Square: 1,527 km² - Population: 1.946 million (2014)
Hai Phong is a major port city in northeastern Vietnam, across from Cat Ba Island. The city's name means "coastal defense" and it is nicknamed the Flamboyant City because of the many flame trees planted throughout it. Haiphong is Northern Vietnam's most important seaport and has many industrial parks invested by multinational corporations. Its leafy boulevards are lined with French colonial–era landmarks like the neoclassical Opera House and Queen of the Rosary cathedral, dating to the 19th century
HISTORY
Hai Phong was originally founded by Lê Chân, the female general of a Vietnamese revolution against the Chinese led by the Trưng Sisters (Hai Bà Trưng) in the year 43 C.E. The area, which is now known as Duong Kinh District, was once known as Hai tan Phong thu ("defensive coastal area"), and served as the second capital of the Mac dynasty (1527–1592). At the end of Nguyen Emperor Tu Duc's reign, the headquarters of An Duong District was also moved to Hang Kenh Communal House, which now belongs to Le Chan district.
Haiphong was one of Vietnam's principal ports and trading centers. When the country was invaded by the French, the city became France's main naval base in Indochina. After World War II, when Vietnam attempted to regain its independence, Hai Phong was the site of the first military action undertaken by the French, as punishment for the death of three French soldiers. In retaliation, the French heavy cruiser Suffren and sloops supported by the Suffren bombarded the city and adjacent fields in an aggression that contributed to the start of the First Indochina War. French infantry forces under the command of Jean-Étienne Valluy invaded the city and fought house to house with support from armored units and jet fighters
TOURISM
Hai Phong has many temples, pagodas, mausoleums and shrines such as the ancient Du Hang Pagoda, the Nghe Temple, and the Hang Kenh Communal House. Hai Phong has its famous historical Bach Dang River, where Vietnamese national heroes defeated three Chinese feudal invasions. The third victory over the Yuan-Mongolians became known all over the world.
Do Son Beach, located 20km from Hai Phong, is the most beautiful beach in the area for bathing and swimming. However, during the monsoon season, the Red River's alluvial sands cause the water to turn yellow. From Do Son beach, tourists can visit Cat Ba National Park, and continue to Bai Tu Long Bay and Halong Bay (Quang Ninh Province).
Hai Phong is famous for many festivals that are held throughout the year, one of which, the Choi Trau Festival ~ the Do Son Buffalo-fighting festival is one of the most famous and unique.
HAI PHONG BECOMES AN INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY
With over 100 kilometers of coastline the city has the potential to be a rising logistics hub domestically and regionally. Local authorities have been very active in promoting the city among investors and have made great efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure and connections with other cities and provinces, especially regional logistics hubs such as Hanoi and Quang Ninh province.
Industry is a key sector in Haiphong including food processing, light industries and heavy industries. Major products include fish sauce, beer, cigarettes, textiles, paper, plastic pipes, cement, iron, pharmaceuticals, electric fans, motorbikes, steel pipes and ships and out-sourcing software implementation. Most of these industries have been growing significant, with the exceptions of the cigarette and pharmaceutical industries. Shipbuilding, steel pipes, plastic pipes and textiles are among the industries with the most rapid growth.
Logistics industry and infrastructure: Hai Phong lies in a strategic position. Well connected with southern China, along the Vietnamese northern economic corridor, and close to Hanoi, the city has become a huge port and an important logistics hub. Two types of foreign investors have taken advantage of Hai Phong’s new location.
Logistics companies have established their businesses in the region with Vietnamese partners that focus on inbound and outbound transportation services. Second, construction investors have taken advantage of Hai Phong’s infrastructure needs by engaging in public private partnerships (PPP). To support, public tenders are regularly fielded announced by the national and local governments for the latest infrastructure requirements in Hai Phong.
Manufacturing: In recent years, Hai Phong has become an important location for final product assembly, as the port is just 200 km away from the Chinese border. This allows Hai Phong to easily connect supply chains with what is undoubtedly the world’s largest and most diverse source of inputs. Being mindful of these advantages, many companies have moved their production to Hai Phong.
International companies operating in Hai Phong include Bridgestone, LG Electronics, Microsoft, Mitsui OSK Link, Nippon Airways and Samsung. Investors are excited about the Hai Phong area because of its cheaper costs, abundant and well-educated workforce, and tactical location.
