A new level for the coastal city.

(PLVN) - After establishing and holding many records in socio-economic development for many years, Hai Phong has chosen 2025 as the year to accelerate the program of expanding economic development space, aiming to enhance the city's position, expand investment attraction, and create momentum for development into a new era together with the country.

In the early days of the Lunar New Year of the Snake (2015), the Chairman of the People's Committee of Hai Phong City, Nguyen Van Tung, gave an interview to the Vietnam Law Newspaper.

Expanding economic and urban areas.

Sir, in 2025, Hai Phong aims for a GRDP growth rate of 12.5%, marking the 11th consecutive year of double-digit economic growth. What is the basis for Hai Phong setting such a target?

- In 2024, with effort, determination, and unity, Hai Phong achieved a GDP growth of 11.01%, total social investment of VND 210,000 billion, 190 million tons of goods handled through the port, export turnover of USD 33 billion, and attracted USD 4.7 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI). Hai Phong's economy in the industrial production, trade, and service sectors achieved outstanding and relatively comprehensive results. Many key transportation and urban development projects were completed and put into operation…

Against the backdrop of deep economic integration, Hai Phong's economy is still affected by external factors, so the city has determined that it needs to promote innovation, improve the quality of growth, and enhance competitiveness.

In 2025, Hai Phong's theme for the year is "Expanding economic and urban space, perfecting specific mechanisms and policies, strengthening green transformation and digital transformation."

The main tasks will be to expand the economic space, continue to innovate the growth model, and restructure the economy according to the development orientation of three pillars: industry - high technology, seaports - logistics, and tourism - trade. Promoting regional linkages in the Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh growth triangle will maximize the potential and advantages of the sea. Hai Phong will essentially complete its industrialization and modernization, meet the criteria of a Class 1 city, and become a key maritime economic hub of the country and a national logistics center.

Chairman of the People's Committee of Hai Phong City, Nguyen Van Tung (Photo: VOV)

Could you elaborate on the issue of Hai Phong expanding its economic space?

- In December 2024, the Prime Minister issued a Decision establishing the Southern Hai Phong Coastal Economic Zone (SEZ) with a scale of over 20,000 hectares. Based on this, the city will develop a general plan; and prepare and approve the functional zoning plan for the SEZ with a comprehensive, multi-sectoral, multi-functional orientation according to the model of a new generation economic zone. It will be a pioneering maritime economic center, maximizing the advantages of its location as an international gateway port in the North, serving as a foundation for attracting investment and development, creating new development momentum for the city and the Red River Delta region, as well as connecting with the international community.

The city is also urgently finalizing the dossier to submit to the competent authority for the establishment of a new generation free trade zone in the Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Industrial Park, KKTVB.

From January 1, 2025, An Duong District and Thuy Nguyen City, both under the jurisdiction of Hai Phong City, officially began operating under the urban government model. These are the foundations, prerequisites, and opportunities for Hai Phong to focus on expanding its economic and urban space, creating momentum for development in the new era.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tung inspects the investment project for the construction of a road connecting to Vu Yen Island. (Photo: Dam Thanh)

Towards developing new tourism products

Sir, besides being an industrial city and a seaport, Hai Phong is also famous for landmarks such as Do Son beach and Cat Ba archipelago, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. What is the city's orientation in developing tourism?

- According to the tourism system plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045, approved by the Prime Minister, Hai Phong tourism prioritizes the development of unique regional products; visiting and experiencing the World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago; and developing Cat Ba Archipelago into a potential national tourism area.

Hai Phong aims to develop tourism products that are highly competitive with other countries in the region in terms of marine ecotourism, new tourism products (industrial tourism, golf tourism, adventure sports tourism); and develop tourism products associated with the central urban area of ​​Hai Phong to develop the night-time economy.

To make tourism and services a key economic sector, developing in a green and sustainable direction, with an annual growth rate of 8-9%, contributing 9-10% to the GRDP, Hai Phong is accelerating the implementation of tourism infrastructure projects such as the Phu Long - Cat Ba cable car line, Xuan Dam golf course, Cai Beo port area and tourism service facilities, Cat Ba central bay tourism and service area, entertainment - housing - ecological park projects on Vu Yen island, commercial center - entertainment - 5-star hotel - office complex in the Iron Market area…

The city is also coordinating the completion of procedures to transfer the land and property currently managed by central ministries and agencies in the Do Son tourist area to Hai Phong so that the city can plan, manage, and attract investment to optimally exploit the marine tourism resources.

Sir, in order for Hai Phong to develop to a new level as a coastal city, what other solutions does the city have in place for the new year 2025?

- The city continues to prioritize investment in building a comprehensive and modern transportation infrastructure, and effectively implementing planning schemes. The focus is on urban modernization in conjunction with the development of rural transportation infrastructure.

Specifically, the city is accelerating the progress of key transportation projects; completing and putting into use transportation upgrade and renovation projects as soon as possible. The city continues to proactively coordinate with ministries and agencies to upgrade and renovate national highways passing through the area, complete the planning and research for investment preparation of the new Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway line; upgrade and renovate inland waterway corridors passing through the area; select investors for the offshore wind power project near Bach Long Vi Island…

Another important solution is for the city to strive for a breakthrough in its digital government ranking; improve the investment and business environment; and strengthen the confidence of the business community and the people.

Thank you, sir!

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/tam-cao-moi-cua-thanh-pho-cua-bien-post538559.html