Quang Ninh has made progress on its 2026 priorities, which focus on economic growth, improving urban infrastructure and meeting the requirements for becoming a centrally governed city. The city has introduced a range of measures to support these goals, including new development plans, infrastructure investment and policies aimed at more sustainable growth.
Planning for long-term growth
Quang Ninh began 2026 facing both opportunities and challenges. In order to meet its economic targets, the city has reviewed its development priorities and adjusted its quarterly growth plans in response to changing conditions and government directives.
The city is targeting economic growth of more than 13% this year and has launched a campaign to encourage local agencies and businesses to work toward that goal.
Quang Ninh has also been preparing several long-term development plans. Promient among those are a new economic growth model for 2026-2030, with a vision to 2050 and a broader development strategy for the city,
The plans focus on science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, greener industries and the maritime economy. They also emphasize developing a skilled workforce, improving living standards and balancing economic development with environmental protection and heritage conservation.
In industrial development, Quang Ninh is seeking to attract more high-tech and environmentally friendly projects, particularly those that generate higher economic value and contribute to local government revenue.
In August 2026, the city issued investment approvals, registration certificates and industrial cluster establishment decisions for 17 projects, with total registered capital of more than 28.435 trillion Vietnamese dong.
During the same month, Quang Ninh inaugurated two projects and began construction on 22 others, with combined investment of about 46.816 trillion dong.
Improving infrastructure and regional connections
Trade activities at the Bac Phong Sinh border gate have continued to operate smoothly.
Quang Ninh is also working to improve its transport network, with construction underway on several major road projects.
These include a riverside road connecting the Ha Long-Hai Phong Expressway with Dong Trieu, upgrades to National Highway 4B, improvements to a section of National Highway 279, and an extension of the coastal road from Tran Quoc Nghien Road through Binh Minh Bridge to Bang Bridge.
The city is also considering several longer-term transport projects, including the Hai Phong-Ha Long-Mong Cai railway, Bac Luan III Bridge and a road connecting the Hai Phong-Ha Long Expressway with Ring Road 5 in the Hanoi Capital Region.
Other plans involve changes to the use of Cai Lan Port, the development of new port facilities, including a large-scale seaport system in the Con Ong-Hon Net area, and improvements to existing urban and residential areas.
Local authorities have been monitoring construction progress, addressing land clearance issues and reviewing projects that have fallen behind schedule.
During a recent inspection, Bui Van Khang, deputy secretary of the city Party Committee and chairman of the Quang Ninh People's Committee, asked investors and contractors to accelerate construction and investment disbursement.
At Bach Dang Industrial Park, developed by Hai Phong Automobile Repair One-Member Limited Liability Company, he called for more resources to complete infrastructure and prepare the site for future investors.
For the riverside road between the Dam Nha Mac interchange and Provincial Road 338, he asked contractors to increase staffing and equipment, with the aim of completing the project in 2026.
He also called for faster construction on the road through Song Khoai Industrial Park to support public investment disbursement in the final quarter of the year.
Meanwhile, Cua Ong Coal Preparation Company has increased production efforts as the year draws to a close.
Economic growth and investment results
Quang Ninh recorded strong economic growth in the first nine months of 2026.
State budget revenue reached an estimated 80.327 trillion dong, exceeding the nine-month target by 11.91% and accounting for 80.33% of the annual target. Revenue rose 88.28% from the same period in 2025.
The city welcomed 18.8 million tourist visits, exceeding its nine-month target by 3% and increasing 9.9% year-on-year.
Foreign direct investment reached an estimated $1.31 billion, while domestic investment outside the state budget totaled approximately 225.572 trillion dong.
Gross regional domestic product, or GRDP, grew 15.04% in the third quarter and 12.54% during the first nine months of 2026.
These figures put Quang Ninh at the top of Vietnam's GRDP growth rankings for both periods.
On Sept. 1, 2026, Quang Ninh officially gained city status, opening up new opportunities for urban development and regional economic planning.
The change is also expected to help local authorities improve administrative management and make better use of the area's economic and geographic advantages.
Focus on year-end targets
Quang Ninh is now carrying out a 90-day campaign aimed at completing its remaining economic and social development targets for 2026.
Local government agencies, businesses and communities are taking part, with a focus on accelerating projects, improving administrative efficiency and addressing outstanding issues.
The campaign comes as the city prepares for its next development phase, with plans to maintain economic growth while improving infrastructure, protecting the environment and raising living standards.
Quang Ninh's longer-term challenge will be to translate its investment plans and economic growth into lasting improvements in public services, environmental quality and residents' everyday lives.
