June 2025 marks a historic milestone in Vietnam’s development, as the National Assembly passed Resolution 202/2025/QH15 on June 12, approving the restructuring of provincial-level administrative units. This landmark decision paves the way for the creation of a greater Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) through the merger of Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces into the current HCMC. The estimated gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of this megacity surpasses VND2.7 quadrillion, contributing nearly one-fourth of the national total. This positions the new HCMC as a highly anticipated economic powerhouse, poised to become a leading center for commerce, science, and technology on both regional and global scales. However, unlocking this immense potential requires a strategic, well-coordinated development plan with a long-term vision. To gain deeper insights into the planning framework and key economic growth drivers for the promising megacity, The Saigon Times spoke with Pham Tran Hai, who holds a Ph.D. and works for the HCMC Institute for Development Studies. Local authorities decide, act and take responsibility The Saigon Times: What opportunities and challenges will arise from the merger of HCMC, Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces in shaping a unified and effective planning strategy for the megacity? Pham Tran […]