HCMC’s new master plan should prioritize breakthrough growth in finance, high technology, logistics: expert

By Lan Do
Thu, July 10, 2025 | 9:42 pm GMT+7

Ho Chi Minh City should promote university-oriented urban models and innovation ecosystems built on the “quadruple helix” framework - collaboration among the government, universities, businesses, and the community.

Pham Tran Hai from the HCMC Institute for Development Studies made the remark at a seminar named “Administrative reform - creating development space” held on Wednesday by the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCMC (HAWA) and the HCMC Construction and Building Materials Association (SACA).

He emphasized the urgent need to revise the city’s master plan. The update is critical to addressing post-merger shortcomings, eliminating overlap, and maximizing the benefits of the consolidation.

Hai stressed the importance of integrating a marine economy development strategy, particularly one aligned with the Cai Mep-Thi Vai deep-water port system in Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

HCMC, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Binh Duong have recently been merged to form the new HCMC.

Speakers at the seminar “Administrative reform - creating development space” in Ho Chi Minh City on July 9, 2025. Photo courtesy of Nguoi lao dong (Labor) newspaper.

Speakers at the seminar “Administrative reform - creating development space” in Ho Chi Minh City on July 9, 2025. Photo courtesy of Nguoi lao dong (Labor) newspaper.

Hai also noted that the new master plan should prioritize breakthrough growth in high-potential sectors such as finance, high technology, logistics, renewable energy, and ecotourism.

He advocated for the promotion of university-oriented urban models and innovation ecosystems built on the “quadruple helix” framework - collaboration among the government, universities, businesses, and the community.

Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son stated that with effective planning, HCMC could transform into a modern coastal metropolis with strong international connectivity. He envisions the Cai Mep-Thi Vai-Can Gio port complex evolving into a competitive international port cluster that not only rivals those in the region but also serves as the primary import-export gateway for southern Vietnam.

From the business perspective, HAWA chairman Phung Quoc Man highlighted the potential for the newly integrated economic zone to help the wood industry capitalize on logistics efficiencies and expand its export reach.

Each of the three former localities brings unique strengths to the table: Binh Duong is a wood industry hub with nearly $5 billion in export turnover, HCMC serves as a center of trade and technology, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau boasts a strategically located deep-water port.

The merger, he said, creates a closed-loop value chain, accelerates market responsiveness, and lowers operating costs.

Pham Hien Nhan, product director at Viglacera Ceramic Tiles Trading JSC, added that restructuring factories to more optimal locations could help businesses reduce logistics costs by 5-10%. His company is currently developing a comprehensive green materials ecosystem to offer sustainable solutions for eco-friendly construction projects across the region.

Experts also recommended allowing the existing development plans for HCMC, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Binh Duong to remain in effect until a unified, updated plan is finalized.

Additionally, they proposed decentralizing the planning adjustment process to allow local authorities greater control - under the guiding principle: “local decisions, local implementation, local responsibility”.

Comments (0)
  • Read More
UAE tech firm G42, Vietnamese partners plan $2 bln hyperscale data center in southern Vietnam hub

UAE tech firm G42, Vietnamese partners plan $2 bln hyperscale data center in southern Vietnam hub

The United Arab Emirates's (UAE) state-backed firm G42 plans to partner with Vietnamese companies to develop a $2 billion hyperscale data center in Vietnam's southern hub Ho Chi Minh City.

Industries - Thu, July 10, 2025 | 4:22 pm GMT+7

Petrovietnam rakes in $19.5 bln in H1 revenue

Petrovietnam rakes in $19.5 bln in H1 revenue

State-owned Petrovietnam reported total revenue of VND510 trillion ($19.5 billion) in the first half of this year, driven by strong production performance.

Companies - Thu, July 10, 2025 | 4:03 pm GMT+7

Sustained momentum seen across all Vietnam's real estate sectors: Knight Frank

Sustained momentum seen across all Vietnam's real estate sectors: Knight Frank

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi saw solid office leasing and apartment market rebounds after the Lunar New Year holiday (Tet). Industrial land surged with record H1 supply and strong absorption, underscoring Vietnam's appeal, while eased visa policies and new direct international flights continue to support 5‑star hotels in both the cities, write Knight Frank analysts.

Real Estate - Thu, July 10, 2025 | 2:37 pm GMT+7

Vietnam's maritime heavyweight VIMC to expand container port services, bulk cargo transport

Vietnam's maritime heavyweight VIMC to expand container port services, bulk cargo transport

Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) will increase revenue and profit via expanding operations in areas such as container port services, bulk cargo transport, and shipping of agricultural products and steel, leveraging existing infrastructure and fleet advantages.

Companies - Thu, July 10, 2025 | 2:15 pm GMT+7

Vietnam infrastructure spending surges 40%

Vietnam infrastructure spending surges 40%

Vietnam’s infrastructure spending surged 40% year-on-year in the first half of the year, fuelled by fast-tracked approvals of projects amid provincial mergers; legal reforms granting provinces more decision-making authority over project approvals; and the streamlining of disbursement processes, write chief economist Michael Kokalari and senior analyst Thai Viet Trinh at VinaCapital.

Consulting - Thu, July 10, 2025 | 11:56 am GMT+7

Phu Quoc enters Travel + Leisure’s top luxury destinations

Phu Quoc enters Travel + Leisure’s top luxury destinations

Phu Quoc’s presence in Travel + Leisure’s Asia-Pacific luxury travel rankings continues to affirm the island’s status as a world-class destination.

Companies - Thu, July 10, 2025 | 11:43 am GMT+7

July dividend wave hits Vietnamese market following AGM season

July dividend wave hits Vietnamese market following AGM season

Ending the 2025 AGM season, a series of Vietnamese companies have announced dates for finalizing the list of shareholders eligible for dividends in July.

Finance - Thu, July 10, 2025 | 11:07 am GMT+7

Vietnam pledges support for AES investment in green energy

Vietnam pledges support for AES investment in green energy

Vietnam will continue to facilitate foreign investment and business activities, including those by U.S. enterprises, in line with laws and the country’s evolving development needs, said Tran Luu Quang, Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Policies and Strategies.

Companies - Wed, July 9, 2025 | 11:10 pm GMT+7

Tezuka Daisuke appointed as new general director of Aeon Vietnam

Tezuka Daisuke appointed as new general director of Aeon Vietnam

Aeon Group has appointed Tezuka Daisuke, who is in charge of its organization reform for fiscal year 2025, as general director of Aeon Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Companies - Wed, July 9, 2025 | 11:03 pm GMT+7

Vietnam mobilizes over $7 bln for Just Energy Transition

Vietnam mobilizes over $7 bln for Just Energy Transition

Vietnam has so far mobilized more than $7 billion for its Just Energy Transition agenda under the Political Declaration on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Companies - Wed, July 9, 2025 | 10:38 pm GMT+7

Thailand hopes to conclude US trade talks before new deadline

Thailand hopes to conclude US trade talks before new deadline

Thailand is optimistic that it can finalize a trade deal with the U.S. before the August 1 deadline to avoid a 36% tariff imposed by President Donald Trump, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.

Southeast Asia - Wed, July 9, 2025 | 10:34 pm GMT+7

Southeast Asia seeks additional tariff negotiations with US

Southeast Asia seeks additional tariff negotiations with US

Southeast Asia's biggest economies are preparing to intensify trade negotiations with the U.S. after being subjected to steep tariff rates, despite having made a series of last-minute proposals aimed at increasing imports and significantly reducing tariffs on U.S. goods.

Southeast Asia - Wed, July 9, 2025 | 10:31 pm GMT+7

Foreign capital massively flows into banking, securities stocks

Foreign capital massively flows into banking, securities stocks

Foreign investors net bought for the sixth consecutive session on the Vietnamese stock market Wednesday, to the tune of nearly VND2,000 billion ($76.5 million), focusing on banking and securities stocks.

Finance - Wed, July 9, 2025 | 10:17 pm GMT+7

Four new container terminals to be built in northern Vietnam economic hub

Four new container terminals to be built in northern Vietnam economic hub

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has granted in-principle approval for the development of four new container terminals at Lach Huyen Port in the northern city of Hai Phong.

Infrastructure - Wed, July 9, 2025 | 5:36 pm GMT+7

Sausage mogul eyes $5 bln green energy, cattle project in northern Vietnam

Sausage mogul eyes $5 bln green energy, cattle project in northern Vietnam

Mai Huy Tan, who founded and later sold the popular Duc Viet sausage brand, has proposed a $5 billion circular economy complex in Quang Ninh province, northern Vietnam.

Industries - Wed, July 9, 2025 | 5:14 pm GMT+7