HCMC – The Ministry of Construction has proposed reducing the country’s urban classification system from five categories to three and adding criteria for green and smart city development.
The draft resolution, now under review by the Ministry of Justice, would classify cities into Class I, II and III. It would remove the provincial-level Class I category and exclude the “special” and Class V classifications.
Hanoi City and HCMC would remain designated as special cities. Other centrally governed cities would be classified as Class I. Provinces seeking to establish centrally governed cities must meet Class I standards and follow planning and development requirements.
If a centrally governed city is created for administrative or socio-economic reasons, provincial authorities would have 36 months to conduct an assessment and submit the classification for approval.
Urban areas would need at least one ward meeting Class II or III standards. Newly established urban zones must have a minimum population of 20,000, a density of 300 people per square kilometer, and at least 40% of workers in non-agricultural sectors.
The draft reduces classification criteria from five groups to three, including economic and social development conditions, level of urbanization, and infrastructure and spatial planning. It also introduces new standards for green development, smart cities, and climate resilience.
Recognition authority would be decentralized. The prime minister would approve only special cities, the Ministry of Construction would handle Class I, while provincial governments would recognize Class II, Class III, and wards.
