Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has recently approved the Ho Chi Minh City Master Plan for 2021-2030, with a vision extending to 2050. This ambitious plan aims to elevate the city’s stature as a global, modern, and innovative urban hub with a high quality of life and international prominence in the Southeast Asian region.

Goals for economic growth and urban development

Under the approved plan, Ho Chi Minh City strives to achieve an average annual Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth rate of 8.5-9% during 2021-2030. By 2030, the city's GRDP per capita is projected to reach $14,800-$15,400.

The service sector is expected to contribute over 60% of GRDP, while industry and construction account for approximately 27%, with manufacturing alone making up 22%. Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries are targeted to constitute just 0.4% of GRDP. Notably, the digital economy aims to contribute over 40% to the city's overall economic output.

In terms of social development, HCMC’s population is forecasted to grow to 11 million by 2030 and 14.5 million by 2050. Labor productivity is targeted to increase by 7% annually, while the Human Development Index (HDI) is expected to surpass 0.85.

Education and urbanization milestones

By 2030, HCMC plans to modernize educational infrastructure to ensure 60% of kindergartens, 80% of primary schools, 70% of secondary schools, and over 50% of high schools meet national standards. Additionally, the city aims to achieve a ratio of 600 university students per 10,000 residents.

Urbanization is projected to exceed 90%, with 100% of communes meeting advanced rural standards and half of them attaining "smart commune" status. Similarly, all districts are expected to achieve advanced rural standards, with 50% classified as "smart districts."

Promoting green and sustainable agriculture

HCMC will pursue sustainable agriculture focused on high-value, eco-friendly, and organic farming practices. This involves leveraging advanced techniques for crop and livestock breeding, emphasizing low-carbon, high-productivity methods.

Specialized agricultural zones and high-tech farming areas are planned for the city’s western and southern regions, while the Can Gio district will see 200 hectares of protected forests restored and expanded to support eco-tourism and environmental preservation.

The fisheries sector is set to develop a seafood processing hub in Can Gio, integrating fishing port facilities and a new ornamental fish trading center that combines tourism activities.

HCMC intends to strengthen its key industries, including the production of semiconductors, electronics, renewable energy technologies, precision mechanics, and food processing. Meanwhile, the construction sector will focus on environmentally friendly, modern methods and materials.

Becoming an e-commerce hub

The city’s trade strategy involves creating high-quality product brands, expanding global value chain participation, and building a robust export market. By leveraging technology, HCMC aims to become Southeast Asia’s leading e-commerce center and enhance retail, supply chain, and logistics capabilities.

The master plan divides HCMC into three distinct sub-zones:

Central urban core: This area includes 16 districts divided into four subdivisions, such as District 1 and the cluster of Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, and Phu Nhuan. The core zone serves as the economic and cultural nucleus.

Thu Duc City: Positioned as a first-class city and the innovation hub, Thu Duc is set to become a key driver of economic growth with a focus on high-tech and interactive development.

Outer suburban areas: These regions aim to develop satellite urban centers, fostering eco-friendly and livable communities while supporting agricultural and rural innovation.

The Ho Chi Minh City Master Plan lays the groundwork for transforming the metropolis into a beacon of economic, cultural, and technological excellence in Southeast Asia. With a comprehensive and ambitious roadmap, the city is poised to lead Vietnam’s charge into a prosperous and sustainable future.

Ho Van