Breakthrough in coastal infrastructure
Located on the East Sea coast, Can Gio today is no longer the "end point" of a journey but has become the "starting point" of a global megacity. The geopolitics of Can Gio have completely changed as it sits atop an international maritime connection axis and is a crucial link in the coastal economic corridor. Infrastructure breakthroughs with mega-projects launched in 2025 and early this year, such as the Can Gio Bridge, the Ben Thanh - Can Gio metro line, the international transshipment port project, and the reclaimed land urban area, have completely transformed the area's landscape.
In reality, the urban landscape of Can Gio is undergoing a strong transformation towards a modern, green, and sustainable direction. This change is being welcomed by local residents and tourists alike with great enthusiasm and high expectations.
Mr. Hong Van Thien, a resident born and raised in Can Gio commune, could not hide his excitement at the infrastructure breakthroughs of this coastal urban area: "Looking at Can Gio today, I see a huge change in appearance. Our urban area is now much more spacious and beautiful than before. The new roads and buildings have completely transformed the face of our commune. It's not just the appearance; the way the government operates in this new urban space is also very progressive. Now, when we go to do administrative procedures, we no longer face the crowding and chaos of the past. Everything is arranged in a scientific order; whoever comes first gets served first, and the procedures run smoothly, making the people very satisfied."
According to Mr. Thien, the transformation of the urban landscape coupled with the modernization of the administrative apparatus is the key to Can Gio's take-off. "The implementation of a two-tiered local government model has brought a new lease of life, helping to streamline the administrative apparatus, making it more efficient and professional than before. However, with the city's growing size, the expectations of the people are also higher," Mr. Thien said.
The Can Gio coastal urban area project, which commenced in mid-2025, is currently progressing rapidly. The project covers an area of approximately 2,870 hectares, of which over 1,357 hectares are reclaimed land from the sea. It has the potential to accommodate 40 million tourists annually once the Can Gio - Vung Tau sea-crossing road is completed. In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of 2026, the project site suddenly attracted a large number of tourists from near and far to "check-in" along the coastal road, adorned with hundreds of blooming apricot and peach blossom trees.
Cong Quan, a young man who didn't mind traveling from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, was amazed upon his return: "It's been two years since I last came back, and I didn't think Can Gio would be so different now. The changes are so strong and on such a large scale. I believe that in the future, Can Gio will be a green island, with a developed marine economy and tourism that can rival Singapore. This will certainly be a new driving force for the development of Ho Chi Minh City."
Sharing the same vision of "reaching out to the wider world," Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Thu (residing in Ho Chi Minh City) also expressed her belief in the unique ecological value of this land.
"After more than a year away, I see rapid changes. In the context of Ho Chi Minh City's expansion, this is the 'gateway' to the open sea, boosting the development of green tourism, the marine economy, and human resources. I expect this place to become a livable urban area, a green space that the city can be proud of to show to international friends," Ms. Thu expressed.
What is easily noticeable in Can Gio is that the infrastructure breakthroughs are not just concrete blocks and construction sites, but have truly become a source of confidence and motivation for the people to work together with the government in the endeavor to create a coastal urban area.
Green growth strategy and digital economy
To fulfill its role as a "gateway" to the ocean for an international megacity, the local government has established a long-term strategic roadmap, guided by green growth and the digital economy. The impressive growth figures in the recent period are proof of this meticulous preparation.
According to Ms. Vo Thi Diem Phuong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Gio Commune, the average total production value of Can Gio Commune is projected to reach 17.8% during the 2021-2025 period. In 2025 alone, it is expected to achieve a breakthrough growth rate of 21.2%. This creates a solid foundation for development in subsequent periods. The average per capita income is projected to reach 94 million VND/year by 2025.
"Over the past five years, the commune has also created new jobs for more than 2,000 workers and currently has no poor households according to the city's standards. 2026 is the foundation year for fully implementing the Resolution of the First Party Congress of the commune for the 2025-2030 term. The major goal is to maintain a high growth rate in production value, striving to achieve and sustain double-digit growth," emphasized Ms. Vo Thi Diem Phuong.
The leaders of Can Gio commune have determined that the vision for 2030 is not just about purely economic development, but about creating a world-class urban ecosystem. "Can Gio commune aims to develop a coastal eco-tourism urban area of regional and international stature; improving the quality of life for its people while promoting green growth and preserving the mangrove forest ecosystem. To achieve this, we are implementing six key solutions, from fulfilling the 33 main targets of the Party Congress Resolution to promoting administrative reform, digital transformation, and upgrading transportation infrastructure," Ms. Vo Thi Diem Phuong further shared.
The shift in strategic vision requires a "renewal" in the thinking of officials and civil servants – the main force for implementation. Sharing her thoughts on this turning point, Ms. Truong Thi Ngoc Thao, from the Office of the People's Committee of Can Gio Commune, said that in this new era, especially in implementing the digital economy development strategy, digital skills are the key for commune-level officials and civil servants to solve problems quickly and efficiently for the people.
"When we first started implementing the two-tiered local government model, honestly, we couldn't avoid some initial confusion and bewilderment due to the workload and new procedures. However, what warmed our hearts and gave us the most confidence was the wonderful understanding and support from the people. The people of Can Gio were very patient and worked alongside the leaders and professional staff to resolve each bottleneck in handling the paperwork," Ms. Thao confided.
In the context of the entire political system of Can Gio commune being determined to achieve green growth and the digital economy, the team of officials and civil servants must redouble their efforts to master technology and assist people in proficiently submitting online applications and accessing technology. Ms. Nguyen Thi Cat Thao, a results delivery specialist at the Can Gio Commune Public Administrative Service Center, shared: "The key is self-learning, internal professional exchange, and the exploration, innovation, and proficient application of technology in handling administrative procedures. Furthermore, officials also support and assist people in completing online procedures, especially fishermen who have limited access to technology or smartphones."
In conjunction with the efforts of the staff and civil servants, Ms. Le Thi Kim Hien, Director of the Can Gio Commune Public Administrative Service Center, added: "We prioritize a sense of responsibility and a willingness to learn. In this new phase, officials must proactively improve their information technology skills to meet the demands of digitizing administrative procedures. We also establish guidance teams in residential areas to help fishermen familiarize themselves with technology, transforming complex processes into easily accessible conveniences."
The transformation of Can Gio is not just a story of growth figures or massive infrastructure projects, but at its core lies the inherent strength stemming from the consensus between the Party's will and the people's aspirations. From the strategic vision of the managers, to the sense of responsibility and willingness to embrace new technologies shown by the officials, and the unwavering faith of the people… all are creating a powerful synergy. This is the synergy of a community sharing the aspiration to transform what was once a green "oasis" into a new growth engine, a smart and sustainable development hub of a megacity.
Amidst the salty sea breeze and sunshine of the coastal region, a new spring is arriving, vibrant and full of life along the avenues lined with apricot and peach blossoms beside the reclaimed land urban project. The bright colors of the flowers not only herald the changing seasons but also carry a strong belief in a new destiny. Can Gio in 2026 is ready for a new era, where the marine economy thrives while the mangrove ecosystem – a precious world heritage – is strictly preserved, a testament to human ingenuity and aspiration – a wide-open gateway to the ocean, enabling the megacity of Ho Chi Minh City to reach out to the world.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/can-gio-cua-ngo-dai-duong-cua-sieu-do-thi-20260216115941049.htm
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