A relentless "relay race"

Ho Chi Minh City has just undergone a significant personnel transition, marking a milestone for reflecting on its development journey, inheriting valuable experiences, and unleashing new momentum. The rich practical experience of this leading economic city will continue to provide vivid data for the development of the Party's 14th National Congress documents; at the same time, from the foundation of research and policy planning, Ho Chi Minh City will also receive strategic guidance to flourish in the new phase.

People, especially the leadership team, are always the core factor determining the direction of development. In this transition, from the proactive handover by the predecessor to the sense of responsibility of the successor, there is a continuous "transformation" in implementing key resolutions, in operating new models and institutions, and in leading key projects associated with the "reconstruction" revolution of urban space, economy , and society.

During the past term, the city has overcome unprecedented challenges. This includes not only the healing process following the Covid-19 pandemic, but also addressing the long-standing consequences associated with recovery and development.

A series of important infrastructure projects have been restarted: many bridges and local roads that had been stalled for years are now operational again; transportation projects such as Ring Road 2 and the Ho Chi Minh City - Moc Bai expressway are being implemented; Ring Roads 3 and 4 have completed their component branches; Metro Line 1 is preparing for inauguration; urban beautification is being accelerated with projects such as Tham Luong - Ben Cat, Xuyen Tam canal, Thu Thiem urban area, Phu Tho circus and multi-purpose performance center… Basically, the city has formed a transportation framework connecting the inner city with the inter-regional ring road, creating a clear "vision" for the North-South axis.

Institutionally, Resolution No. 98/2023/QH15 of the National Assembly on piloting some specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City has been applied flexibly, "proceeding as we go," yielding initial positive results. Resolution 222/2025/QH15 on building an international financial center in Vietnam, Resolution 188/2025/QH15 on piloting some specific mechanisms and policies for the development of the urban railway network, along with related plans for Ho Chi Minh City and Thu Duc City, are being reviewed and supplemented, paving the way for long-term development.

The enormous workload, especially in the post-Covid-19 pandemic period, laid the foundation for the lean revolution – mergers and acquisitions – with high levels of coordination, consensus, and determination.

From that foundation, the practical imperative for Ho Chi Minh City is to continue to bring a better life to nearly 14 million people. This is the driving force for the new Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and the city's leadership team to urgently complete unfinished projects, while simultaneously initiating a new phase of a unified megacity.

Completing the city's master plan, aligned with key national growth resolutions and drivers, will serve as a guiding principle. A crucial requirement is to unleash the potential of the private sector – which is always considered a powerful engine of innovation, adaptability, and widespread influence.

Simultaneously, the city is implementing a project to improve the quality of public service, linked to the efficiency of a streamlined administrative apparatus and a two-tiered local government structure; aiming for a modern, effective, and efficient urban governance model. The task of restructuring key economic sectors towards a green economy, digital economy, and circular economy is also being promoted, along with the transformation of the functions of five industrial parks and export processing zones, and the development of a comprehensive industrial relocation program for the period 2026-2035.

New institutions – the International Financial Center, the Innovation and Startup Center, the data center system, and the Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone – if completed soon, will not only serve the development of Ho Chi Minh City but also contribute to realizing national strategies. However, challenges remain: the problem of temporary housing, housing along canals and waterways, and unsafe, low-quality living spaces now need to be thoroughly addressed.

This also includes the requirement to develop transportation according to the TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) model, combining housing programs with residential planning, urban beautification in each central ward, organizing sidewalk economies, rational parking arrangements, creating a green environment and a civilized lifestyle.

Ho Chi Minh City needs not only modern transportation infrastructure, but also cultural institutions of a commensurate standard, to enrich the spiritual and recreational lives of its people.

This personnel transfer represents a powerful boost, ensuring continuity and innovation, and unifying will and action. With renewed faith, aspirations, and determination, Ho Chi Minh City will surely break through, continue to affirm its role as the economic locomotive, and contribute to the country's strong progress in the era of integration and development.

NGUYEN QUAN CAT

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/mot-cuoc-tiep-suc-khong-ngung-nghi-post810495.html