HCMC – The Red River Delta region posted the highest economic growth rate in Vietnam in the first half of this year, with its gross regional domestic product (GRDP) expanding 9.32% year-on-year, according to data released at a regional coordination council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh this morning, September 20.
The region, now consisting of six localities – Hanoi, Haiphong, Quang Ninh, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Ninh Binh – serves as a key economic hub and growth engine for the country.
Four of the six localities reported double-digit growth. Haiphong ranked second nationwide with 11.2%, followed by Quang Ninh at 11.03%, Bac Ninh at 10.47%, and Ninh Binh at 10.82%.
The PM said the region has the potential to lead national development efforts and outlined a growth target of 8.3-8.5% for 2025, with double-digit growth expected in subsequent years. However, he noted that challenges remain, including environmental issues such as air pollution, wastewater management, and solid waste treatment.
He urged local governments to maximize human resources, natural resources, and cultural and historical assets, including UNESCO-recognized sites such as Halong Bay, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
From January to August 2025, the Red River Delta continued to lead the country in multiple economic indicators. State budget revenue exceeded VND814.6 trillion, accounting for 46.8% of the national total. The region’s exports reached US$129.3 billion, or 32.5% of Vietnam’s total export value.
Public investment disbursement reached 53.6% of the year’s plan, higher than the national average of 46.3%. The services sector showed strong recovery, particularly tourism, with Hanoi’s tourism revenue rising 20.9% and Quang Ninh’s up 17.2%.
Nearly 42,800 new businesses were established during the period, making up 33.3% of the national total, with registered capital of VND512.6 trillion, or 40.8% of the national figure.
