The government has issued Resolution No. 306 on adjustments to the national master planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision extending to 2050.
The resolution aims to comprehensively improve human resources and quality of life. Photo: Nguyen Hue
Economically, the resolution sets a goal for the national gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at an average annual rate of over 8% during 2021-2030. By 2030, per capita GDP at current prices is expected to reach approximately $8,500.
The service sector is projected to contribute over 50% of GDP, the industrial and construction sectors over 40%, and agriculture, forestry, and fisheries under 10%. Average annual labor productivity growth is targeted at 7% for 2021-2030, with the 2026-2030 phase exceeding 8.5% annually. Total factor productivity (TFP) is expected to contribute over 55% to overall growth.
Strong development of digital infrastructure and data systems is a key focus, forming the foundation for national digital transformation, digital government, digital economy, and digital society. The digital economy is projected to account for about 30% of GDP.
The resolution outlines the goal of comprehensive human resource development and improved material and spiritual living standards for the population.
Primary education in Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Ha
Socially, the resolution stresses maintaining a stable replacement fertility rate, with each woman having an average of 2.1 children during reproductive age. The population is expected to reach approximately 105 million. The Human Development Index (HDI) should rise to around 0.78. Life expectancy is targeted at approximately 75.5 years. The share of agricultural labor in the total workforce is to fall below 20%, while job quality will be enhanced and unemployment kept at a reasonable level.
Vietnam’s education system is expected to reach advanced standards within the region and become one of the top 10 countries in Asia for higher education. The goal is for at least 8 universities to rank among Asia's top 200, and at least one university to be listed among the world’s top 100 in certain disciplines, according to reputable international rankings.
Healthcare services will be elevated to match those of leading regional countries. A nationwide healthcare network will be developed to meet the population’s needs in care, protection, and health improvement.
The government also plans to build a healthy cultural environment across all aspects of social life. A nationwide network of cultural institutions will be developed to ensure the preservation and promotion of national cultural identity while fostering the growth of the cultural industries.
Key planning priorities
A corner of Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Ha
One of the key tasks during the planning period is to establish the basic framework of national infrastructure. This will prioritize transport, urban, rural, energy, digital, cultural, social, irrigation, environmental protection, disaster prevention, and climate change adaptation infrastructure.
The resolution outlines a vision for the development of socio-economic spaces, including zoning and regional development orientations, fostering national growth hubs, and establishing economic corridors.
Regarding the development of growth hubs, the resolution specifies selecting areas with the most favorable conditions to establish national growth zones.
Specifically, the northern growth zone will include Hanoi and surrounding areas connected to Ring Roads 4 and 5, Highways 5 and 18, and expressways CT01, CT04, CT05, CT07, and CT09, passing through Hai Phong and the provinces of Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Ninh Binh, Hung Yen, and Quang Ninh. Hanoi will serve as the core growth pole.
This northern zone will lead in developing high-quality human resources, science, technology, innovation, the digital economy, and digital society. It will act as the national center for economy, culture, education, training, healthcare, science, and innovation.
The southern growth zone will cover areas along Highways 22, 13, 1, and 51, the western North-South Expressway, and Ring Road 4 through Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Tay Ninh, with Ho Chi Minh City as the growth pole. After 2030, its scope may be expanded.
A bird’s-eye view of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Hoang Ha
This southern zone aims to lead Vietnam and Southeast Asia in economy, finance, trade, services, healthcare, education, and training. It will focus on building a robust innovation ecosystem and pioneering the transition to a digital economy and society.
The zone will prioritize the development of financial services, banking, science, technology, and logistics. It will also aim to establish an international financial center in Ho Chi Minh City, elevating Vietnam’s role in the global financial network and boosting economic growth.
The central growth zone will include coastal areas of Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, and Gia Lai, with Da Nang as the growth pole.
The Mekong Delta growth zone will cover Can Tho and the provinces of An Giang, Vinh Long, and Dong Thap, connected via expressways such as the eastern North-South route (Can Tho - Vinh Long), An Huu - Cao Lanh, western North-South route (Cao Lanh - Rach Soi), Chau Doc - Can Tho - Soc Trang, and Ha Tien - Rach Gia - Bac Lieu, and the Phu Quoc special zone. Can Tho will be the growth pole. After 2030, the zone may be expanded to include the Tran De seaport.
Da Nang city seen from above. Photo: Hoang Ha
This zone will be developed into a center for services, tourism, logistics, and agriculture-supporting industries. It will house major agricultural hubs linked to specialized farming areas and become a national center for science, technology, and innovation in agriculture and related services. The zone will also focus on marine economic development, particularly transforming Phu Quoc (An Giang province) into a world-class marine eco-tourism center connected to major regional and global economic centers.
The north central growth zone will consist of areas along the eastern North-South Expressway, Highway 1, and the coastal road, connected to provincial urban centers, coastal tourist cities, and economic zones in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces.
This zone will become a hub for petrochemical refining, metallurgy, machinery, automobile manufacturing and support industries, and rapidly develop new sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and other high-tech industries, driving the socio-economic advancement of the entire region.
Additionally, there are plans to gradually develop growth zones in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands regions, including Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, and surrounding areas.
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