HCMC – The National Assembly on April 20 reviewed a Government proposal to convert Dong Nai Province into a centrally governed city, with a proposed effective date of April 30, 2026.
The proposal was presented by Minister of Home Affairs Do Thanh Binh under authorization from the prime minister during the second phase of the NA’s first sitting.
The Government said that the plan meets all legal requirements under the 2025 Law on Local Government Organization and Resolution 112/2025 of the National Assembly Standing Committee. Dong Nai fulfills all five conditions and seven criteria required for centrally governed city status.
Under the proposal, the new city would be formed based on the current status of Dong Nai Province, covering 12,737 square kilometers with a population of about 4.49 million. It would comprise 95 commune-level administrative units, including 33 wards and 62 communes, with no change in area or population.
The NA’s Legal and Judicial Committee backed the proposal, citing sufficient legal grounds and high approval from local voters and the provincial People’s Council. It recommended that lawmakers adopt the resolution and agree on the proposed effective date.
The Government said the move would support regional development, positioning Dong Nai as a key economic link connecting HCMC with other regions, supported by transport, industrial, and logistics infrastructure, including Long Thanh International Airport.
The proposal was discussed as part of the National Assembly’s ongoing session, which also reviewed socio-economic performance and policy measures.
According to the Government, Vietnam met or exceeded all 15 major socio-economic targets in 2025, with GDP growth at 8.02% and the economy reaching US$514 billion. Inflation remained under control, and social programs included the removal of more than 334,000 substandard homes and the construction of over 102,000 social housing units.
In early 2026, GDP growth was estimated at 7.83%, while the consumer price index averaged 3.51%. State budget revenue in the first quarter reached an estimated VND829.4 trillion, up 11.4% year-on-year. Foreign direct investment totaled US$5.4 billion, rising 9.1%, and total trade reached US$249.5 billion, up 23%.
The Government targets a 10% increase in budget revenue and plans to cut at least 30% of public investment projects in 2026–2030. It also aims to reduce administrative compliance time and costs by 50% and cut at least 30% of conditional business sectors, while removing unnecessary business requirements.
