Creating urban identity through the night-time economy.

As the face of Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 is expected to develop further, with nighttime economy being a key priority.

On March 19th, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Van Duoc, worked with District 1 on the socio -economic situation in 2025.

Tourism makes a significant contribution.

Reporting at the meeting, Chairman of the District 1 People's Committee Le Duc Thanh said that in 2024, the locality focused on urban beautification with 10 sidewalks renovated, 14 alleys regularly maintained, and 79 alleys repaired and renovated.

The district also implemented a project to improve the landscape in front of Ben Thanh Market; renovated and repaired Ben Thanh Market; and coordinated the implementation of 5 projects to renovate old apartment buildings.

Regarding the development of the night-time economy, District 1 is developing a plan to meet the diverse needs of tourists, open up business opportunities for enterprises, create jobs for workers, increase budget revenue, and stimulate tourism.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc speaks at the working session. Photo: PHAN ANH

However, the locality is facing obstacles that need to be resolved by the city. For example, the city needs to allow free parking on the streets of the city for the purpose of developing the night-time economy, similar to the policy for city-level festivals and events.

The Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City noted that in order to fulfill its role as the central hub and leading district of Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 must build an administrative system that prioritizes citizens and businesses as both the beneficiaries and the driving force for development. State agencies must expedite administrative procedures for businesses.

Regarding this matter, the Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, informed that District 1 is the leading source of revenue for the city, with tourism making a significant contribution.

Therefore, the night-time economy project needs to be approved soon to put the night-time economy model into operation and attract more revenue. To achieve this, relevant departments need to coordinate to remove existing regulatory obstacles.

Prioritizing the city's image.

Concluding the meeting, the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee assessed that District 1 has a very special location, being the center and face of the city. Tourists coming to Ho Chi Minh City mainly visit District 1 and use all services from food, accommodation, and sightseeing there. Therefore, if District 1 is not beautiful, it will affect the image of the city.

Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc commented that District 1's urban area is decent and modern, but it's not enough and there are still some "dilapidated" areas.

"District 1 cannot tolerate dilapidated conditions, for example, the Chicken and Rice Market area is unacceptable," he said, arguing that valuable land in the area cannot be wasted and that these issues must be resolved immediately. Investment in the Chicken and Rice Market is necessary to stabilize the lives of the people.

Locals and tourists at the Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City culinary culture space, past and present, District 1. Photo: HOANG TRIEU

The Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City affirmed that the economy of District 1 is based on services, trade, and the night economy plays a crucial role. "Don't think of the night economy as just eating and drinking. Even if there is eating and drinking, it shouldn't be the kind you find on the streets; it must be modern, cultural, and create a space that reflects the city's identity," said the Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.

Citing examples of many countries with distinctive shows that showcase their identity and attract tourists, such as China's Kung Fu Legend and Peking Opera, Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc suggested that when developing a night-time economy plan, District 1 should invite cultural and economic experts, businesses, and relevant departments to participate from the outset to jointly build a model that reflects the unique characteristics of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam.

The meeting also highlighted many positive aspects of District 1.

Specifically, the Pedestrian Street and Park Management Center in District 1 was established to ensure security, order, environmental hygiene, and urban aesthetics in the central area. The district also implemented the software "Lookup and registration for temporary use of a portion of the sidewalk in District 1," applied according to the list for 52 out of 87 eligible streets.

"The night-time economy is very important; many investors have raised concerns and they want a well-structured model to participate in," said the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, assigning District 1 as the focal point to pilot and submit this project to the city. He suggested that, initially, District 1 could develop a pilot plan along the Saigon River, from Ba Son Bridge to Nha Rong Wharf, focusing on the square area, Nguyen Hue Street, and Le Loi Street. This process needs to establish criteria, objectives, a policy framework, and attract investors.

Regarding the proposal to temporarily utilize the land from stalled construction projects, the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee instructed the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to direct the Land Fund Development Center to coordinate with the District 1 People's Committee to temporarily utilize the land according to the needs of the District 1 People's Committee, while awaiting the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee's approval of a land use plan consistent with the planning.

Take advantage of

During the meeting, District 1 also proposed that Ho Chi Minh City allow a pilot program for business operations in apartment buildings, especially in key areas that have an impact on the local economy.

Mr. Du Quang Nghia, Deputy Head of the Economic Department of District 1, said that the locality is focusing on developing a night-time economy plan and needs to maximize various forms of service to tourists and residents. There are many old apartment buildings in prime locations in the area, so even if business is not permitted, these activities still take place.

For example, the apartment complex on Nguyen Hue Street has become a highlight of the district, beautifully decorated and attracting many tourists. "Instead of banning it, we could pilot allowing businesses to operate in apartment buildings," Mr. Nghia said. If approved, the district will coordinate with the Department of Finance to pilot the licensing process; the local authorities will inspect and require the implementation of safety and fire prevention measures.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/tao-ban-sac-do-thi-tu-kinh-te-dem-196250319223206847.htm