By Ha An, Minh Hue
Fri, February 13, 2026 | 2:41 pm GMT+7
The Hai Phong Specialized Economic Zone (SEZ) is poised to be a significant catalyst for growth not just in Hai Phong, but also in the broader Red River Delta region. It is projected to contribute over 5% to the city’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) after 2030, indicating its potential to transform the local economy dramatically.
Hai Hung commune, Hai Phong city, northern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Hai Phong Newspaper.
Established following Prime Minister’s Decision No. 288/QĐ-TTg on February 12, 2026, the SEZ spans a massive 5,300 hectares and encompasses six communes: Thuong Hong, Nguyen Luong Bang, Bac Thanh Mien, Thanh Mien, Hai Hung, and Binh Giang. This expansive area is designed to host integrated industrial parks and clusters, alongside commercial and service complexes, enhancing Hai Phong’s industrial landscape.
The SEZ is planned to feature non-tariff areas and logistic centers, innovative hubs aimed at fostering technological advancements and sustainable economic practices. This development strategy is aligned with current global trends towards high-tech industries and eco-friendly business practices.
Moreover, detailed planning and zoning within the SEZ will adhere to a master construction plan that requires approval from competent authorities, ensuring that the development aligns with both local and national development goals.
By leveraging Hai Phong’s robust industrial and logistics infrastructure, the SEZ aims to focus on high-tech and high-value-added industries. This strategic focus is expected to enhance international trade connectivity and strengthen supply chain integration, making the SEZ a central piece in the nation’s economic puzzle.
Anticipated to contribute between 3-4% of Hai Phong’s GRDP by 2030, the SEZ’s contribution is expected to exceed 5% soon thereafter. Local authorities are preparing supportive policies that emphasize transparency and business-friendliness, which are crucial for attracting both domestic and international investors.
The development roadmap for the SEZ is structured across three key phases. In the first phase, spanning 2025-2026, the goal is to finalize the overall master plan and the 1/2000-scale construction plans for essential subzones. The planning will create a solid foundation for subsequent phases.
From 2026 to 2030, authorities envision finalizing necessary procedures, launching investment and construction activities, and initiating operations for completed projects. A synchronized development approach focusing on urban, industrial, and service infrastructure will be critical in this phase, facilitating a smooth transition into operational growth.
Lastly, from 2031 to 2035, the focus will shift towards completing a modern socio-economic infrastructure system. This phase is set to accelerate urbanization efforts to create a smart, green urban area that offers high-quality services while attracting investment in prioritized sectors.
As one of Vietnam’s six centrally governed cities—alongside Hanoi, Danang, Hue, Can Tho, and Ho Chi Minh City—Hai Phong is uniquely positioned for growth. Since merging with Hai Duong province in 2025, it has emerged as a leading destination for foreign direct investment, having attracted over $45.6 billion in accumulated registered FDI. This places the new SEZ as a key platform for the city’s ambitious growth trajectory.
The Hai Phong SEZ is more than just an economic initiative; it’s a comprehensive strategy for urban and economic transformation that could redefine the region’s potential in the coming decades.