Developing Dong Nai commensurate with the stature of modern metropolis 

Dong Nai is standing on the threshold of a new phase as it is about to become a centrally governed city. This transformation is not merely a change in administrative designation but an affirmation of a new growth pole, a modern, smart, and liveable metropolis.

A view of Tran Bien ward, a key urban center in Dong Nai province. Photo: Cong Nghia

Residents have high expectations for a city with balanced development, where systematic planning is aligned with the expansion of green spaces, and economic growth is closely associated with sustainable social welfare.

Nguyen Van Linh, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Center for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion

Creating favorable conditions to promote trade promotion activities in the context of international integration

Trade promotion plays a pivotal role in supporting businesses in brand promotion, market linkage, and value enhancement for Dong Nai’s specialty products, key products, and One Commune One Product (OCOP) items. As Dong Nai becomes a centrally governed city, it is expected to open up new opportunities and create favorable conditions for key products, OCOP products, and typical rural industrial products to enhance production capacity and expand their reach to both domestic and international markets. At the same time, this transformation will provide a foundation for elevating trade promotion activities in the context of increasingly deep and comprehensive international integration, commensurate with Dong Nai’s stature and position in its new development phase.

I believe that when Dong Nai develops into a centrally governed city with many strategic infrastructure projects, especially the Long Thanh International Airport, trade promotion activities will continue to receive greater attention and innovation. This will contribute to enhancing the province’s image, attracting investment resources, and driving its socio-economic development in the coming period.

Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Principal of Xuan Hung Primary School (Xuan Hoa commune)

Expectations for breakthrough policies to improve the quality of education and training

As Dong Nai becomes a centrally governed city, I expect the province to continue investing heavily in facilities, equipment, and educational infrastructure in line with its new status. I hope that leaders at all levels will continue to pay attention to and invest in a synchronized system of physical infrastructure, auxiliary facilities, digital teaching equipment, smart classrooms, and digital libraries, etc. At the same time, greater efforts are needed to expand the construction of modern schools, increasing the number of institutions meeting national standards at levels 1 and 2, with a particular focus on rural, disadvantaged, and border areas.

I believe that improving the quality of human resources in the education and training sector will continue to be prioritized by the locality through organizing regular training sessions on professional expertise, active teaching methods, the application of information technology, and digital transformation. At the same time, the locality will develop and implement breakthrough policies to attract talent and a highly skilled workforce to public educational institutions.

Nguyen Cong An, CEO of Eco Technology 2A Joint Stock Company (Tran Bien ward)

A great opportunity for businesses to engage more deeply in global supply chains

Dong Nai’s transition to a centrally governed city will create a structural shift for the business development environment, particularly across three key areas. First, as it moves toward this status, Dong Nai will have greater conditions to prioritize substantial investment in digital infrastructure, data centers, smart logistics, and high-tech parks. This will help businesses easily access advanced technological platforms, including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain, for application in production, management, and product traceability.

In addition, with its strategic proximity to Ho Chi Minh City and major projects such as the Long Thanh International Airport, Dong Nai is poised to emerge as an international transit hub. This will create favorable conditions for local businesses to deepen their participation in global supply chains, especially in agriculture, processing industries, and export sectors.

Le Anh Tuan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee

of Tan An commune

Tan An opens up new development space driven by urbanization

In addition, upgrading Dong Nai to a centrally governed city will promote urban spatial planning, expanding residential areas, industrial parks, and modern services. With its location adjacent to the provincial center, Tan An commune will have the opportunity to attract investment, enhance land values, and facilitate the transition of its economic structure from agriculture to industry and services

Nguyen Xuan Thoi, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Dau Giay commune

Facilitating the restructuring of the agricultural sector in a modern direction

I see the orientation for Dong Nai to develop into a centrally governed city as an important turning point, opening up many great opportunities for the province. First of all, this will be a key driver for comprehensive socio-economic development, particularly in transport infrastructure, urban development, and the attraction of both domestic and foreign investment.

For the agricultural sector, I expect this process will create favorable conditions for restructuring the industry toward a modern direction, applying high technology, increasing added value, and developing sustainably. Farmers will have greater access to science and technology, markets, and supportive State policies.

Besides that, the upgrade to centrally governed city status also requires a shift in production thinking from small-scale models to value chain–linked production, closely associated with the development of local agricultural brands. Farmers’ Associations at all levels will continue to serve as a vital bridge, supporting their members throughout the process of adaptation and development.

Bui Huu Chat (in Long Binh ward)

Dong Nai will become an independent growth pole

With the gradual completion of Long Thanh International Airport and the expressway network, I expect Dong Nai to become an independent growth pole for logistics, trade, and aviation services nationwide. From being regarded as the cradle of traditional industrial parks, Dong Nai now has the basis to transform into a high-tech center, attracting industries such as semiconductors and clean energy, while promoting the development of eco-industrial parks.

To optimize resources and aim for sustainable development and building a modern metropolis, I believe Dong Nai should focus on several key pillars, including the development of a communication strategy and brand positioning. The province needs a professional urban marketing strategy to reposition its image. Instead of just being known as a giant "factory," the province needs to strongly communicate the image of a smart, ecological, and livable city, serving as a modern industrial-logistics hub. A well-organized promotion will contribute to attracting talent, international experts, and new-generation foreign direct investment inflows more effectively.

Furthermore, it is essential to prioritize substantial investment in specialized healthcare and social welfare. A major metropolis requires a high-quality healthcare system. Creating favorable conditions for the development and expansion of integrated training–research–treatment models and high-tech medical centers will help meet the needs of the new population class. High-quality healthcare services are the 'key' to retaining talent and experts, allowing them to settle in the locality with peace of mind. instead of having to flock to Ho Chi Minh City for such services.

By Group of  Reporters – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha