According to the project to reorganize commune-level administrative units in Hai Phong, Hai Phong will reorganize 167 commune-level administrative units to establish 50 commune-level administrative units, including 24 wards, 24 communes and 2 special zones.
Cat Hai Special Zone is expected to be established on the basis of the status quo of Cat Hai district (10 communes, 2 towns), with a natural area of 286.98 km2, population of 71,211 people. The expected work location is at the current Cat Hai District headquarters.
Cat Hai plays an important role in protecting sea and island sovereignty and national security. Especially with the Long Chau archipelago about 50 km from the mainland, a strategic outpost; Cat Ba archipelago is a world biosphere reserve (UN UNESCO, 2004) and a World Natural Heritage (combined with Ha Long Bay, 2023), with a diverse ecosystem, beautiful beaches and great tourism potential.
Cat Hai Special Zone will enjoy preferential policies, helping to simplify the administrative apparatus, increase operational efficiency and facilitate socio-economic development. The conversion of Cat Hai island district into a special zone will develop the marine tourism economy, improve the lives of residents, and contribute to making Cat Hai a bright spot in the economy and defense of Hai Phong and Vietnam.
Hai Phong also plans to establish Bach Long Vi special zone on the basis of converting the status quo of Bach Long Vi island district with a natural area of 3.07 km2 and a population of 686 people. The working headquarters of the Bach Long Vi Special Zone is expected to be at the current Bach Long Vi district headquarters.
Bach Long Vi island district being converted into a special zone is a strategic orientation of Vietnam to maximize the potential and special position of this island. Bach Long Vi is the most coastal island in the Gulf of Tonkin, about 110 km from the mainland of Hai Phong. The island plays an important role in national security and defense strategy, protecting national sovereignty at sea. With a population of about 686 people and difficult living conditions (lack of fresh water, electricity, traffic disruption), upgrading to a special zone will increase investment in civil works such as water supply systems, wind power, solar power, schools, healthcare and transportation. This not only improves the quality of life but also attracts more people to the island, enhancing Vietnam's presence at sea.
The conversion of Bach Long Vi into a special zone in accordance with Resolution 36 - NQ/TW dated October 22, 2018 of the Party Central Committee on the strategy of sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy until 2030, vision to 2045, and Resolution 45 -NQ/TW of January 24, 2019 of the Politburo on construction and development of Hai Phong City to 2030, vision to Bach Long Vi will contribute to the goal of the Economic Islands, the money is the goal solid defense, affirming the sovereignty of the sea and islands.
