On the morning of January 10, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee announced 12 standout milestones from 2025 - events and achievements across politics, the economy, society, culture, science, national defence, security and external relations.

Merger of Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, and rollout of a two-tier local government model

From July 1, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City expanded through a merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, officially operating under a two-tier local government model.

With an area of more than 6,772sq km and a population of over 14 million, the city established a framework of “three regions - one special zone - three corridors - five pillars” to optimise regional resources.

Millions join national celebration marking 50 years since reunification

The A50 “National Unity Day” was a festival-style event that drew what was described as the largest, most wide-ranging participation in Ho Chi Minh City and nationwide since reunification. The national-level political and cultural celebration brought together “millions of hearts” focused on the city.

The first Ho Chi Minh City Party Congress after the merger, term 2025–2030

This was the first Party Congress held after the city’s merger, taking place from October 13 to 15, 2025. It set a vision of placing the city among the world’s top 100 cities by 2045.

The congress agreed on 30 development targets, including annual GRDP growth of 10–11% and per-capita income of USD 14,000–15,000 by 2030. Three breakthrough programmes on institutions, infrastructure and human resources are expected to generate strong momentum for the new phase.

Swiftly proposing revisions to National Assembly resolutions and completing City People’s Council resolutions to power a new growth stage

The focal point of this strategy was the National Assembly’s approval of Resolution 260, replacing Resolution 98. It was described as a “diamond opportunity” and an “institutional runway” for the city.

The resolution shifts the mindset from “requesting pilot mechanisms” to “being empowered and taking responsibility,” allowing special investment procedures for an international financial centre, the establishment of free trade zones (FTZs), and the application of transit-oriented development (TOD) models.

Residents rally behind the city’s social welfare drive, reinforcing its reputation as a compassionate metropolis

In 2025, Ho Chi Minh City continued to affirm its identity as a “compassionate city” through a series of “National Unity Day - National Solidarity” activities. With more than USD 14 million allocated to social welfare, Tet gifts, and 899 new “great solidarity” homes, the city positioned itself as a firm support for its people.

Strong economic performance

The city’s economy accelerated, with 2025 GRDP growth reaching 8.03%. Total output was estimated at around USD 120 billion, contributing 23.5% of Vietnam’s GDP. Budget revenue hit an impressive VND 800.043 trillion, equivalent to about USD 32.0 billion.

In particular, the government’s establishment of an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City was described as a strategic step to attract global capital flows.

A wave of major projects launched and completed, including the start of the Ben Thanh - Can Gio high-speed rail line

Alongside the completion of key works such as the Tran Quoc Hoan - Cong Hoa connector road, Ring Road 3, and three modern gateway hospitals with combined investment of around USD 400 million, the clearest mark of 2025 was the groundbreaking of the Ben Thanh - Can Gio high-speed rail line, backed by private capital.

Tourism surges, lifting the city’s international profile

Tourism became a flagship service sector, with revenue reaching about USD 10.4 billion - roughly one-third of the national scale. The city also pioneered an “event within an event” model, with the International Economy and Tourism Week drawing tens of thousands of visitors and businesses.

Strong push for science, technology and innovation, pioneering digital schools and digital hospitals

Ho Chi Minh City reinforced its position as a startup hub, accounting for more than 50% of the country’s startups. The ecosystem’s value reached USD 5.2 billion, ranking third in Southeast Asia.

Vibrant cultural, sports and media activities, and UNESCO recognition as a “Creative City of Film”

Ho Chi Minh City became the first city in Southeast Asia to join UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in the field of film.

Defence and security maintained, with notable achievements by the city’s armed forces

Ho Chi Minh City’s armed forces were awarded the title Hero of the People’s Armed Forces in 2025. The city was also cited as a leading example in organisational restructuring toward a force that is “lean, compact, strong, and moving toward modernity.”

External relations in 2025: elevated standing, stronger cooperation, and expanded trust

In 2025, the city’s external relations advanced strongly, reinforcing its position as an open, dynamic and resilient city. By hosting more than 70 major events such as VESAK 2025 and the Autumn Economic Forum, the city became a focal point connecting global political and economic currents.

Quoc Ngoc