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Ho Chi Minh City targets a per capita GRDP of $14,800–15,400 by 2030. 

The Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, has approved the master plan for Ho Chi Minh City for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision toward 2050.

The plan positions Ho Chi Minh City as a global, modern, and dynamic metropolis, with aspirations to lead in innovation and sustainability within Southeast Asia.

Ambitious economic and social goals

By 2030, Ho Chi Minh City targets an annual GRDP growth rate of 8.5–9%, with a per capita GRDP of $14,800–15,400. The city’s economic structure will prioritize the service sector, contributing over 60% to GRDP, followed by industry and construction at 27%, including 22% from manufacturing. Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries will account for just 0.4%. The digital economy is expected to contribute over 40% of GRDP.

The city’s population is projected to reach 11 million residents by 2030 and 14.5 million by 2050. Labor productivity is set to grow at 7% annually, and the Human Development Index (HDI) is expected to exceed 0.85.

Education is another priority, with plans to achieve national standards for infrastructure in schools: 60% of kindergartens, 80% of primary schools, 70% of middle schools, and over 50% of high schools. The city aims to reach a ratio of 600 university students per 10,000 residents.

Urbanization will surpass 90%, with all communes meeting advanced rural standards and at least 50% achieving "smart commune" status. Half of all districts will reach "smart district" standards, fostering new satellite urban areas.

Sustainable agriculture and cutting-edge industries

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Thu Duc City, envisioned as a creative and interactive growth hub for Ho Chi Minh City. 

The city will develop agriculture with a focus on high-tech, eco-friendly, and organic practices. Priority will be given to creating high-value agricultural zones, particularly in the northwest, southwest, and southern areas, while promoting agro-tourism and reducing carbon emissions.

Forestry initiatives include the preservation and development of forest areas, particularly the 200-hectare Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. The seafood sector will see the establishment of a Fisheries Center in Can Gio to support deep processing and aquaculture trading hubs.

Key industries will include chip and semiconductor manufacturing, renewable energy, precision engineering, and food and beverage processing. These sectors aim to leverage cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to compete on a global scale.

Thriving trade and logistics

The city aims to establish itself as a regional e-commerce hub for Southeast Vietnam, creating a robust retail network and digitizing supply chains. Efforts will also focus on improving logistics infrastructure and fostering stronger regional connectivity to enhance competitiveness in global trade.

Advanced digital technologies will be integrated into logistics operations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and align with international standards.

Ho Chi Minh City’s development plan divides it into three subregions:

Central Urban Area: The core of the city, comprising 16 districts, will drive economic growth in southern Vietnam.

Thu Duc Subregion: As a first-tier city within Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Duc will act as a creative, highly interactive urban center and a major growth pole for economic and social development.

Outer Suburban Area: This area will focus on urbanization, creating livable satellite towns that integrate eco-urban and rural agricultural development.

By 2050, Ho Chi Minh City aspires to stand among Southeast Asia’s leading cities, characterized by high living standards, a sustainable environment, and robust global integration. This comprehensive master plan underscores the city’s ambition to solidify its position as a powerhouse of innovation, commerce, and culture in the region.

Ho Van