, and promote digital transformation; boost private investment, effectively handle outstanding projects; and expedite the implementation of national target programs. The Deputy Prime Minister also urged the city to build a professional workforce, ensure security and order, and improve the lives of its people.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc expressed his confidence that Hai Phong will continue to promote the spirit of solidarity, innovation, and creativity, overcome difficulties, and encourage businesses to develop rapidly and strongly. The city also needs to improve the quality of healthcare and education, ensure social security, and take the lead in implementing national target programs. He suggested that Hai Phong focus on promoting the application of information technology and digital transformation to improve the efficiency of management and administration, meeting the requirements of the assigned tasks.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/hai-phong-tang-toc-de-dat-muc-tieu-tang-truong-moi-sau-sap-nhap-216252.html