Vietnam has approved a development plan to turn its commercial capital into a Southeast Asian hub for science and technology culture, and healthcare.
The Ho Chi Minh City Zone will cover more than 30,000 square kilometers and draw in seven neighbouring provinces. Under the plan, HCM City will be developed as the international hub connecting and supporting other urban areas in the zone.
The initial phase of development runs until 2030, when the zone’s population is projected to reach 24-25 million people, with 18-19 million workers.
The region is planned as an international trade centre for Vietnam, particularly the south, as well as a gateway to key economic regions in the Mekong Delta, the Central Highlands and the southern coastal region.
The centrepiece of the plan is transport infrastructure. A web of expressways and urban ring roads will be built by 2030.This will include new expressways linking HCM City to Thu Dau Mot and Chon Thành, , HCM City to Moc Bài Biên, Hòa to Vung Tàu, and Dau Giây to Da Lat.
By that time, the city’s Belt Road No 3 is expected to be completed, while construction of the Belt Road No 4 will begin.New rail lines will also be built, including Trang Bom to Saigon, Biên Hòa to Vung Tàu, HCM City to My Tho and Can Tho, and HCM City to Tây Ninh.By 2030, of 70-75 per cent of the zone should be urbanised.