The door opens a new chapter of development for the 'Pearl of the Far East'

Industrial parks in Binh Duong have attracted 3,252 investment projects, creating stable jobs for more than 556,000 workers. Photo: Hoang Hieu/VNA

With the strategic policy of merging Binh Duong province into Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, the Party and State not only reshape the development space but also open a new chapter in the thinking of expanding the space of development resonance, in order to awaken potential, create a leap forward so that this merged city of nearly 14 million people can maintain its role as the national economic locomotive, ready to reach out to the region and the world.

Pioneering and Consensus

With a history of more than a century, through many separations and mergers, Binh Duong has affirmed its pioneering spirit and outstanding adaptability. By the end of 2024, the economic scale will reach over 500,000 billion VND, an increase of 133 times compared to 1997. The economic structure has shifted positively, from a province mainly based on agriculture , to now the proportion of the agricultural sector is only under 3%, industry 67% and services 21%. It has attracted over 43 billion USD in foreign investment capital. Since the beginning of 2025 alone, it has attracted about 3.5 billion USD in domestic and foreign investment capital. Import-export activities continue to maintain a trade surplus of over 10 billion USD.

Key projects, especially regional transport infrastructure, are being increasingly invested in and completed. Implementing the Party's policy, Binh Duong has implemented the Administrative Merger Project with high political determination. Up to now, the locality has streamlined 60% of commune-level administrative units, from 91 communes, wards and towns to 36 units - a profound streamlining rate, demonstrating great consensus from officials to the people. The process of preparing for the provincial merger with Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria - Vung Tau is also being urgently implemented, expected to be completed before August 31, 2025.

On April 24, at the 23rd session (special session) of the People's Council of Binh Duong province, term X, term 2021 - 2026, delegates unanimously approved the resolution to merge Binh Duong with Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria - Vung Tau. According to the report of the People's Committee of Binh Duong province sent to the People's Council of the province, out of a total of 352,000 voters representing households whose opinions were consulted, more than 92% expressed agreement with this policy.

Binh Duong, the country's leading industrial center, when combined with Ho Chi Minh City, the national economic locomotive, and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, the international seaport gateway, will form a connected megacity strong enough to compete with global cities such as Singapore or Shanghai.

“This merger is not only an opportunity to optimize resources, but also a door to restore the position of the Pearl of the Far East, turning this megacity into the economic, cultural, innovation and knowledge-based economic center of the whole country and reaching the continental level,” a provincial People's Council delegate assessed.

Opportunity to shine

Green road expands development space in Phu Giao - Bac Tan Uyen - Bai Bang area (Binh Duong). Photo: VNA

Merging Binh Duong into Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria - Vung Tau is considered by experts to be a strategic step to restore the position of the Pearl of the Far East - a title once associated with old Saigon.

Dr. Tran Dinh Thien, former Director of the Vietnam Economic Institute, commented: Developing a megacity integrating industry, services, seaports and innovation not only creates new momentum for the region, but also opens up opportunities for Ho Chi Minh City to recreate the image of a "Pearl of the Far East" with a modern, sustainable and globally connected stature.

This mega-urban area will take advantage of Binh Duong’s industrial strengths, Ho Chi Minh City’s financial and service capabilities, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s logistics and seaport potential. This combination will not only expand development space but also create a resonance effect, attract international investment, promote innovation and enhance Vietnam’s competitive position in the ASEAN region and the world.

Binh Duong Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Van Loi frankly admitted: Every major change cannot avoid initial difficulties, from people's concerns to challenges in restructuring the apparatus. However, for the common development of the country, it requires courage, vision and strong belief. The merger does not mean losing identity, but is an opportunity for Binh Duong to join forces in a larger development space.

Resources are optimized, economic and social opportunities are multiplied, and people's lives will become increasingly prosperous. The future mega-urban - industrial - service - seaport region will be the driving force to push the entire southern region and the country to reach out, restoring the glory of the Pearl of the Far East in a new look.

Ho Chi Minh City will develop together to awaken its potential and create a leap forward for the city after merging with Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau. Photo: VNA

Standing at the historic milestone, Binh Duong is promoting the spirit of resilience, solidarity and creativity that has been forged through many generations. From a land that has suffered many ups and downs of war and innovation, Binh Duong today is a symbol of development, with a leading position in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), smart urban areas and improving the quality of life.

Together with Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Duong is ready to enter a new era - an era of growth and prosperity, contributing towards a shining Pearl of the Far East on the world map.

Duong Chi Tuong (Vietnam News Agency)

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/viet-nam-ky-nguyen-moi/canh-cua-mo-ra-chuong-phat-trien-moi-cho-hon-ngoc-vien-dong-20250503104919522.htm