Speaking at the reception, Vice Chairman Dao Trong Duc welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many and the delegation to Hai Phong. He emphasized that Vietnam and Cambodia share a long-standing traditional friendship that has been preserved, strengthened, and developed by successive generations of leaders and peoples of the two countries. In recent years, bilateral relations have continued to develop positively across various fields, with increasing attention being paid to people-to-people exchanges.

The visit takes place as the two countries prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Cambodia diplomatic relations (June 24, 1967 – June 24, 2027). This important milestone provides an opportunity to look back on the two countries’ close ties and further strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between their peoples, particularly among younger generations. Vice Chairman Dao Trong Duc expressed his confidence that the visit would further strengthen ties between the two peoples and create new opportunities for practical exchanges and cooperation between Hai Phong and Cambodian partners.

Vice Chairman Dao Trong Duc also briefed the delegation on Hai Phong’s socio-economic development, its strategic position, and development orientations. Since July 1, 2025, the new Hai Phong city has been established through the merger of Hai Phong city and Hai Duong province, creating a larger development space covering nearly 3,200 square kilometers with a population of more than 4.6 million, ranking fourth nationwide. With an economy valued at more than US$29 billion, ranking third nationally, Hai Phong is the only locality in Vietnam to have maintained double-digit economic growth for 11 consecutive years. During the first eight months of 2026, the city’s socio-economic development continued to record notable results.

He also highlighted positive cooperation between Hai Phong and Cambodia in recent years. Hai Phong is the only locality in northern Vietnam with all five major modes of transport—road, railway, inland waterways, maritime transport, and aviation—and plays an important role as an international trade gateway. The city is developing modern and integrated transport infrastructure, with Lach Huyen International Gateway Port serving as a core facility and the Nam Do Son port area being developed into an international transshipment port.

Alongside three economic zones and 48 industrial parks, Hai Phong is actively developing a Free Trade Zone with special and preferential mechanisms under National Assembly Resolution No. 226. The city aims to become a major seaport city in the region and the world by 2050, based on three pillars: modern port and logistics services; green, smart and high-tech industries; and an international marine tourism center.

Highlighting the importance of youth affairs, Vice Chairman Dao Trong Duc introduced the delegation to the achievements of Hai Phong’s young people in recent years. The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Hai Phong has promoted the pioneering role of young people through practical activities related to digital transformation, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, foreign-language development, and international integration, attracting tens of thousands of students and young people.

On that basis, Vice Chairman Dao Trong Duc expressed his hope that Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many would continue to support and promote greater connectivity and exchanges between Cambodian youth and young people in Hai Phong. In particular, as the two countries approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, young people from both sides should further expand experience-sharing activities and cultural exchanges.

Speaking at the reception, Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many expressed his appreciation for the thoughtful welcome extended by the leaders and people of Hai Phong. He praised the city’s impressive socio-economic achievements and strategic development orientations. He affirmed that, in his various positions, he would make every effort to further promote multifaceted cooperation between Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as cooperation between Cambodian localities and agencies and Hai Phong.

He also emphasized the importance of continuing youth exchange programs and expanding cooperation in public services, human-resource development, and economic and trade connectivity, thereby making practical contributions to the development of both countries.

The two sides also discussed measures to strengthen cooperation between Hai Phong and relevant Cambodian localities and agencies in the coming period; shared policies and experience in attracting talented people and developing high-quality and young human resources; exchanged experience in operating the two-tier local government system following the merger; and discussed digital transformation in public administration and attracting foreign investment resources for sustainable development.