Ho Chi Minh City aims to be listed among world’s top 100 livable cities

Approved by the prime minister on June 11, the revised master plan reimagines Ho Chi Minh City as a global metropolis – modern, civilized, compassionate, and competitive with the world’s major urban centers.

It envisions the city as a regional hub for finance, economics, and services, playing a pivotal role in driving growth in southern Vietnam and across the country.

Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, emphasized that the new Ho Chi Minh City, after the merger in July of the southern metropolis, Binh Duong Province, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, effective from July 1, would become a ‘super city’ focused on high-tech industry, marine economy, and finance, aiming to be one of Southeast Asia's most developed urban zones.

The city is expected to be recognized as one of the world’s top 100 livable cities, he said.

The master plan incorporates multi-center urban development, innovation zones, and knowledge-based economic growth.

It also highlights regional connectivity, the expansion of public transportation infrastructure, and the preservation of the city’s distinctive riverine and ecological landscapes.

Key reforms: easier construction, better planning

Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Tuong Van praised the revised plan as a fresh beginning for the newly envisioned Ho Chi Minh City following the merger.

He urged the city to swiftly implement the planning roadmap, review investment projects, and manage development carefully to meet its full potential.

Chairman Duoc also highlighted a major administrative reform: under the new planning framework, residents will be able to register construction projects without the need for building permits, once detailed zoning plans are finalized.

He hoped that both residents and firms would actively support the transformation.

“The city is committed to creating the most favorable conditions for investors,” he stated.

“In the near future, the new Ho Chi Minh City will proudly take its place among the top 100 most livable cities in the world."

Private sector backs vision

The revised master plan has drawn strong support from both domestic and international enterprises.

Nguyen Viet Quang, vice-chairman and CEO of Vingroup, congratulated the city and pledged support for its modernization goals.

Vingroup plans to participate in strategic urban development projects, including green city models and transportation infrastructure.

Sun Group chairman Dang Minh Truong echoed this commitment, especially in the fields of eco-tourism and transport infrastructure.

The firm is exploring investment in several major projects in Ho Chi Minh City such as the Thanh Da Peninsula redevelopment in Binh Thanh District, a light rail line connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Tay Ninh and Binh Duong Provinces, the Nam Rach Chiec urban area in Thu Duc City, and cultural and ecological tourism zones in Cu Chi District.

Truong Hai Group chairman Tran Ba Duong also pledged a contribution to the city’s infrastructure development.

Similarly, representatives from Singapore’s Keppel Land and GS Group from South Korea affirmed their commitment to partner with the city on future developments.