The meeting was also attended by representatives of the city's relevant departments and agencies.
Strengthening Investment Cooperation
During the meeting, Vice Chairman Hoang Minh Cuong welcomed Ambassador Fernandez and his delegation to Hai Phong. He provided an overview of the city's outstanding socio-economic achievements, competitive advantages, development strategy, and policies designed to attract investment.
The Vice Chairman emphasized that Hải Phòng places great importance on expanding international cooperation and is committed to maintaining a transparent, open, and business-friendly investment environment. The city stands ready to support foreign enterprises and investors, including businesses from the Philippines.
Ambassador Praises Hai Phong's Development
Ambassador Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III expressed his appreciation for the warm reception extended by the city leadership. He praised Hai Phong's impressive development achievements and expressed his hope to strengthen connections and cooperation between Philippine localities, businesses, and Hai Phong in areas with strong potential, including trade, investment, logistics, seaports, education, tourism, people-to-people exchanges 
Expanding Viet Nam–Philippines Cooperation
The two sides exchanged views on the current state of Viet Nam–Philippines relations and explored opportunities to expand cooperation between Hai Phong and Philippine partners in the coming years.
The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Philippines (1976–2026). The two countries have officially upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, creating a solid foundation for deeper cooperation in politics and diplomacy, defense and security, trade and investment, agriculture, education, culture, people-to-people exchanges 
Vice Chairman Hoang Minh Cuong expressed his confidence that the Ambassador's visit would further strengthen the friendly and cooperative relationship between Hai Phong and Philippine localities and businesses, while making a positive contribution to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Viet Mam and the Philippines.