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The new resolution is intended to clear systemic barriers and accelerate Hai Phong’s economic growth, with spillover benefits for the broader Red River Delta region, along with the national economy.
A draft resolution presented to the National Assembly (NA) on Thursday proposed six key policy groups to remove development bottlenecks and accelerate Hai Phong city’s growth, centred around the pilot launch of a next-generation free trade zone (FTZ), featuring exceptional incentives to attract global talent and investment.
One of the most notable provisions is the exemption of visa requirements and the issuing of 10-year temporary residence cards for foreign experts, scientists and high-skilled professionals, along with their families, who work for businesses operating within the FTZ.
The proposal was discussed during the 44th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee, which reviewed the draft resolution intended to replace Resolution No. 35/2021/QH15 on piloting special mechanisms and policies for Hai Phong’s development.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang, who presented the draft, stated that the new resolution is intended to clear systemic barriers and accelerate Hai Phong’s economic growth, with spillover benefits for the broader Red River Delta region, along with the national economy.
He emphasised that the proposed direction is in line with long-term goals set by the Politburo’s Resolution No. 45-NQ/TW and Conclusion No. 96-KL/TW on the city’s development by 2030, with a vision toward 2045.
According to Thang, the draft encompasses six major policy areas comprising 41 specific measures, which cover investment management; financial and state budget oversight; urban planning, natural resources and environmental management; science, technology and innovation; and income and incentive structures for Hai Phong’s public officials and civil servants.
A key highlight is the pilot launch of a new-generation FTZ in Hai Phong, which would serve as a flagship model for innovation, open economic engagement and global competitiveness.
The zone will be organised into functional sub-zones, including manufacturing, port and logistics, commercial-service areas and other types of working areas in accordance with Vietnamese law.
The draft resolution proposed delegating authority to the Hai Phong People’s Council to decide on the establishment, expansion and adjustment of the FTZ’s boundaries, linking it to the Dinh Vu – Cat Hai Economic Zone and the Southern Coastal Economic Zone in Hai Phong, similar in function to industrial parks.
This policy will provide a legal framework to pilot innovative mechanisms with the potential to unlock new growth drivers, especially in investment, finance, trade and advanced industry, while also serving as a magnet for foreign talent and researchers.
Reviewing this proposal, Chairman of the NA's Economic and Financial Committee Phan Van Mai affirmed the necessity of such a pilot initiative, saying it reflects the strong political will of both the Hai Phong authorities and the Government.
However, he cautioned that this is a complex issue, not just economic in nature, but also with implications for national defence, security and public order.
He urged that the potential impacts on economic growth, the State budget and society be clearly analysed, along with the zone's regional impacts, risk management mechanisms, oversight structures and clear assignment of responsibilities among related parties.
As per the Resolution of the 11th Plenum of the Party Central Committee, Hai Duong province is set to merge with Hai Phong, with the unified entity to be called Hai Phong city.
On this matter, Chairman of the NA’s Committee for Legal and Judicial Affairs Hoang Thanh Tung raised concerns about the city’s impending expansion. He noted that the application of pilot mechanisms and special policies should not be unique to Hai Phong, but should also extend to Ho Chi Minh city, Da Nang and other localities.
He recommended that the Government Party Committee seek the Politburo’s guidance on whether existing pilot mechanisms should remain in effect after mergers or administrative restructuring.
Deputy Chairman of the NA Nguyen Khac Dinh echoed this, urging the Government to submit a formal request to the Politburo for approval to expand the scope of these pilot policies to all cities and provinces undergoing mergers, such as Ho Chi Minh city, Da Nang, Can Tho and Khanh Hoa.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man supported the idea, proposing that the Government immediately seek the Politburo’s approval to maintain the current special mechanisms for localities undergoing mergers and expansions. This would allow for swift decision-making during the 9th session of the NA, especially concerning Hai Phong's incorporation of Hải Dương, ensuring consistent application across equivalent administrative units.
Regarding incentives for foreign experts working within the FTZ and related enterprises, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc said that the Government would clearly define criteria for experts, scientists, individuals with exceptional talents, and executives to prevent abuse or misuse of the preferential policies.
The draft resolution on piloting special mechanisms and policies for Hai Phong's development is scheduled to be submitted to the NA for review and approval during its 9th regular session, which opens on May 5.
TB (according to VNS)
