Vietnam’s urban areas are facing many challenges such as rapid population growth, a widening gap between the rich and the poor, environmental pollution and climate change, said Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai. 

Addressing the 16 th Forum of Asian Architects (ARCASIA) in the central coastal city of Da Nang on August 18, Deputy PM Hai said the Vietnamese Government has advocated a combination of sustainable economic growth with environmental protection.

The Prime Minister had approved plans for the country’s urban development until 2025 and vision to 2050 with the target of gradually completing Vietnam ’s urban system under the model of urban networks with a modern and synchronous socio-technical infrastructure, a good quality urban environment and a rich identity and advanced urban architecture, he said.

Hai said Vietnam has posted great achievements in national development during 25 years of renewal, with improvements in its economic potential and people’s material and spiritual lives.

According to the World Bank, Vietnam has the highest urbanisation rate in Southeast Asia . The population rate in the country’s urban areas rose from 19 percent or 11.8 million in 1986 to 30.5 percent or 26.3 million in 2010.

The forum was an opportunity for architects from many countries to share innovative ideas and experience in urban design.
Under the theme, “Asian cities in the 21 st century”, the forum focused on globalisation and urban development in Asia , architectural development trends and the architectural identity of modern Asian cities.

Earlier, the 32 nd Architects Regional Council Asia meeting was hosted by the Vietnam Architects Association for the first time, in Da Nang city from August 13-17./.