Ho Chi Minh City sets out five development zones in proposed master plan
The expanded city's planning proposal combines financial, technology and maritime hubs with a rail network and a 55–60% public transport target.
Five zones with distinct economic roles would guide Ho Chi Minh City's expansion under its proposed 2025–2050 master plan, which takes a 100-year view. Municipal People's Committee Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Cuong presented the proposal to councillors on 29 October 2026.
The city now encompasses nearly 6,800 square kilometres and around 14 million people following the merger with the former provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau. The proposal would link central districts to manufacturing areas, ports and coastal tourism destinations.
- Finance and administration: Saigon, Cho Lon, Thu Thiem and areas on both sides of the Saigon River would house financial services, creative industries and other high-end services.
- Technology: Thu Duc, Thuan An, Di An and Thu Dau Mot would emphasise semiconductors, AI, universities, startups and research, with links to Long Thanh.
- Healthcare and education: Vinh Loc, Binh Loi and Binh Chanh would combine medical, teaching and research facilities with ecologically focused urban development.
- Industry and logistics: Binh Duong, Ben Cat and Bau Bang would be among the locations for advanced manufacturing, high-tech activities and regional distribution.
- Maritime trade and energy: Chau Duc, Vung Tau, Cai Mep, Phu My and Can Gio would accommodate transshipment ports, free trade zones, logistics and maritime industries.
Transport proposals include an urban railway network of 18 lines covering about 961 kilometres, supplemented by around 450 kilometres of light rail and surface trams. The city wants public transport to carry 55–60% of passenger travel and plans to align urban expansion with transit.
The proposal also provides for five satellite centres and 10 zones for managing development. It calls for protection of the Saigon and Dong Nai rivers and Can Gio's ecological and landscape assets.
The municipal People's Council will consider the proposal. Endorsement would allow the chairman of the city's People's Committee to approve it.
