HCM City (VNA) - The first municipal Party Congress of Ho Chi Minh City for the 2025-2030 tenure will take place from October 13 to 15, the city Party Committee's Standing Board announced at a press briefing on October 8.
According to Duong Anh Duc, head of the city Party Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation, the congress will draw 550 delegates who will take part in various activities before the official opening of the congress on October 14, including visits to key projects across the city.
Following the recent merger with former Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau provinces, HCM City now covers a total area of 6,773 square kilometres — 2.04% of the country’s territory — and has an estimated population of over 13.6 million, accounting for 13.4% of Vietnam’s population. The city’s workforce numbers about 7.28 million, equivalent to 14% of the national total. Its combined GRDP is estimated at 3.03 quadrillion VND (about 123 billion USD), representing 23.5% of the national GDP.
According to the congress’ draft Political Report, the city sets out a goal of achieving rapid and sustainable growth through renewed growth models, digital and green transformation, and the development of a knowledge-based and creative economy capable of integrating into global value chains.
The city aims to restructure its industrial zones, export-processing zones, and key manufacturing sectors, while developing potential new industries such as artificial intelligence, robotics, space technology, green hydrogen, genetic engineering, and biotechnology. It will also accelerate plans to establish Vietnam’s International Financial Centre in HCM City, designed to attract investment, foster a modern financial market, and provide a foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Key targets for the 2025–2030 period include an average annual GRDP growth rate of 10–11%; a digital economy accounting for 30–40% of GRDP; total R&D expenditure at 2–3% of GRDP; and at least 4–5% of the city’s annual budget allocated to science, technology, and digital transformation. By 2030, the city aims to reach 35.1 hospital beds, 21 doctors, and 35 nurses per 10,000 residents. From 2026, all residents will receive annual health check-ups or free screening at least once a year.
Exhibition spaces will be set up on the congress’ sidelines to highlight the city’s achievements in scientific innovation and digital transformation, with displays of advanced technologies currently in use.
Meanwhile, digital tools will also be used to modernise congress procedures./.
