During a recent meeting of the National Assembly, Quang Ninh's Provincial Secretary, Quan Minh Cuong, discussed the province's proposal to establish itself as a city. He highlighted that Quang Ninh has met all seven criteria required for city status, addressing the common question from citizens: "What will we gain from becoming a city?" Cuong acknowledged that this question weighs heavily on the minds of provincial leaders and the community.

Cuong stated that while the aspiration to become a city is a shared goal among the people and officials, the more pressing matter is how to ensure meaningful development following this transition. He pointed out that the focus should be on improving various aspects of life, including culture, industry, and security. This challenge requires a concerted effort from the entire political system.

Looking ahead, Cuong set an ambitious target for the province, aiming for an average per capita Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of $20,000 by 2030. He stressed that maintaining a growth rate of at least 12% annually is crucial to achieving this goal, as lower growth rates would hinder progress.

In terms of infrastructure, Cuong mentioned the high-speed railway project connecting Hanoi to Quang Ninh, which is expected to significantly reduce travel time to just 23 minutes. The project is on track for completion by 2028, with nearly all land acquisition completed.

Quang Ninh's strategic location, with both land and maritime borders with China, presents unique economic opportunities. The province is set to contribute 2.87% to the national GRDP by 2025 and has attracted significant foreign direct investment, ranking seventh in the country.