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

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.

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”.