HCM City aims to have high-quality human resources and a modern services industry, lead in creating a green economy, a digital economy, and a digital society, and continue to be a center for economics, finance, trade, service, culture, education, science, and technology, according to the master plan.

The blueprint also identifies HCMC as an internationally integrated city with a prominent position in Southeast Asia. It will have a high standard of living, a rich identity, a sustainable environment, and adaptability to climate change.

Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen said this is an important moment for the city to fully tap into its resources, build infrastructure, and create new drivers and breakthroughs for the coming period.

HCM City is determined to successfully implement the plan, said Secretary Nen, adding, “We are confident that the city will promptly carry out the plan, thanks to the great leadership of the central Government, the active coordination of agencies at all levels, the consensus of the people, and the support of investors, businesses, and international organizations.”

According to Dr. Tran Du Lich, Chairman of the Advisory Council for the implementation of the National Assembly's resolution on piloting a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City, the plan is like a decree affirming the municipal development direction, integrating all sectors and fields, and determining development space and key projects, including transport connectivity and regional linkages.

“The indicators in the plan tell us what the city will be like in the future and how ready it is for development. This is the legal basis for the planning of functional zones, industries, and projects calling for investment. The plan clarifies what financial and human resources are needed. This is extremely important,” Lich noted.

The plan sets the direction for major city projects, including the Binh Quoi-Thanh Da peninsula and Cu Chi Safari, which must be invested from now until 2030. This will completely eliminate the phrase "suspended planning" that has existed for years.

A river and sea-oriented approach is a breakthrough in thinking. Ho Chi Minh City will tap its natural endowments by using the riverside road from Cu Chi to Can Gio for economic activities associated with a river and night economy. To make the most of the sea, the plan identifies the Can Gio International Transshipment Port and the Can Gio Sea-Encroaching Urban Area as breakthrough projects.

A free trade zone covering thousands of hectares, associated with the city's seaport, will be another big project reaping future economic benefits.

A novel part of the plan is the development of smart urban areas that use digital technology to manage and operate transportation, infrastructure, health care, and education.

Under the plan, HCM City will deploy smart transportation systems, build green, environmentally friendly urban areas, and apply IT to public services to improve city dwellers’ quality of life.

Phan Cong Bang, head of the municipal Urban Railway Management Board, said the plan provides a legal basis for implementing railway projects.

“Under this plan, railway projects are established with specific goals for each stage. In the near future, we’ll include it in the urban railway project to be submitted to the National Assembly as soon as possible for approval,” Bang added.

Ho Chi Minh City's plan until 2030, with a vision to 2050, demonstrates innovative thinking, long-term vision, and a strong determination to open up opportunities for resource attraction and rapid, sustainable development.