Dinh Vu-Cat Hai Economic Zone sets sail to become maritime economic hub in northern Vietnam

The Dinh Vu-Cat Hai Economic Zone in the northern port city of Hai Phong is expected to serve as an international trade gateway and a multi-sector maritime economic hub, according to its adjusted master plan through 2045.

The Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority (HEZA) held a conference on Friday to announce Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s decision approving the plan.

Accordingly, the zone covers about 22,540 hectares, comprising two main sections. Section 1 spans roughly 1,088 hectares, including the Trang Due 1, 2, and 3 industrial parks located partly in An Phong ward. Section 2 stretches around 21,452 hectares, encompassing the entire Nam Trieu ward and parts of Thuy Nguyen, Hoa Binh, and Bach Dang wards.

It is envisioned as an integrated coastal economic zone and a key growth engine for both the northern coastal region and the nation. The zone will feature modern, well-synchronized technical and social infrastructure, aligned with environmental protection, sustainable development, and national defense and security objectives.

In terms of spatial planning, the zone is divided into four main sub-areas.

Sub-area 1 in the northern part of the zone will host new urban developments linked to Hai Phong’s industrial, tourism, and fishing service hubs, as well as the Gulf of Tonkin fishing grounds.

Sub-area 2, covering the Dinh Vu and Trang Cat peninsulas, will serve as a maritime gateway and a new growth driver for both the city and the economic zone, featuring international maritime services, trade, and financial centers.

Sub-area 3, on Cat Hai Island, will function as an industrial, logistics, and low-density service urban area connected to the Lach Huyen international port.

Sub-area 4 - the Trang Due industrial zone - is planned as a multi-sector industrial hub along the National Highway 10 corridor.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Tuong Van emphasized that to ensure the master plan is implemented effectively, the city administration, HEZA, and other relevant units should work closely with central ministries and agencies to fully leverage pilot mechanisms and preferential policies.

He added that the city should develop an implementation plan aligned with investment in technical and social infrastructure within the economic zone, gradually transforming it into a modern, integrated economic hub and an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investors.

Le Trung Kien, head of HEZA, said since its establishment in 2008, the Dinh Vu-Cat Hai Economic Zone has become Vietnam’s most successful coastal economic zone and a model for investment attraction, contributing significantly to the city’s growth.

With the latest adjustments, the city will focus on developing logistics centers, reorganizing industrial land, improving transport systems, and addressing other key issues, he said.

The Dinh Vu-Cat Hai Economic Zone has drawn leading global and domestic companies, including South Korea’s LG Group with a high-tech manufacturing complex; Vietnam’s top private conglomerate Vingroup with its VinFast auto production complex and Vu Yen Island residential, entertainment, and ecological park; Japan’s Bridgestone Group; and Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Pegatron Corporation.

To date, it has attracted nearly $42.7 billion in registered FDI capital, accounting for 80% of Hai Phong’s total, alongside VND315.88 trillion ($11.99 billion) in domestic capital.

The zone hosts 1,300 projects with an investment density of roughly $13 million per hectare, three times the national average. Foreign investment alone totaled $19.3 billion during the 2021-2025 period.

Hai Phong has emerged as one of northern Vietnam’s leading manufacturing and logistics hubs. Following its recent merger with Hai Duong province, the expanded Hai Phong now hosts over 15 major industrial parks.

The city is also home to one of northern Vietnam’s largest deep-sea port systems, with annual cargo throughput growing at 12-15%. In 2024, its ports handled 190 million tons of goods, and the figure is expected to rise to 212 million tons by year-end.