Experts stressed the need to establish “green, international, and digital” standards for the zone.

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.

Vneconomy-Nguyễn Tú