Ho Chi Minh City to establish development mechanisms

The 14th National Party Congress convenes at a moment of profound significance, marking four decades of persistent "Doi Moi" (Renovation) efforts that have continuously elevated Vietnam’s international standing and prestige.

In a rapidly changing and unpredictable global and regional landscape, the Party faces increasing demands on its leadership and governance capabilities. Against this backdrop, Ho Chi Minh City reflects on the previous term not merely to assess results, but to more clearly define the role, responsibility, and contributions of a major hub toward the strategic goals being determined at the Congress.

Proper policies, effective actions

The previous term unfolded under exceptionally difficult circumstances, characterized by the global pandemic, an international economic downturn, and mounting urbanization pressures. Infrastructure deficits, environmental concerns, population growth, and flooding intensified simultaneously, creating unprecedented strain.

Amidst these trials, the city’s most valuable achievement was its refusal to falter. Ho Chi Minh City maintained its development momentum and successfully upheld its role as the nation’s economic locomotive. This success is measured not only by growth figures but by the city’s methodology in overcoming adversity: steadfastness in its objectives, unity in leadership, decisiveness in direction, and strictness in execution.

Reality has demonstrated that during the most testing times, the leadership of the City Party Committee was most evident through its adherence to principles, emphasis on discipline, and the accountability of every level of government, particularly its top leaders.

A pivotal shift for Ho Chi Minh City during this term has been the modernization of its leadership and management mindset. The city has transitioned from merely addressing immediate issues to adopting a "constructive development" approach.

This involves taking a more proactive stance in designing development spaces, restructuring the economy, innovating growth models, and enhancing governance efficiency. These efforts directly realize the Party's overarching requirements for rapid yet sustainable development, where growth is inextricably linked to improving the quality of life for citizens, and innovation is balanced with discipline and responsibility.

The spirit of being a center of intellect, solidarity, and innovation, as set forth by the 13th Congress, is being integrated into the daily operations of the city’s entire political system. A major hallmark of this term was the National Assembly’s issuance of Resolution 98/2023/QH15 and Resolution 260/2025/QH15 regarding specific mechanisms and policies for the city.

These resolutions affirm a clear strategic vision: Ho Chi Minh City is not just a large locality but a national growth pole. The city does not seek special privileges or favors, but rather the necessary mechanisms to contribute more significantly to national development. This also places a clear demand on the city to implement these mechanisms with seriousness, efficiency, and transparency, turning sound policies into measurable real-world results.

City leadership has clearly identified that while mechanisms are a necessary condition, the sufficient condition is the capacity for implementation.

Daring to think and daring to do must be accompanied by the expertise to execute effectively and the commitment to see projects through to completion. Every policy must be tested against its practical impact, the improvement in people's lives, and the enhanced competitiveness of the city’s economy.

Throughout the term, the city has gradually shifted from a growth model heavily reliant on real estate and traditional services to one based on more sustainable drivers: science and technology, the digital economy, finance, logistics, and modern, environmentally friendly industry. This transition also includes moving from isolated development to regional economic integration, linking more closely with the Southeast region and the Mekong Delta to foster a synergy of economic strengths.

Where converges intelligence, driving force for growth

As Ho Chi Minh City works toward its 2030 goals and 2045 vision, it must assert itself more distinctly as a financial, innovation, and technological hub with deep regional and international connectivity. The city aims to become a civilized, modern metropolis and a dynamic innovation center by 2030, holding a prominent position in Southeast Asia.

By 2045, it strives to be among the top 100 cities in the world for quality of life, serving as an Asian hub for economics, finance, services, education, and healthcare - a globally attractive destination that is sustainable and culturally rich.

To realize these ambitions, the central and ongoing task of the City Party Committee is to build Ho Chi Minh City into a center of intellect, solidarity, and innovation. This requires maintaining strict discipline in leadership and management, improving the quality of the cadre contingent, and pushing for substantive administrative reforms. Strategic infrastructure investment, high-quality human resource development, and nurturing a robust business community remain top priorities. Above all, every policy must remain steadfast in its "people-centered" principle, ensuring that the fruits of development directly serve to make the lives of citizens better, more civilized, and happier.

The 13th term was a period where the City Party Committee overcame immense challenges to maintain its role as the nation's engine and lay the groundwork for a new phase of growth. On this foundation, Ho Chi Minh City enters the 14th Congress with a more proactive and confident stance, carrying a greater responsibility to the Party, the people, and the nation’s future.

Alongside disciplined management, the city places special importance on the strict implementation of the Party Charter and central regulations. The 15-year review of the Party Charter indicates that the continuous refinement of regulations and guidelines has enhanced the leadership capacity and combativeness of Party organizations. For Ho Chi Minh City, this is particularly significant as it operates under a two-tier local government model, managing an increasingly expansive and dynamic development space.