HCMC master plan outlines five growth zones with 100-year vision
Ho Chi Minh City has unveiled a proposed 2025–2050 master plan with a 100-year vision, defining five key growth zones including an international financial core and an eastern innovation hub. The plan, presented to the municipal People's Council on 29 Oct, also calls for 18 urban railway lines totall
Ho Chi Minh City has outlined five major growth zones in its proposed 2025–2050 master plan, which carries a 100-year vision. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the HCMC People's Committee, presented the plan at a municipal People's Council meeting on 29 Oct.
Following its merger with the former provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau, HCMC now covers nearly 6,800 sq km and has a population of around 14 million. The proposed development structure links the urban core with industrial zones, seaports and coastal tourism destinations.
The five growth zones are: an international central core comprising Saigon, Cho Lon, Thu Thiem and areas along the Saigon River; an eastern innovation zone covering Thu Duc, Thuan An, Di An and Thu Dau Mot, with priorities in AI, semiconductors and high technology; a western healthcare and education zone focused on Vinh Loc, Binh Loi and Binh Chanh; a northern industrial and logistics zone spanning Binh Duong, Ben Cat and Bau Bang; and a southern seaport, free trade and energy zone stretching from Chau Duc to Vung Tau, Cai Mep, Phu My and Can Gio.
Beyond the five growth zones, the plan identifies five satellite centres: Con Dao, Long Hai–Ho Tram, Hoc Mon–Cu Chi, Bau Bang and Tan Uyen. The expanded city is divided into 10 development management zones to guide the distribution of population, jobs, infrastructure and resources. The Saigon and Dong Nai rivers, along with Can Gio, are designated as key ecological and landscape assets to be protected.
Transport infrastructure is a major component of the plan. HCMC proposes 18 urban railway lines totalling about 961 km, along with around 450 km of light rail and surface tram systems. It aims to raise public transport's share of passenger travel to 55–60%. Multimodal transport hubs are planned at railway stations, airports, seaports and urban centres, and the city will prioritise transit-oriented development (TOD).
HCMC aims to become a modern, smart city and a leading Southeast Asian urban centre by 2030. By 2045, it seeks to become an Asian centre for economic activity, culture, science, technology and innovation. From 2075 onward, its goal is to develop into a modern, smart global city. Proposed growth drivers include an international financial centre, free trade zones linked to global logistics, high-tech parks, data centres, and AI and innovation hubs.
Cuong said the planning documents had been finalised after consultations with government agencies, local authorities, experts, business associations and residents. The proposal was submitted to the municipal People's Council for consideration at a special session.
