Attending the workshop from the U.S. Embassy delegation were Mr. Stephen L. Green, Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Viet Nam, representatives from the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) under the U.S. Department of Commerce, as well as representatives from relevant municipal departments, agencies, units, and several businesses.
Mr. Pham Van Thep, Head of the Haiphong Economic Zone Authority, delivers opening remarks at the workshop
In his opening remarks, Mr. Pham Van Thep stated that Haiphong is a port city and the most important maritime gateway of northern Viet Nam. The deep-water Lach Huyen port system serves as a key pillar in the city’s strategy for logistics development and regional supply chain connectivity.
Implementing Politburo Resolution No. 45-NQ/TW dated January 24, 2019, on the construction and development of Haiphong City through 2030 with a vision toward 2045, and Conclusion No. 96-KL/TW dated September 30, 2024, of the Politburo on continuing the implementation of Resolution No. 45, the city has continuously worked toward becoming an internationally oriented industrial and logistics service center.
To achieve this goal, enhancing management capacity, modernizing operational processes, and improving the competitiveness of the seaport system in accordance with international standards are urgent requirements. These efforts require close coordination among relevant agencies and organizations, as well as the adoption of appropriate international experience suited to the city’s practical conditions.
Overview of the workshop
Mr. Phạm Văn Thép emphasized that the workshop is the first concrete activity laying the foundation for a long-term strategic cooperation program between the Haiphong Economic Zone Authority and the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP), a globally recognized program supporting trade law reform and infrastructure development, particularly in the field of seaport infrastructure development.
As the state management agency responsible for investment activities in Haiphong’s industrial parks and economic zones, the Haiphong Economic Zone Authority is committed to working closely and comprehensively with relevant departments, agencies, units, and the port and logistics business community to fully and effectively absorb the discussions and recommendations raised at the workshop.
Based on these discussions, the authority will study and advise on the development of a long-term strategic plan to enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and promote digital transformation for the city’s seaport system in the coming period.
Mr. Stephen L. Green, Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, speaks at the workshop
Held over two days (July 13–14, 2026), the U.S.–Vietnam Seaport Operations Cooperation Workshop aims primarily to map and systematize the agencies and organizations involved in Haiphong’s seaport ecosystem, serving as a foundation for developing an appropriate port governance strategy in the future.
At the workshop, delegates and experts discussed and reviewed the full range of agencies involved in port planning and development, operations, land use, customs, logistics, and regional connectivity. They also examined the legally defined roles and responsibilities of each agency involved in these areas; gaps between authorities and functions among organizations in seaport operations; challenges and causes in port management and operation; international best practices in port governance and global port management models; the establishment of a system of agencies related to the Haiphong port ecosystem; and inter-agency communication and information-sharing tools for port operations.