Master plan adjustments set to drive HCM City's stature

HCM City is set to establish itself as a global, civilised, modern, and compassionate city whose development level is comparable to that of large cities worldwide.

A bird's eye view of HCM City (Source: HCM City Law Newspaper)
A bird's eye view of HCM City (Source: HCM City Law Newspaper)

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has freshly signed a decision approving a project on adjustments to the Ho Chi Minh City Master Plan until 2040, with a vision to 2060.

Accordingly, by 2060, the southern metropolis will establish itself as a global, civilised, modern, and compassionate city whose development level is comparable to that of large cities worldwide. It will become an economic, financial, and service hub of Asia, a growth powerhouse, and a development impulse for the South and Vietnam as a whole. It is expected to have high living standards and quality, along with well developed economy and culture while serving as a destination of international financial institutions and corporations.

In terms of its characteristics, it is defined as a special centrally-run city, and a nationally important centre of economy, culture, education – training, science –technology, with a pioneering role in driving innovation and creativity nationwide. It is also envisioned to become a hub for tourism, finance – trade, and logistics services in Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific, as well as for healthcare services in the ASEAN region.

The local population is forecast to reach 11–13.7 million by 2030, and 14–16.5 million by 2040.

The city’s space structure is divided into six regions linked with the organisation of the local public transport system. They are comprised of the central urban area and its surrounding areas – the eastern, western, northern, southern, and southeastern regions.

hcm-city.jpg
A corner of HCM City (Source: HCM City Law Newspaper)

Regarding housing development, the master plan targets that by 2030, the average housing floor area per capita will reach approximately 27–30 square metres, increasing to 30–32 square metres by 2040. The expansion of housing will be closely aligned with the urban development process.

HCM City is set to prioritise the construction of apartment blocks, which will make up a significant proportion of new housing developments.

The plan also includes the establishment of dedicated zones for social housing, accommodation for workers, and purpose-built residences for students. At the same time, the city will form training institutions, industrial parks, and export processing zones across its development regions.

HCM City will place particular emphasis on expanding its stock of affordable and rental housing, while investing in student housing and establishing a fund for social housing for the disadvantaged and revolution contributors./.

VNA

See more

One of the first-prize winning entries in the “Social housing prototype design ideas – Towards sustainable solutions” contest. (Photo courtesy of the organising board)

Highly applicable social housing design ideas honoured

According to the organising board, the award-winning entries will provide an important foundation for the Ministry of Construction to continue research and develop prototype and typical designs for broad use in localities.

Trinh Quoc Phu (centre) voluntarily hands over a rare forest night heron to the police and authorities of Quy Nhon Nam ward. (Photo: baogialai.com.vn)

Gia Lai rangers receive rare forest night heron

The handover reflects the growing awareness and sense of responsibility among local residents in protecting wildlife, contributing to law compliance and biodiversity conservation efforts in the area.

Hue officers, soldiers and local residents in the central city of Hue are working at full speed to complete solid new homes for natural disaster-hit families (Photo: VNA)

Swift campaign brings Tet homes to storm-hit residents in Hue

Quang Trung Campaign is not merely a task, but a political responsibility and a heartfelt commitment to the people. The guiding principle is to act as swiftly and decisively as possible, ensuring no family is left without shelter, especially in the days leading up to Tet, said Major General Nguyen Thanh Tuan, Director of the Hue Department of Public Security.

Fishermen in the Dong Tac fishery port of Phu Yen ward, Dak Lak province, prepare for a new trip after storm. (Photo: VNA)

Dak Lak supports fishermen in occupational transition

As of December 5, 2025, Dak Lak had 2,556 fishing vessels, with an annual marine catch of around 68,000 tonnes. An estimated 2,900 workers are in need of occupational transition, as most have limited educational backgrounds, unstable incomes and are increasingly ageing.

Forces are urgently building houses for people affected by natural disasters (Photo: VNA)

Quang Tri: Housing campaign brings hope for landslide-affected communities

The project was inaugurated on December 31, 2025. Over 18 days of construction, teams moved more than 30,000 cu.m of soil, sand, stone, and gravel; installed 200 anti-landslide gabions; built 130 m of drainage channels; planted 2,000 sq.m slope grass; and assisted residents with repairs, moving belongings, and clearing their homes to quickly restore livelihoods.