Three critical messages and three essential requirements for developing a free trade zone sustainably in the northern city of Hai Phong have been outlined by experts and participants at a conference on investment potential and opportunities in Hai Phong under the theme: “Hai Phong Free Trade Zone – Destination of a New Era,” held on December 11.
The conference was jointly held in Hai Phong by the City People's Committee and the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority, in coordination with the Foreign Investment Agency (Ministry of Finance).
This is the first free trade zone model in Northern Vietnam, covering a total area of 6,292 ha, and developed based on successful international experiences combined with Hai Phong’s unique advantages and local realities.
Specifically, experts emphasized that Hai Phong must transition from "industrialization" to "commercial and logistics internationalization."
The Free Trade Zone is envisioned to become an integral part of overall institutional reform and the national commercial infrastructure. Furthermore, the zone must demonstrate its capacity to lead the entire Northern Coastal region and the Lang Son - Hanoi - Hai Phong economic corridor, according to experts.
Regarding the requirements for development, they stressed the need to establish "green, international, and digital" standards for the zone. It is essential to ensure requirements for clean energy, modern logistics, and sustainable trade are met.
Additionally, there is a strong call to strengthen cooperation to develop high-tech clusters, electronic components, and material production, fostering a seamless connection between seaports, logistics, and supporting industries.
Representing the foreign business community, Mr. Bruno Jaspaert, Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam and CEO of DEEP C Industrial Zones, stated that Hai Phong possesses core advantages that allow it to pioneer a new-generation Free Trade model.
He cited the city’s deep-water ports, highway and railway connections to Europe and China, and integration with global supply chains. He noted that current investors have already contributed $28 billion and expressed their readiness to expand operations if the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone applies standards that are harmonized with the rules and norms of the European Union.
The city has strategically calculated the layout, arranging the zone across three non-contiguous locations that are closely linked to two dynamic economic hubs: the Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Economic Zone and the Southern Hai Phong Coastal Economic Zone.
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