Vietnam's northern port city looks to deepen energy, green cooperation with Sweden

The northern port city of Hai Phong is seeking deeper cooperation with Swedish businesses in renewable energy, sustainable logistics, and digital transformation, a senior official said.

Receiving Sara Modig, Sweden’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Business and Industry on Monday, Hoang Minh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee, said the city sees great potential for collaboration with Swedish partners, particularly in areas supporting green growth and innovation.

Cuong emphasized that local authorities are committed to supporting foreign investors through transparent, reliable, and long-term cooperation.

Following its merger with Hai Duong province in June, Hai Phong now covers 3,200 square kilometers with a population of 4.6 million, ranking third nationwide in economic scale with GRDP of about $33 billion. The city has maintained double-digit growth for 11 consecutive years, expanding 11.01% in 2024, the fastest pace in the Red River Delta.

Hai Phong is also the first locality in Vietnam to simultaneously lead all four national performance indices: Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI), Public Administration Reform Index (PAR), Citizen Satisfaction Index (SIPAS), and Provincial Green Index (PGI).

With over 1,740 valid foreign-invested projects totaling more than $50 billion in registered capital, Hai Phong ranks among Vietnam’s top investment destinations.

Deputy Minister Sara Modig reaffirmed Sweden’s support for Hai Phong’s green transition, sustainable port infrastructure, smart logistics, and eco-friendly public transport.

Swedish firms currently operate three active investment projects in Hai Phong worth a combined $48 million, including a energy storage battery manufacturing facility.

Meanwhile, cooperation between the Hai Phong Department of Industry and Trade and the Gothenburg Port Authority is progressing, with both sides aiming to establish a digitalized, low-emission logistics network connecting the two port cities.

Sweden was the first European country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam on January 11, 1969. Two-way trade turnover reached $1.48 billion in 2024. The European country ranked 29th out of 149 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 111 valid projects and over $743 million in registered investment capital.