HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City’s master plan calls for thecity to be developed into the nation’s largest economic hub for tourism,industrial services and high-tech agriculture by 2040, with a focus on climatechange adaptation.

According to a Government decision on the master plan, the city is expected to have13-14 million people by 2040 and 16 million by 2060. It plans to allocate100,000-110,000ha of land for urbanisation by 2040.

The city will remain the country’s economic and technological hub, focusing oninnovation as part of the national urban development strategy.

Under the master plan, the city will develop a complete infrastructure linkingthe city with neighbouring provinces. The newly established Thu Duc city willbe developed into an innovative city model that will support the development ofHCM City and the southern region.

The city will integrate urban development with transit-oriented development(TOD), including underground-based public transport solutions.

The master plan requires the effective use of the city’s natural conditions andecosystems to protect the environment and adapt to climate change.

The Government has asked the city People’s Committee to develop a plan toallocate capital and approve the total cost estimate, and work with theMinistry of Construction and others to make adjustments to the master plan.

The city has also set a goal by 2060 to become an international trade andfinancial centre in the Asia-Pacific region. The city will create an appealingworking environment with a diverse culture, heritage conservation, and a scenicriver system./.