If everything stays on track, the new setup could start test runs as early as June 15, said Politburo member and Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen.

Budget collection has become a bright spot of Ho Chi Minh City’s economy in 2021 when it surpasses the year’s target despite severe impacts of the COVID-19 resurgence.

Boat tours along Ho Chi Minh City’s canals, which were expected to boost water tourism, have failed to attract tourists because of a lack of facilities and waste discharge in waterways.