Quang Ninh: US partner proposes PPP investment to develop Con Ong - Hon Net port to global standards

On April 2, Bui Van Khang, Deputy Secretary of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, held a working meeting with Eric R. Dawicki, President and Director of the North East American Maritime Research Institute (USA), to discuss directions for implementing investment in the Con Ong – Hon Net port project.

Port advantages and strategic positioning

Under Vietnam’s national port development master plan, the Con Ong – Hon Net port area is designated as a Group I port. The plan highlights advantages including a natural depth of about -9.1 meters, limited exposure to large waves due to its location in Bai Tu Long Bay, and reduced sedimentation. These factors are expected to support loading, unloading, and transshipment operations.

In Quang Ninh’s long-term development strategy, the marine economy is identified as a key driver of sustainable growth and competitiveness. The Con Ong – Hon Net port is positioned as a priority flagship project, intended to be invested through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the goal of forming a multi-sector marine economy ecosystem that is green, modern, and sustainable.

Transport connectivity and logistics expansion

The province noted the port’s strategically important location, enabling smooth connections with many regions nationwide. Quang Ninh has mobilized resources to leverage this advantage by implementing expressways linking the port to airports, international border gates, and major economic and industrial centers in the Northern Region. At the same time, the province is planning a connecting rail route to enhance transport capacity and reduce road congestion.

Based on the provincial plan and the national port system plan, relevant departments and agencies, together with the North East American Maritime Research Institute, have assessed the potential and advantages and proposed directions to attract and prepare for port investment under PPP. The emphasis is on expanding port logistics space to support logistics and green, clean industry, as well as zoning functional subareas oriented toward service development.

Global standards and cooperation outlook

Dawicki proposed studying the development of Con Ong – Hon Net port to global standards, aiming for a synchronized, modern port that leads Vietnam and serves as an important gateway to promote trade between Vietnam and the United States.

Quang Ninh’s Chairman Bui Van Khang expressed agreement and strong support for the proposal, calling for continued studies to realize the port investment with a global orientation. The project is expected to significantly promote economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and the United States.

Next steps and implementation requirements

Quang Ninh committed to accompanying the investor by providing maximum support on administrative procedures, completing infrastructure, and creating favorable conditions to accelerate research and project implementation in the near future.

Provincial leaders also requested that related departments and localities coordinate closely with the North East American Maritime Research Institute to concretize ideas and continue studying investment options. In particular, they asked to clarify functions, objectives, scale, detailed subareas, project components, and land use needs as a basis for planning and selecting an appropriate investment form.

They further emphasized building a roadmap and a concrete implementation schedule, including a careful assessment of the current status of the area and of projects already under preparation or investment, along with the need to supplement transport infrastructure. The province also highlighted the importance of clearly defining the system of traffic routes, port logistics, and land use directions.