The key for Ho Chi Minh City to break through to the status of a super city

Known as the “economic locomotive” of the country, Ho Chi Minh City not only contributes about 23% of GDP and 30% of the national budget revenue but is also the largest financial, commercial, scientific and technological center in Vietnam. However, to rise to the level of megacities in the region, the city needs “key” breakthrough solutions in governance, infrastructure, human resources and sustainable development.

Ho Chi Minh City - the leading economic , cultural and tourist center of the country. Photo: Quoc Khanh/VNA

Smart governance, opening the way for super cities

According to many experts, the biggest bottleneck preventing Ho Chi Minh City from making a breakthrough is technical infrastructure and traffic overload. Mr. Ha Ngoc Truong, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Bridge, Road and Port Association, analyzed: "A population of more than 14 million people with a traffic volume of about 9 million vehicles is creating huge pressure on infrastructure. To solve this problem, the city needs to speed up the progress of metro lines 1 and 2, beltways, inter-regional expressways, and the port and airport system. This is the foundation for relieving congestion, reducing pollution and improving competitiveness."

Along with that, modern urban management is also considered the key. Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Minh Hoa (University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City) said that a megacity cannot operate effectively without a smart and transparent management apparatus. The city needs to promote digital government, big data, and artificial intelligence in management; at the same time, reform procedures to make it easier for people and businesses to access public services.

In fact, recently Ho Chi Minh City has implemented the Smart City Project, initially forming a shared data center and a modern urban management system. However, according to many experts, to achieve higher efficiency, there needs to be synchronous coordination between departments, districts, and a strong enough financial mechanism to invest in technology.

From the perspective of the people, Mr. Nguyen Van Loi, a resident of Long Truong ward, shared, we hope that infrastructure projects will be completed soon to reduce traffic jams that last for many hours. If administrative procedures are also shortened and made more transparent, people will certainly be more satisfied and trust the government.

Innovation and knowledge lead megacities

To break through to the position of a megacity, infrastructure is only a necessary condition, while human resources and innovation are sufficient conditions. Economist, Dr. Tran Du Lich, commented that Ho Chi Minh City must become a center of knowledge and innovation. That requires the city to have policies to attract talent, create an attractive working environment for international experts, and at the same time invest heavily in education, scientific research and creative startups.

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City has formed many cores for the innovation ecosystem such as: the Eastern innovation urban area, the high-tech zone, the Thu Thiem International Financial Center and startup spaces. These are expected to promote knowledge-based economic sectors such as: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, e-commerce, green logistics.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan, Director of the Institute for Circular Economy Development Research (Ho Chi Minh City National University) emphasized that circular economy and green economy will be the key to Ho Chi Minh City's sustainable development. The city needs to promote green credit incentives, encourage businesses to apply cleaner production, reduce emissions and save energy.

From real life, many people also expect the city to soon become a livable city. Ms. Hoang Mai Hoa, a worker at Tan Binh Industrial Park, expressed: "Workers hope to have more parks, green spaces and a less dusty environment. If the quality of life is better, we will feel secure to stay in the city for a long time."

International experts also noted that to maintain its position in the region, Ho Chi Minh City must build a global urban brand. This is not only based on GRDP growth rate, but also on the ability to attract talent, creativity and environmental friendliness.

To break through the status of a megacity, Ho Chi Minh City needs a comprehensive strategy; in which, the key is modern infrastructure, smart governance, high-quality human resources and green development. With the determination of the government, the companionship of the scientific community, businesses and people, Ho Chi Minh City can completely affirm its position as a regional megacity in the near future.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/chia-khoa-de-thanh-pho-ho-chi-minh-but-pha-vi-the-sieu-do-thi-20251006094317305.htm