Located in Vietnam’s Northeast region with 80% of its natural land area consisting of mountains and hills, Quang Ninh Province has made an extraordinary leap in economic growth. Notably, it is among the 11 provinces and centrally-run cities proposed to remain unaffected by the upcoming nationwide administrative unit consolidation.

Quang Ninh spans 620,800 hectares and holds a strategically important geopolitical, economic, and diplomatic position, especially in terms of national defense and security. In addition to its geographical significance, Quang Ninh serves as a regional, interprovincial, and international gateway. It is also part of the Northern Key Economic Region, alongside Hanoi, Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, and Hung Yen.

Despite its predominantly mountainous terrain, Quang Ninh has witnessed rapid and remarkable economic growth in recent years, backed by a series of impressive statistics.

According to the General Statistics Office, the province’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) at current prices reached VND 347.5 trillion (approx. USD 14.1 billion) in 2024, marking an 8.42% increase from 2023 and placing it seventh nationwide.

Manufacturing and processing industries continued to drive economic expansion in 2024, with a 20.45% growth rate  -  4.05 percentage points higher than in 2023. The tourism sector also surged, meeting its target of 19 million visitors, including 3.5 million international arrivals, up 22% year-on-year.

Even more striking is the vertical trajectory of the province’s GRDP. From VND 189.87 trillion (USD 7.7 billion) in 2019, it soared to VND 347.5 trillion (USD 14.1 billion) in 2024  -  an 83% increase, or approximately VND 157.63 trillion (USD 6.4 billion).

Consequently, Quang Ninh’s per capita GRDP has also surged. In 2019, it stood at VND 143.3 million/person/year (approx. USD 5,800), rising to VND 227.1 million/person/year (approx. USD 9,200) in 2023  -  a 58.5% increase.

This figure is more than 2.2 times the national average of VND 102.9 million/person/year (USD 4,160) in 2023. It also surpasses per capita GRDP in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi by VND 56.5 million (USD 2,280) and VND 76.8 million (USD 3,100), respectively. As of 2023, Quang Ninh ranked second nationwide in per capita GRDP, just behind Ba Ria – Vung Tau (VND 345.4 million/person/year or approx. USD 13,960).

Perhaps the most surprising figure is Quang Ninh’s foreign direct investment (FDI) growth. In 2019, the province attracted just USD 171.2 million in FDI. By 2022, this had skyrocketed to nearly USD 2.2 billion, and in 2023 reached almost USD 3.2 billion  -  an 18.6-fold increase over five years, or a 1,764% surge. This explosive growth rate outpaces most localities in Vietnam over the 2019–2023 period.

Quang Ninh’s import-export turnover also climbed significantly, hitting nearly USD 6 billion in 2024  -  a rise of USD 3.5 billion compared to 2019, or 140.3% growth.

Among major economic indicators, only domestic budget revenue showed fluctuating trends between 2019 and 2023. The peak was in 2021 with VND 42.199 trillion (USD 1.7 billion), before slightly declining to VND 39.207 trillion (USD 1.57 billion) in 2023  -  still a 13% increase compared to 2019.

Quang Ninh has also topped Vietnam’s Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) for seven consecutive years (2017–2023), affirming its administrative efficiency and pro-business environment.

According to the Quang Ninh Provincial Master Plan for 2021–2030 with a vision to 2050, approved by the Prime Minister, the province aims to become a centrally-run city by 2030, centered around an urban core comprising seven cities.

Tam An