Guo Ziping, director of the commission, hailed Hai Phong as a key gateway to China’s “Belt and Road” Initiative and Shenzhen’s international sister city. She outlined priority areas for collaboration, including engineering services, digital energy, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, supply chains, and smart manufacturing.

Shenzhen’s tech-heavy enterprises are keen to expand investment in Vietnam, particularly in urban development consulting and infrastructure upgrades. The goal is to set new regional benchmarks for infrastructure across Southeast Asia, she said.

She also underscored Shenzhen’s interest in digital energy to drive a low-carbon, smart, and sustainable future, alongside cooperation in telemedicine, urban governance, e-commerce and supply chain platforms to connect Vietnamese SMEs directly to China’s 1.4 billion consumers, and support for Vietnam’s industries to advance in the digital economy.

To support these ambitions, Guo urged Hai Phong authorities to double down on workforce training, provide support for foreign experts, and ensure a stable and sufficient power supply for high-tech firms.

Le Trung Kien, head of the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority (HEZA), showcased the city’s growing clout. Following its July 1 merger with Hai Duong, Hai Phong now spans nearly 3,200 square kilometres with a population of over 4.6 million, ranking as Vietnam’s third largest economy. The city has posted double-digit GRDP growth for a decade, fueled considerably by Chinese investments, he said.

Hai Phong has added 12 new IPs covering 3,203 ha, bringing its total to 43 parks across 12,043 ha. The city is fast-tracking development of the Lach Huyen International Gateway Port, with construction kicking off on September 26 for the Tan Trao Industrial Park (Phase 1) and a liquefied natural gas power plant, enhancing its appeal to investors.

This year, the Prime Minister approved the establishment of a 20,000-ha coastal economic zone in southern Hai Phong, alongside a 6,300ha free trade zone with 17 special mechanisms and policies, and a 5,300 ha specialised western economic zone, creating vast opportunities for investment, trade, and manufacturing. Hai Phong ranks among the country’s top localities in administrative reform and business climate, topping 2024 national rankings like PAR INDEX, PCI, SIPAS, and PGI.

Kien proposed a direct flight between Hai Phong and Shenzhen to boost connectivity and urged Shenzhen firms to invest in the city’s new high-tech industrial parks, pledging robust support for power supply and skilled labour needs.

Shenzhen technology companies introduced a range of cutting-edge solutions, from smart city construction, cybersecurity to cloud computing, cross-border supply solutions, and enterprise support software.

China Southern Airlines reopens Shenzhen – Da Nang route

VOV.VN - China Southern Airlines’ flight CZ8155 carrying more than 170 passengers from Shenzhen, China, landed at Da Nang International Airport on the evening of October 2, marking the resumption of the air route between the two cities.