HO CHI MINH CITY AHEAD OF A TURNING POINT IN URBAN PLANNING: EXPANDING THE METROPOLITAN AREA AND FORMING THREE ECONOMIC CORRIDORS

Reshaping the concept of the “Ho Chi Minh City region” in a new context

Previously, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 09-NQ/TW on the development of Ho Chi Minh City in the new era, emphasizing the need for a master plan with breakthrough thinking and a long-term vision of up to 100 years. The objective is to fully unlock the city’s potential, form new development spaces, and enhance its competitiveness as well as its capacity to adapt to climate change, not only for Ho Chi Minh City but also for the wider interconnected region.

On that basis, HoREA proposes redefining the scope of the “Ho Chi Minh City region” in an expanded direction, including Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring localities in the Southeast region such as Dong Nai and Tay Ninh, as well as some expanded provinces such as Dong Thap and Lam Dong.

According to HoREA, before recent administrative boundary adjustments in certain areas, the “Ho Chi Minh City region” was understood as an interconnected spatial zone comprising Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria–Vung Tau, Tay Ninh, Long An, and Tien Giang. Re-defining this regional scope in the new context is considered necessary to ensure stronger socio-economic integration as well as alignment in national defense and security.

Towards a global city with a regional hub role

HoREA also recommends that Ho Chi Minh City be more clearly positioned as a global city, aiming to become one of the region’s key centers for finance, trade, logistics, science and technology, and innovation in Southeast Asia and the Asia–Pacific region.

In addition, the association proposes developing a synchronized and modern infrastructure framework, particularly in transportation, digital infrastructure, and innovation infrastructure. This system should ensure strong intra-city connectivity within Ho Chi Minh City while also enabling efficient links with the broader Southeast region, the expanded “Ho Chi Minh City region,” and international networks.

Furthermore, HoREA emphasizes the growing importance of the maritime economy and logistics in long-term development strategy, with an orientation to transform Ho Chi Minh City into a major regional logistics and maritime hub.

Proposal to restructure into a “3 regions – 3 economic corridors” model

For the post-merger urban spatial structure, HoREA proposes a “3 regions – 3 economic corridors” model to strengthen connectivity and clearly define functional roles between areas.

Accordingly, the three development regions are defined as:

• Ho Chi Minh City region (former): focused on high-tech industry, services, international finance, and high value-added economic sectors.
• Binh Duong region (former): oriented toward becoming a center of industry and high-tech industrial development.
• Ba Ria–Vung Tau region (former): focused on maritime economy, coastal tourism, clean energy, logistics, and supporting industries.

Alongside this, the three economic corridors are expected to enhance connectivity between growth poles, seaports, airports, and international border gates, while also forming industrial–urban–service belts across key development zones.

Source: CafeLand