On January 9, the HCMC People’s Committee announced 12 outstanding highlights of the city in 2025, instead of the usual 10. This reflects a comprehensive picture of a year with special historical significance, closely associated with numerous political, economic, cultural, and social events of the city named after President Ho Chi Minh over the past year.
On July 1, 2025, HCMC was enlarged through its merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and at the same time, the two-tier local government model was launched. This was an event of special importance, marking a major transformation in development space organization, urban governance, and regional linkage as the city enters a new phase of growth.
After the merger, HCMC has an area of more than 6,772 square kilometers and a population of over 14 million. With its space expanded, the city established a development model of “three regions – one special zone – three corridors – five pillars,” reflecting comprehensive development thinking, clear functional differentiation among areas, maximization of comparative advantages, and the creation of sustainable growth momentum for the entire southern region.
Specifically, the former Binh Duong area is oriented toward high-tech industrial development; the former Ba Ria-Vung Tau area serves as a hub for the marine economy, coastal tourism, clean energy, and logistics; and the former HCMC area functions as the urban core, focusing on high technology, high-quality services, and international finance. The Con Dao Special Zone is oriented toward green, sustainable island tourism and represents a space of distinctive ecological, historical, and cultural value.
The three development corridors include the North–South corridor along the Saigon River toward the sea; the eastern corridor connecting Ba Ria-Vung Tau with Can Gio; and the East–West corridor linking Dong Nai and Tay Ninh provinces via National Highway 1A and the Xuyen A route. These corridors play a key role in connecting infrastructure, urban areas, and logistics, forming an integrated and synchronized development network.
The city’s five development pillars are high-tech industry; logistics linked with seaports, airports, and free trade zones; the International Financial Center in HCMC; tourism and cultural industries; and education, healthcare, science, and technology. These are key sectors with strong spillover effects, forming the foundation for long-term growth and improved quality of life.
The implementation of the two-tier local government model from July 1, 2025, together with the reorganization of development space, is considered a major reform in organizational structure and governance methods. To date, the administrative apparatus from city to ward, commune, and special zone levels has gradually become more stable, with officials and civil servants increasingly better serving residents and businesses.
With the goal of becoming a civilized, modern metropolis with a prominent position in Southeast Asia by 2030, and a vision of ranking among the world’s top 100 cities by 2045, the merger of HCMC, Binh Duong, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau; the implementation of the two-tier local government model; and the shaping of development space under the “three regions – one special zone – three corridors – five pillars” framework are assessed as strategic milestones, laying the foundation for the city’s long-term, sustainable development and that of the country as a whole.
Millions of people came together for the A50 “National Great Unity Festival,” creating an event and festival that attracted the largest public participation in HCMC and nationwide since national reunification.
The year 2025 marked a memorable milestone in the development journey of HCMC, as the city and the nation celebrated the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and the reunification of the nation (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025). This was an opportunity to reflect on the city’s development path while honoring the historical, cultural, and sporting values that have shaped modern HCMC.
This was a national-level event organized by the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, the State President, the Government, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and HCMC government. A wide range of activities took place at locations such as Bach Dang Wharf Park, Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Le Loi Boulevard, and surrounding areas, including a photography road exhibition, a light festival, drone performances, floating lantern boats, artistic fireworks, water sports, and art programs in former Thu Duc City and other districts, along with extensive educational, gratitude, and social welfare activities for policy families and individuals with meritorious service.
In particular, the military parade and public march commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation the south and the reunification of the country in April 2025 were regarded as a major and special event, attracting unprecedented public participation in HCMC since reunification.
The event involved numerous central and city-level forces and units. However, the core factor behind its success was the people themselves—millions of hearts turning toward the celebration of 50 years of the liberation of the south and the reunification of the nation.
The event was further enriched by the Party and State’s conferral of the title “Hero of Labor” on the Party organization, government, and people of HCMC, in recognition of their outstanding achievements in Covid-19 prevention and control and in economic and social recovery, contributing to socialist construction and national defense.
Although the parade and march took place on the morning of April 30, 2025, the national celebration began with rehearsals and full dress rehearsals from mid-April. Millions of residents of HCMC and other provinces took to the streets to welcome the parade units, creating an unprecedented festive atmosphere. The people themselves formed the largest “parade contingent,” shaping the extraordinary spirit of the 50th celebration.
Beyond organizational success and security assurance, the event represented a powerful convergence of public emotion—stemming not only from the grandeur of the parade but also from reflections on the profound transformation of the country and the city over 50 years. After half a century, HCMC has become a modern metropolis with an economy and population many times larger.
The 50th anniversary coincided with the city achieving major socio-economic and infrastructure milestones, reaffirming its role as the nation’s economic engine and entering a phase of strong advancement toward becoming a major regional and global center.
Thus, the national celebration was not merely a commemoration, but a crystallization of achievements, emotions, and optimism for the future.
From October 13 to 15, 2025, HCMC held the First Congress of the HCMC Party Committee for the 2025–2030 term. This congress held special historical significance, taking place as the city had just completed its merger, expanded its development space, and implemented the two-tier local government model, posing new demands for vision, thinking, and leadership methods.
The congress was honored to welcome Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and many current and former leaders of the Party and State. Their presence demonstrated the central authorities’ deep concern, confidence, and high expectations for the city’s Party organization and people in the city’s role as one of the nation’s leading growth engines.
The congress approved 30 key targets for the 2025–2030 period across economic, social, urban, environmental, defense, security, and Party-building fields. Notable targets include average GRDP growth of 10–11% per year; per capita GRDP of US$14,000–15,000 by 2030; average total investments equivalent to 35–40% of GRDP over five years; and the digital economy accounting for 30–40% of GRDP. By 2030, the city aims to reach 35.1 hospital beds, 21 doctors, and 35 nurses per 10,000 people; at least 300 classrooms per 10,000 school-age residents; and an additional 199,400 social homes. From 2026, residents will receive free annual health check-ups or screenings and be provided with electronic health records for lifecycle health management.
The congress also adopted three breakthrough, priority programs for the 2025–2030 term, focusing on policies and institutions, infrastructure development, and human resource development.
To achieve these goals, the congress approved 10 major tasks, including fast and sustainable economic development driven by science, technology, and innovation; comprehensive digital and green transformation; development of a knowledge and creative economy integrated into global value chains; re-architecting development space under a multi-polar, integrated, and super-connected approach; mobilizing all resources to build a modern, synchronized infrastructure system; developing advanced Vietnamese culture rich in national identity; fostering HCMC residents with integrity, compassion, and creativity; strengthening education, healthcare, governance, and Party building; and building a capable, responsible, and innovative cadre workforce.
Prior to the congress, 167 wards and communes, and one special zone in HCMC successfully held their first Party congresses for the 2025–2030 term. These grassroots congresses were conducted rigorously and in accordance with regulations, reflecting strong responsibility, aspiration, and development ambition across localities.
Notably, the drafting of the city Party Congress documents received broad and responsible participation from officials, Party members, citizens, and the business community, with many practical and insightful contributions incorporated—demonstrating public trust and expectations for a more dynamic and effective development phase.
Immediately after the congress, the city focused on implementing the Resolution through concrete action programs, projects, and tasks with clear responsibilities and timelines, ensuring swift translation of resolutions into practice.
Following the historic merger of HCMC, Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, the expanded city promptly addressed the urgent task of building a solid institutional “framework” to ensure stable and efficient operation of the megacity, creating strong momentum for a new development phase.
The centerpiece of this strategy was the National Assembly’s adoption of Resolution 260 (which revises and supplements Resolution 98 on special policies and mechanisms for HCMC development). The second meeting of the HCMC Party Committee identified this as a “golden opportunity” for institutional breakthroughs, providing a wide legal corridor and marking a fundamental shift from seeking pilot mechanisms to being granted authority with accountability.
This platform enables the city to apply special investment procedures, operate the International Financial Center, establish free trade zones, embrace transit-oriented development (TOD) for urban development, enhance international competitiveness and attract strategic investors and high-quality human resources to support double-digit GRDP growth in 2026–2030.
In parallel, the new HCMC People’s Council held streamlined thematic sessions, promptly issued resolutions, avoided legal gaps, and reviewed and replaced outdated resolutions. As a result, the People’s Council held seven sessions and issued 247 resolutions, while grassroots councils issued more than 2,707 resolutions, strengthening legal consistency and governance effectiveness.
The city also passed numerous socially significant resolutions, notably establishing a comprehensive social security network across generations. These include full health insurance support for seniors aged 65–74, full health insurance subsidies for students, and from 2026, comprehensive support for orphans, children with disabilities, and poor households.
HCMC’s approach serves as a vivid and valuable model for replication nationwide.
HCMC left a strong mark through a series of activities under the theme “National Great Unity Festival,” helping spread the spirit of great national solidarity through a wide range of diverse, practical and meaningful initiatives.
Through programs providing livelihood support and organizing community “unity meals,” the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in HCMC, together with wards, communes and special zones, supported residents with a total value of more than VND84 billion. At the same time, Tet support programs delivered over 367,036 gift packages worth around VND265.18 billion, while 899 “unity homes” were built or repaired at a total cost exceeding VND44.8 billion. The city also implemented 1,974 projects in response to the “City of vibrant colors” campaign, launched 1,680 “Solidarity – Compassion – Self-governance” residential communities, and actively rolled out the “Digital Literacy for All” movement, contributing to the development of a civilised, modern, compassionate city with a high quality of life.
Social welfare was identified as a consistent priority before, during and after the First Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in HCMC and the First Congress of the City’s socio-political organizations for the 2025–2030 term. In particular, under the spirit of “HCMC– for the whole country, with the whole country,” residents made substantial contributions of labor and resources, donating more than VND340 billion to support communities in central and northern Vietnam affected by storms and floods in 2025. These efforts strongly reflected the compassionate character of the city’s people.
In line with directives from the Politburo on addressing flood damage in the central region, HCMC leaders organized delegations to visit affected areas and delivered VND50 billion, more than 2,900 tons of essential supplies, 10,000 life jackets, and 10,000 medical kits, while mobilizing medical personnel, volunteers, transport vehicles, machinery and equipment to support recovery efforts in Khanh Hoa Province.
In addition, funds contributed by residents to the “For the Homeland’s Seas and Islands – For the Nation’s Frontline” program were used to implement numerous meaningful projects with a total value of VND44.15 billion. Notably, the project to connect the Con Dao Special Zone to the national power grid – described as a historic breakthrough – was completed ahead of schedule and officially connected on September 1, 2025, providing a stable electricity supply to more than 12,000 residents.
Upholding the tradition of “remembering the source of our prosperity,” the Vietnam Fatherland Front committees at all levels and their member organizations regularly organized activities to care for and support Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, policy beneficiary families and people with meritorious service to the revolution, with total funding of VND15 billion.
The year 2025 marked a major turning point in HCMC’s economic development. Beyond concluding the 2021–2025 five-year socio-economic development plan, the year also saw the city shape a new development space under the model of “three regions – one special zone – three corridors – five pillars,” following the completion of the merger of HCMC, Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau.
HCMC continued to affirm its role as the nation’s economic engine, with strong growth across its ecosystems of services, tourism, industry, logistics, start-ups and innovation. The city has increasingly consolidated its advantages in institutions, governance and digital transformation.
In 2025, HCMC GRDP growth was estimated at 7.53% and would be 8.03% if oil revenue was excluded. Total GRDP reached an estimated VND3 quadrillion, accounting for 23.5% of the nation’s GDP, while per capita GRDP reached US$8,755, 1.7 times the national average. The city’s budget revenue was estimated at more than VND800 trillion, surpassing the central Government’s target by 19.1% and the city’s People’s Council target by 14.7%. Foreign direct investment (FDI) reached US$8.16 billion, nearly 60,000 new enterprises were established with total registered and additional capital exceeding VND2 quadrillion. Retail sales grew 15.5%. Tourism revenue reached nearly VND278.6 trillion, up a staggering 45.8% year-on-year, and industrial production was estimated to rise 8.9%, compared with 5.7% in the same period last year, indicating a strong recovery and growth in the industrial sector.
Another strategic highlight was the Government’s announcement of the establishment of an International Financial Center in Vietnam, with dual hubs in HCMC and Danang City. On this occasion, the city also launched the operating authority of the International Financial Center in HCMC (IFC-HCM). This is a pivotal step aimed at enhancing HCMC’s role within the regional financial network, thereby attracting medium- and long-term capital flows and developing high-quality financial services.
Overall, 2025 is not only the year marking the completion of socio-economic targets for the 2021–2025 period, but also a year in which HCMC lays important foundations for a new development cycle. With a solid economic growth base, improved living standards, and in particular the establishment of the IFC, the city is gradually asserting its position as a dynamic, deeply integrated metropolis, maintaining its role as the nation’s “growth engine” and creating momentum toward a GRDP growth target of over 10% in 2026.
The year 2025 marked a strong transformation for HCMC, with a series of infrastructure, transport and urban renovation projects inaugurated and put into operation, contributing to an increasingly modern and civilized urban landscape.
During the year, the city inaugurated and implemented a range of key projects, including the Tran Quoc Hoan – Cong Hoa road, Component 1 of HCMC Beltway No.3, and the Thuy Van coastal road renovation and Thuy Van Square development project.
At the same time, three gateway hospitals of the city — Thu Duc Regional General Hospital, Hoc Mon Regional General Hospital and Cu Chi Regional General Hospital — with total investment capital of VND10 trillion, were inaugurated. These projects help strengthen healthcare capacity, ease pressure on central-level hospitals and improve healthcare services for the population.
Urban renewal efforts continued to be intensified through numerous environmental and technical infrastructure projects, such as the Nuoc Den Canal, Tham Luong – Ben Cat – Rach Nuoc Len Canal, and the northern bank of Kenh Doi Canal, creating greener, cleaner and more liveable spaces for residents. Central public spaces such as Bach Dang Wharf and Me Linh Park were given a new look rich in local identity, becoming popular destinations for residents and visitors. The city also introduced new landmarks including Tam Thang Tower in Vung Tau Ward, the Phu Tho Circus and Multi-purpose Performance Complex, and inaugurated the HCMC Innovation and Startup Center, a core hub for innovation and international connectivity.
In particular, the city broke ground on the Ben Thanh – Can Gio high-speed railway, Vietnam’s first high-speed railway with direct private-sector involvement. The project not only reflects HCMC’s “dare to think, dare to do” spirit in realizing resolutions of the first HCMC Party Congress, but also represents a concrete outcome of synchronised implementation of the Politburo’s strategic resolutions, especially Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development, creating new momentum for infrastructure development and sustainable growth in the coming period.
Alongside this, HCMC also focused on developing public spaces in the near future to meet the growing needs of residents. A typical example is the green park and public recreational complex, including a Covid-19 memorial, planned on an area of about 6.8 hectares with total investment of nearly VND1.4 trillion, to be built at No.1 Ly Thai To Street, Vuon Lai Ward. The project is meant to express gratitude and remembrance for victims who passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, while also integrating underground space development to optimise land use, enhance land value, maximize space efficiency, meet community needs and reduce traffic pressure on surrounding roads.
All these factors together have created a vivid development picture, reflecting HCMC’s strategic vision and aspiration to rise further in 2025 and beyond — toward a major metropolis that continues to break through and pursue more sustainable development in a new era.
The year 2025 is regarded as a milestone for HCMC’s tourism sector, as it achieved comprehensive development in scale, quality and international standing. Beyond a strong recovery, tourism has risen to become a spearhead service sector, directly contributing to economic growth, promoting international cooperation and enhancing the image of a dynamic, open and increasingly integrated city.
The most prominent highlight of the year was HCMC’s pioneering implementation of an international-scale “event-within-an-event” model. For the first time, four major events — the HCMC International Travel Expo, the 12th General Assembly of the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO), the International Goods Supply Chain Connectivity Exhibition, and the HCMC Export Forum — were held simultaneously, forming an International Economic and Tourism Week. This model demonstrated the city’s inter-sector coordination capacity, professional organisational level and leadership role in regional cooperation.
Within this series, the HCMC International Travel Expo served as the core event, directly directed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the HCMC People’s Committee, and sponsored by tourism ministries from five Mekong sub-region countries. The event brought together 550 international guests, 41 high-level delegations, 256 international buyers, more than 500 enterprises, attracted 46,000 visitors, and generated over 20,000 business appointments. Its repeated recognition as Asia’s Leading MICE Trade Show affirmed the city’s credibility and capacity in hosting international events.
The economic impact of innovation in promotion models was clearly reflected in impressive growth figures. International visitor numbers rose from 6.1 million to 8.6 million, while tourism revenue increased from VND190 trillion to nearly VND278.6 trillion, accounting for more than one-third of the national tourism sector’s total. In 2024, tourism contributed 10.73% to the city’s GRDP, and this number was expected to continue rising in 2025.
Notably, of the city’s total budget revenue in 2025 was estimated at over VND800 trillion, with tourism accounting for one-third, underscoring the sector’s vital role in the city’s economic structure. Beyond growth, HCMC tourism also earned numerous prestigious international awards at the TPO Best Awards, World Travel Awards and International Business Awards, reinforcing the city’s image as a leading event hub and a dynamic, creative and highly competitive destination in Asia.
The year 2025 marked a strategic shift for HCMC in the development of science, technology, innovation and startups, initiating the strong implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW. With a facilitating and guiding role, the city government accompanied the scientific, technological and business communities, promoting connectivity, cooperation and sharing to effectively mobilize intellectual, technological and market resources. A notable milestone was the operation of the HCMC Innovation and Startup Center.
The contribution of science and technology to growth became increasingly evident. Total Factor Productivity (TFP) contributed about 59% to GRDP growth, reflecting a substantive shift toward a knowledge- and innovation-based growth model. HCMC ranked second nationwide in the number of science and technology enterprises, with an average of 9,300 intellectual property protection applications per year, demonstrating rising creative capacity and intellectual asset management.
The innovation startup ecosystem continued to grow strongly, affirming its national leadership role by accounting for over 50% of startups nationwide, with more than 2,000 startup enterprises, 18 startup support centers, 55 incubators, nearly 200 science and technology enterprises, and numerous open innovation spaces. The value of HCMC’s startup ecosystem ranked third in Southeast Asia at US$5.2 billion, placing 110th among 1,000 cities with the most dynamic ecosystems globally. With synchronized investment in science and technology infrastructure and more than 21,000 professionals in the field, the city attracted major global technology corporations such as NVIDIA, G42, Siemens, Qualcomm and Marvell to establish R&D centers, contributing to building an international-scale knowledge and technology network.
In investing in science and technology, the city consistently placed people at the center, most notably through digital transformation in administrative reform and in addressing essential needs in healthcare and education.
With its expanded area and larger population after administrative restructuring, HCMC ensured continuous and smooth public service provision during the transition to a two-tier local government model. Data-driven governance, citizen request handling, and models such as Digital Citizen Stations, self-service kiosks and smart robots at the Public Administration Service Center helped shape an image of a modern, transparent, people-centered government.
Digital transformation in healthcare was implemented substantively and in depth, delivering direct benefits to patients. By 2025, 99% of hospitals and 163 out of 164 healthcare facilities had implemented electronic medical records; 2.9 million digital health records were integrated into VNeID; and AI technology was effectively applied to diagnostic imaging support at tertiary hospitals. With interconnected electronic records and digital health books, doctors can quickly access medical histories, improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce redundant, costly tests for patients. These strong advances are gradually positioning HCMC as a high-tech medical tourism hub in Southeast Asia, attracting international patients for treatment using advanced, robot- and AI-assisted techniques.
In education, HCMC made a breakthrough by implementing the “Digital School” model citywide. Digital report cards, electronic lesson plans and digital signatures became mandatory standards; the “Borderless Classroom” model was widely deployed, directly connecting with international schools. This not only formed a comprehensive digital education ecosystem, but also expanded access to modern and equitable education for students from Con Dao Special Zone to provinces such as Lao Cai and Dien Bien, spreading a spirit of sharing and knowledge connectivity.
Digital transformation in education brought fundamental changes in teaching and learning quality. Teachers were relieved of administrative paperwork to focus on professional work; parents could easily accompany and monitor their children’s daily learning via applications; students learned along pathways suited to individual abilities rather than rigid templates — forming a solid foundation for building a happy education system.
Literature, arts, journalism, media and sports in HCMC continued to affirm their roles and responsibilities in social life. Cultural and sports activities contributed to spreading national pride, nurturing patriotism and reinforcing public confidence in the city’s and the country’s development, with highlights including major events such as the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and the reunification of the nation, the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day , and Party congresses at all levels.
HCMC’s literature and arts scene stood out with activities commemorating major national holidays, notably the recognition of 50 literary and artistic works from 1975–2025. Cultural industry development policies showed clear effectiveness through the boom in concerts and mega music events, and box office revenue with 11 Vietnamese films surpassing the VND100-billion mark. The city’s theater scene also left strong impressions at domestic and international festivals, reaffirming its cultural and artistic standing.
Numerous vibrant activities commemorating 100 years of Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day and 50 years of HCMC Press held special significance in recognising the contributions of the ideological and cultural vanguard. Over the past half-century, the city’s media sector has undergone continuous innovation, working alongside central and local media organizations based in the city to promptly bring Party and State policies into life, actively combat corruption and negative practices, effectively perform social criticism, spread humanitarian values, proactively counter misinformation, and help maintain social trust — worthy of its position as a leading, modern and dynamic national media hub.
HCMC sports in 2025 once again affirmed its national leadership role. With 147 medals, particularly strong performances in swimming and athletics, the city’s student delegation ranked first overall at the National High School Sports Games. Notably, a Vovinam mass performance involving the largest number of students in the world was recognised by Guinness World Records, creating a strong impact on school sports. Women’s football maintained high achievements, while the 2025 HCMC International Marathon attracted over 23,000 runners, contributing to promoting the image of a dynamic and globally integrated city.
In 2025, HCMC was recognized by UNESCO as the first “Creative City of Film” in Southeast Asia. This title acknowledged the city’s creative capacity with 935 enterprises and over 9,000 workers in the film and television sector, while opening new development directions for the film industry. Immediately after joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the city demonstrated proactive engagement through the success of the 24th Vietnam Film Festival, the launch of the “HCMC Film Production Destination Guide”, and the organisation of multiple workshops on film policy, infrastructure and development models.
In 2025, the HCMC Armed Forces and two units under the city’s police — the Internal Security Division and the Special Criminal Police Team under the Criminal Police Division — were honoured by the State President with the title Hero of the People’s Armed Forces. The defence and security posture continued to be firmly strengthened, ensuring absolute safety for the city’s development.
The city’s armed forces were among exemplary units in organizational streamlining toward modernization, advising, coordinating and organising contingents participating in the parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and the reunification of the nation, leaving a deep and widespread impact. In 2025, HCMC recorded the highest military conscription quota nationwide, with nearly 5,000 citizens enlisted, completing 100% of assigned targets with improving quality, and stood as a national model in implementing military rear support policy.
The armed forces played a core role in coordinating and ensuring absolute security and safety for numerous major political, diplomatic and cultural events of the city and the country, under high pressure, wide protection scope and extended duration. Internal security, economic security, social security, cybersecurity, and information and communications security were comprehensively and deeply implemented, ensuring political stability while creating a safe, transparent and favourable environment for investment, production, business and international integration. This helped reinforce the image of a stable, safe and friendly HCMC, enhancing Vietnam’s credibility and standing internationally.
Crime prevention and control were implemented with the spirit of “no forbidden zones, no exceptions”, with successive high-intensity campaigns conducted in a structured, focused and targeted manner, combining social prevention and professional measures. As a result, social order crimes were contained and sharply reduced, down more than 24% year-on-year; crimes directly infringing on people’s lives declined significantly compared with 2024, with property-related crimes falling by over 29%. Many major economic and drug-related cases were detected and dismantled.
The comprehensive and profound achievements of the HCMC Armed Forces in 2025 continued to affirm the core role of the military and police in safeguarding national defence, security and social order.
Guided by Politburo Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new context, the city’s Foreign Affairs Development Strategy to 2030, and the Resolution adopted at the First HCMC Party Congress, the city’s external relations work left strong marks from strategy to practice across all pillars: political diplomacy, economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchange.
The city successfully organized more than 70 regional- and international-level external events across political, economic, cultural and tourism fields, including the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and the reunification of the country, the United Nations Vesak Day 2025, the Autumn Economic Forum, the ASEAN–Italy High-Level Dialogue, the TPO General Assembly, and the ICF Global Summit. Cultural diplomacy events at home and abroad also generated strong impact, such as the arts program in Busan, South Korea marking 30 years of HCMC–Busan friendship, the inauguration of the International Friendship Monument at Bach Dang Wharf Park, and the Friendship Walk celebrating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s diplomatic sector.
The city hosted 11 visiting heads of state; city leaders conducted over 500 meetings with foreign partners; and signed six international cooperation memoranda in priority development areas such as science and technology, innovation, green economy, financial centers, environment and healthcare. After administrative restructuring, the city’s international cooperation space expanded to 87 twinned localities worldwide, forming a broad connectivity network that helps maintain political trust and promote multi-sector cooperation.
These efforts and achievements in HCMC’s foreign affairs in 2025 not only affirmed its pioneering role in sub-national international cooperation, but also helped spread the spirit of “diplomacy serving development”, build trust, promote cooperation, and enhance the role, credibility and standing of Vietnam in general and HCMC in particular — as an open city, a safe, friendly and highly potential destination in the region and the world.
