From economic growth to inclusive prosperity

Going beyond a purely administrative restructuring, the arrangement of the three localities has opened up a completely new system of development values, focusing on people, sustainability and fairness. This is not only a vision for Ho Chi Minh City, but also an orientation for the entire process of modernization of the country in the era of deep integration and global competition.

Building a safe, fair and happy society

In recent development orientations, General Secretary To Lam emphasized that prosperity is not only economic growth, but also the ability to create a safe, fair and happy society for everyone, leaving no one behind. This message is especially meaningful for Ho Chi Minh City - a megacity facing a gap between rich and poor, and pressure on housing, healthcare and education.

Many developed countries have paid a high price for neglecting social equity. For Ho Chi Minh City, the goal of “inclusive prosperity” requires a humane urban policy: developing sustainable social housing, expanding high-quality public health and education to the suburbs, increasing green space, public welfare, and access to culture, sports, and creativity for everyone.

The General Secretary affirmed that the city must be a “livable” place, where each citizen is comprehensively cared for in terms of health, education, living environment and safety. The concept of “livable” is not a slogan, but a set of criteria that requires sustainable investment and a clear strategy. Although bustling, Ho Chi Minh City is facing congestion, flooding, air pollution, lack of green space and urban psychological stress.

To develop according to the “human city” model, it is necessary to shift from economic index to happiness index; from prioritizing motor vehicles to public transport and pedestrian streets; from concrete to “eco-city”. Seoul (South Korea) once demolished the Cheonggyecheon Expressway to restore natural streams, thereby reviving public spaces and increasing the happiness index.

Ho Chi Minh City can learn from canals such as Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe, Lo Gom canal or Thu Thiem - Cat Lai area. Comprehensive human development must be a steadfast goal, closely linking growth with social equity and quality of life. Urban areas are not only places of high-rise buildings, but also places where tens of millions of people, especially young people and workers, live, work, study and dream.

The merger of localities is an opportunity to connect diverse cultures, people and creative capacity. Ho Chi Minh City needs to develop a human-centered innovation ecosystem, with a network of universities, research institutes and startups as the core. Thu Duc City can completely become the “Silicon Valley” of Vietnam if it builds an education, research and business model like Stanford (USA) or Tsukuba (Japan). Binh Duong can also become the innovation center of the South if it effectively connects education, industry and startups.

Institutions for people

When General Secretary To Lam emphasized: “Prosperity is not only economic growth, but also the ability to create a safe, fair and happy society”, it was not only a political message but also a strategic guide to building a new system of development values - starting from institutions. Institutions are not just laws or apparatus, but the way society is organized and operated.

An expanding metropolis of more than 20 million people cannot develop with the old mindset. Ho Chi Minh City needs a modern, multi-centered, digitally integrated regional institution - where the government is flexible, transparent and creative in governance. However, that institution must have its own identity.

There is no livable city without its memories, culture and urban soul. The diversity of Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau is a valuable asset: from the historical depth of Saigon - Gia Dinh, the industrial vitality of Binh Duong to the seaport heritage of Vung Tau. If properly promoted, each region can become a unique development pole in terms of economy, tourism, creativity and quality of life.

The world has proven that modern institutions and indigenous culture can go hand in hand. Copenhagen (Denmark) has become a high-tech green city without losing its identity. Kyoto (Japan) has preserved its thousand-year heritage amid the wave of globalization. Ho Chi Minh City can do the same if it develops for the people, takes culture as the foundation and innovates its institutions to spread Vietnamese values.

With the historic decision to merge and a clear direction from the Central Government, Ho Chi Minh City is entering a new chapter - not only expanding geographically but also elevating its development thinking. From an economic center to a livable city; from pure growth to inclusive development; from administrative management to creating happiness. If this vision is maintained, Ho Chi Minh City will not only be the largest city in the country, but also a symbol of comprehensive development and rich identity in the new era.

Associate Professor, Dr. BUI HOAI SON - Full-time member of the Committee on Culture and Society of the 15th National Assembly

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tu-tang-truong-kinh-te-den-phon-vinh-toan-dien-post801304.html