Hai Phong (VNA) – International and domestic experts, policymakers and businesses convened in Hai Phong for a two-day forum to exchange experience and discuss strategic solutions to boost competitiveness and modernise the city’s seaport system.
The September 11–12 Vietnam–US Seaport Activities Cooperation workshop was organised by the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority (HEZA) in partnership with the Commercial Law Development Programme (CLDP) under the US Department of Commerce.
Stephen L. Green, Commercial Counsellor at the US Embassy in Vietnam, said the workshop was a practical initiative under the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, adding that Hai Phong in particular would gain valuable insights to guide its port development.
Nguyen Thi Bich Dung, HEZA Deputy Head, said that from 2025 to 2030 the city aims to complete the development of international gateway ports at Lach Huyen and Nam Do Son, capable of receiving large container vessels. Plans also include logistics hubs and inland ports linked to road, rail and air networks; a free trade zone connected to seaports; digital transformation and AI applications in management; and the development of green and smart ports. The city will also work to revive shipbuilding and supporting industries as a foundation for its maritime economy.
Experts and port authorities shared experiences in state management and port operations, while the US delegation introduced international port models.
Erik Wehl, a public–private partnership and port finance expert, presented the development and governance model of the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, which he noted shares similarities with Hai Phong and could serve as a reference for establishing port governance in the future.
Bui Ngoc Nam, Deputy Director of Hai Phong Maritime Administration, highlighted that the city has already developed sea encroachment models over the past two decades to support port construction – long-term planning informed by successful international examples, including Rotterdam.
According to Le Trung Kien, HEZA Head, the workshop was a step towards implementing the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, bringing together policymakers, experts and businesses from both countries to address challenges and lay the foundation for Hai Phong’s strategic port development in 2025–2026.
Strategic recommendations focused on multimodal transport synchronisation, renewable energy integration towards net-zero targets, and optimising supply chains.
HEZA affirmed its commitment to facilitating the implementation of agreed initiatives, turning Hai Phong into a modern international logistics hub. The next phase of cooperation will concentrate on completing legal frameworks and technical plans, strengthening Hai Phong’s role as the northern gateway for Vietnam’s trade./.
