Hai Duong
Northern manufacturing alternative—10%+ Q1 2025 growth, VND 212K billion GRDP, Q1 FDI up 85.6%, $4,456 GDP/capita (half of Hai Phong's).
Hai Duong achieved 10%+ economic growth in Q1 2025—joining only Hai Phong and Quang Ninh at that level. GRDP reached VND 212,386 billion in 2024 (11th nationally), with Industry and Construction comprising 56.7% of provincial output. Q1 2025 FDI hit $138 million (up 85.6% year-on-year); domestic capital exceeded VND 12 trillion (up 137%).
The Phuc Dien industrial zone alone exceeded provincial full-year investment targets by attracting 9 secondary investors at VND 4.14 trillion in Q1 2025. VSIP operates a facility in the province alongside the Tan Truong and Dai An industrial parks. The eastern expressway corridor cooperation agreement links Hai Duong with Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Hung Yen—creating integrated industrial networks.
GDP per capita stands at $4,456—half of neighbor Hai Phong's $8,665—reflecting Hai Duong's position as a cost-competitive alternative in the northern manufacturing cluster. 2024 FDI totaled $711 million across 68 new projects. By 2026, Hai Duong tests whether expressway connectivity and lower costs can accelerate catch-up with more developed neighbors.