Ho Chi Minh City looks to Japan for knowledge sharing in regional megacity development

The delegation was led by Huynh Thanh Nhan, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council.

During talks with Japan’s State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Sasaki Hajime, Nhan briefed the Japanese official on Vietnam’s and Ho Chi Minh City’s economic, political and social developments during the first half of 2026.

Nhan said Vietnam is preparing to introduce a Special Urban Law that will grant Ho Chi Minh City greater authority and decentralization powers.

The new framework is expected to allow city leaders to address development challenges more proactively, efficiently, and effectively.

Following its administrative merger with Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Binh Duong in July last year, Ho Chi Minh City has gained additional space and opportunities for growth but it also faces significant challenges.

Therefore, the Vietnamese city hopes to continue receiving Japanese support in infrastructure development, transportation systems, urban planning, tourism development, and ODA financing, helping transform Ho Chi Minh City into a new regional megacity.

In response, Sasaki described the current period as an opportune time for Ho Chi Minh City to accelerate its growth.

He expressed confidence that city leaders and residents would achieve their socio-economic development goals.

He was committed to discussing potential cooperation projects with relevant Japanese ministries and agencies, particularly in transportation, urban development and planning, with the aim of creating mutually beneficial outcomes.

He added that Japan would consider providing support in areas where Vietnam requires technical expertise and professional assistance.

During a separate meeting with Japan’s Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Hayashi Yoshimasa, Nhan emphasized Ho Chi Minh City’s interest in learning from Tokyo, one of the world’s largest and most advanced metropolitan areas, to realize its goal of becoming a regional megacity.

Hayashi welcomed the delegation’s visit and praised the cultural and sports exchange activities that the Ho Chi Minh City delegation had conducted in Yamaguchi Prefecture during the trip.

The minister also expressed Japan’s willingness to support Ho Chi Minh City in areas under his ministry’s scope.

Both sides agreed to explore opportunities for more professional exchanges to strengthen capacity building.