Ho Chi Minh City developed into major urban region in Southeast Asia
The Prime Minister has approved an adjustment plan to build Ho Chi Minh City into a major urban region with dynamic and sustainable development, playing a crucial role in Southeast Asia’s development.
Hanoi (VNA) – The Prime Ministerhas approved an adjustment plan to build Ho Chi Minh City into a major urbanregion with dynamic and sustainable development, playing a crucial role inSoutheast Asia’s development.
Covering 30,404 square kilometers, the regionwill include the whole administrative boundaries of Ho Chi Minh City and sevenneighbouring localities, namely Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, TayNinh, Long An, Dong Nai and Tien Giang.
Its population is forecast to reach about 24-25million people by 2030, including 18-19 million in urban areas and 6-7 millionin rural areas. The region will have about 18-19 million workers.
The region is expected to become a centre ofeconomics, trade, finance, scientific research and services, hi-tech industryand agriculture, culture, education-training and health care in the country andSoutheast Asia.
It will be developed towards sustainability andclimate change adaptation with modern technical infrastructure, with Ho ChiMinh City an economic centre.
The region is planned as an international tradecentre of Vietnam, particularly the south, as well as a gateway to connect keyeconomic regions in the south, the Mekong Delta, the Central Highlands and thesouth central coastal region.-VNA
Ho Chi Minh City will see a sharp increase in MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) tourists in 2018, according to the local Department of Tourism.
As many as 150 civilian training slots are offered to Vietnam under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme every year, according to the Consulate General of India in HCM City.
Ho Chi Minh City will host its annual festival to honour ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress), which is known as the symbol of feminine beauty in Vietnam, during March 3-25.
The HCM City Department of Transport has put 18 new compressed natural gas-fuelled (CNG) buses into service in addition to 39 new diesel buses to replace old ones.
The event has gathered over 400 exhibitors from 16 countries and territories, with more than 980 booths showcasing a wide range of products and technologies in automotive components, electronics, repair and maintenance, bodywork, accessories, and customisation.
The latest order follows Vietjet’s commitment for 20 additional A330neo aircraft last month, bringing the airline’s total widebody aircraft on order to 40.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang acknowledged the target represents an important milestone for socio-economic development as well as a demonstration of the country’s aspiration for robust economic growth.
The price of E5 RON92 petrol is now capped at 20,631 VND (0.79 USD) per litre, up 1,169 VND from the previous adjustment, while RON95-III costs no more than 21,244 VND per litre, up 1,277 VND.
While German consumers are familiar with Vietnamese products such as coffee, seafood, tea, and spices, many other quality items remain relatively unknown in the market. The Selgros event not only helped introduce Bac Giang lychee to German consumers but also provided them with the opportunity to experience other Vietnamese agricultural products.
The article by Cuba’s Inter Press Service detailed how Vietnamese private enterprise Agri VMA leased 1,000 ha of land in Los Palacios district, Cuba’s westernmost province of Pinar del Río, for rice cultivation over a three-year period. The project’s first harvest in 2025 recorded an impressive yield of 7.2 tonnes per hectare, far exceeding the local average of 1.6 tonnes.
During the visit, office representatives held a working session with the Tipaza Chamber of Commerce and Industry and met with several prominent local businesses operating in key sectors including industry, agriculture, fisheries, food processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics.
A Nordic delegation to Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 in September will feature leading names in retail, consumer goods, logistics, and sustainable manufacturing, including global fashion giant H&M, offering fresh prospects for partnerships in fashion, textiles, and green supply chains.
With the current trading band of +/- 5%, the ceiling rate applicable for commercial banks during the day is 26,276 VND/USD and the floor rate 23,774 VND/USD.
Effective from the date of signing on June 18, the decision halts procedures outlined in the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of Vietnam and Laos on the initial implementation of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement at the Lao Bao–Densavan border gate.
The event aimed to update businesses on new regulations and compliance requirements regarding US tax, trade, and customs policies, while offering practical solutions to facilitate exports amid shifting trade dynamics.
The festival marks a significant milestone in promoting the brand, value, and legacy of traditional fish sauce - a product deeply rooted in the island’s identity and history spanning over 200 years.
According to Mastercard data, Vietnam has recorded a remarkable 92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in contactless transaction volume from Q4 2022 to Q4 2024.
Tuan expressed his confidence that LH, with its expertise and experience, would swiftly implement the urban area project, contributing to a modern urban landscape for the province.
With its strategic location, abundant workforce, and modern infrastructure, Vietnam holds significant potential to become a leading centre for power and electronics production in the region and the world.
The renewable energy workforce training and development centre, invested by Germany's GEO Group, is expected to be a cornerstone in shaping Binh Dinh as a renewable energy and innovation hub in central Vietnam, meeting the growing demand for skilled technical personnel in offshore wind, solar farms, and green hydrogen projects.
A notable trend is the shift toward satellite regions. With land scarcity and soaring prices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, investors are eyeing provinces like Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong, which are benefiting from improved technical infrastructure and transport connectivity.
To further strengthen private-sector innovation, Bac Ninh plans to accelerate administrative reforms, build a digital, service-oriented government, and develop an integrated innovation ecosystem that connects businesses with domestic and international institutions, universities, and experts.
The participation of H&M, one of the world's largest fashion corporations, in Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City in early September is considered a special highlight, opening up many cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in the fashion, textiles and sustainable supply chains.
A corner of Ho Chi Minh City (Photo VNA) 
