On August 10, Hai Phong's People's Committee discussed with a central inter-agency delegation the proposal to classify Cat Hai Special Zone, Hai An Ward, and Dong Hai Ward as special administrative units. This classification is intended to facilitate greater decentralization and empower local governance.

The inter-agency delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Truong Hai Long, included representatives from the Ministries of Public Security, Defense, Finance, and Construction. Prior to the meeting, the delegation conducted field surveys in Cat Hai, Hai An, and Dong Hai to assess their socio-economic development, urban infrastructure, and compliance with classification standards.

According to the report from Hai Phong's Department of Home Affairs, these three areas are crucial drivers in the city's development chain and meet all legal classification criteria. Cat Hai Special Zone covers an area of 298.45 square kilometers with a population of approximately 85,340. It is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site and the international Lach Huyen seaport, playing a vital role in national defense and security.

Hai An Ward spans 40.2 square kilometers and has a population of about 138,000. It features Cat Bi International Airport and offers connectivity for multiple transportation modes. Dong Hai Ward covers 53.16 square kilometers with a population of around 108,560, focusing on industrial infrastructure, seaports, and logistics.

Under current regulations, special administrative units are designated for localities with unique geographic characteristics, large populations, rapidly developing urban-industrial infrastructure, or strategic importance in national defense, security, and maritime economy. This classification aims to accurately reflect the status and scale of these localities while providing a legal basis for further decentralization.

Once classified, local governments will have more resources to enhance their administrative capabilities and address emerging issues effectively. The inter-agency team praised the results of Hai Phong's surveys and provided detailed feedback on reviewing documentation and standardizing classification criteria.

Deputy Minister Truong Hai Long acknowledged Hai Phong's preparation and the city's serious approach to developing the proposal. He noted that selecting Cat Hai along with Hai An and Dong Hai aligns with the city's urban, port, logistics, and maritime economic development plans.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has requested that the Local Government Department closely collaborate with Hai Phong's Department of Home Affairs to finalize the documentation. This includes standardizing data on population size, budget revenue, and water supply before submitting it for approval.

Deputy Chairman of Hai Phong's People's Committee, Nguyen Minh Hung, emphasized the city's appreciation for the inter-agency team's guidance during the proposal's development. He stated that the aim of classifying these special administrative units is not merely to establish a name but to recognize their significance and governance requirements corresponding to their geographic, economic, defense, and security roles.