Quang Ninh province coastal economic zone set to become seaport, logistics hub in Vietnam’s northern coast

The Prime Minister has approved the master plan for Quang Yen Coastal Economic Zone (CEZ) in Quang Ninh province through 2050, positioning the strategically located area between Quang Ninh and Hai Phong as a major hub for industry, seaport services, logistics, urban development, and tourism in northern coastal Vietnam.

The Quang Yen CEZ covers a planned area of approximately 13,213 hectares and is organized into two major areas. The northern area spans more than 6,400 hectares, including Uong Bi, Dong Mai, Hiep Hoa, Quang Yen, Ha An, and parts of Tien An, Lien Hoa, and Lien Vi.

The 6,800-hectare southern area features parts of Phong Coc, Lien Hoa, and Lien Vi wards. The master plan will be implemented in two phases: a short-term phase through 2035 and a long-term phase through 2050.

One of the key objectives of the plan is to transform Quang Yen into a multi-sector coastal economic zone with strong competitiveness, developed on the foundation of clean industry, high technology, logistics services, and a modern urban system.

The zone is expected not only to serve as a new growth engine for Quang Ninh province but also to strengthen economic connectivity among Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, the Red River Delta, and the northeastern coastal region.

In terms of population scale, the Quang Yen CEZ is projected to have about 90,000 residents by 2035 and around 170,000 by 2050. Along with population growth, land allocated for the construction of functional areas will also expand.

By 2035, land designated for functional area development is estimated at approximately 8,900-9,000 ha, increasing to around 11,800-12,000 ha by 2050. Of this, land for urban residential development is projected to reach 1,200-1,300 ha by 2050.

The development space of the economic zone is planned to maximize the advantages of its strategic location, transportation infrastructure, and coastal ecosystem. The development model is centered on industry, seaport services, logistics, and urban development as its key pillars.

The northern area will prioritize high-tech industries, supporting industries, research, training, and urban service areas. The southern one will focus on developing port systems, industrial parks, logistics centers, and urban areas associated with seaport services.

According to the master plan, the Quang Yen CEZ will be divided into three main subzones.

Subzone 1 is a high-tech industrial area located northwest of the Chanh River and Uong River, covering approximately 2,517 ha, with a projected population of around 14,000 people by 2050. This area will accommodate high-tech industries, supporting industries, innovation activities, and production support services.

Subzone 2 is an industrial, service, and urban area located southeast of the Con River and Uong River, with an area of approximately 3,887 ha and a projected population of around 100,000 people by 2050. This subzone will play a major role in urban development, commerce, services, multi-sector industries, and research and training centers. The plan also includes the development of new residential areas, worker housing, and social infrastructure facilities to serve the labor force.

Subzone 3 is located in the Phong Coc-Lien Hoa area within the Dam Nha Mac region, covering approximately 6,809 ha and expected to accommodate around 56,000 residents. This is considered a key area for seaports, industry, logistics services, and coastal urban development. The Nam Tien Phong, Bac Tien Phong, and Bach Dang industrial parks, together with the port and warehouse systems, will form an integrated infrastructure chain supporting manufacturing, import-export activities, and cargo transportation.

In addition to industrial and seaport development, the plan also emphasizes the development of commercial and service areas, eco-tourism, and riverside cultural spaces. Eco-tourism destinations in the Phong Coc, Ha An, and Dong Mai areas, together with the historical and cultural relic sites along the Bach Dang River, are planned to be interconnected to form distinctive tourism products.

Transportation infrastructure is one of the key priorities of the plan. The economic zone will be connected to the Hai Phong-Ha Long Expressway, Road 338, major urban roads, inland waterways, and the seaport system. In the long term, the zone is also planned to connect with the Hai Phong-Ha Long-Mong Cai railway and the Hanoi-Quang Ninh high-speed railway line.

The master plan also sets high requirements for environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. Industrial parks must be equipped with centralized wastewater treatment systems, while solid waste, emissions, and wastewater must be controlled in accordance with environmental standards. Green spaces, water surfaces, river corridors, coastal areas, and environmentally sensitive ecosystems will be protected throughout the development process.

The approval of the master plan for the Quang Yen CEZ through 2050 is considered an important foundation for Quang Ninh province, home to the world heritage site of Ha Long Bay, to attract investment, develop infrastructure, expand urban space, and establish a new marine economic center.

Once implemented comprehensively, the economic zone could become a major industrial, service, and logistics hub, contributing to enhancing Quang Ninh’s position within the northern regional development network.