Loc Ninh moves toward sustainable urban development

Emerging from a land steeped in historical traditions and now undergoing a strong transformation within the broader current of development, Loc Ninh commune in Dong Nai province has gradually accumulated the necessary conditions to be upgraded to ward status. In addition to meeting criteria for population and area, the locality stands out for its strategic transport connectivity, a steadily expanding industrial–service base, and an increasingly well-developed infrastructure system.

National Highway 13 running through the center of Loc Ninh commune serves as a traffic artery. Photo: Van Hung

On April 14, the National Assembly  (NA) Standing Committee issued Resolution No. 237/NQ-UBTVQH16 on the establishment of 10 wards in Dong Nai, including Loc Ninh ward, effective from April 30, 2026. More than an inevitable administrative adjustment, this milestone signals the beginning of a new urban development phase - one shaped by dynamism, modernity, and sustainability.

A solid foundation from administrative consolidation

The new Loc Ninh commune was formed through the merger of the entire natural area and population of Loc Ninh township and the two communes of Loc Thai and Loc Thuan. Rather than a simple expansion in terms of space and population, the merger reflects the convergence of long-standing historical, cultural, and economic elements.

Covering 67.51 square kilometers and home to over 31,000 residents, Loc Ninh fully satisfies the criteria for a commune-level administrative unit, thereby laying the groundwork for its transition to a ward model. Equally important, the pre-merger areas share geographical proximity, similar development conditions, and close socio-economic ties, which has facilitated administrative restructuring while reinforcing the locality’s overall strength.

For local residents, these changes are already tangible. Tran Thi Muoi Hai, a resident of Loc Thai 8 hamlet, noted that initial concerns over administrative restructuring have given way to growing confidence as the process has been implemented swiftly and effectively. With the commune set to become a ward and the province aiming for centrally governed city status, expectations for improved living standards have become increasingly concrete.

This confidence is grounded not only in future prospects but also in visible improvements. The expanded administrative space has enabled more integrated planning and more efficient use of land, population, and infrastructure resources, key drivers of urbanization.

A major advantage of Loc Ninh lies in its strategic location and transport connectivity. National Highway 13, running through the commune’s center, functions not only as a traffic artery but also as a catalyst for socio-economic development. From this corridor, Loc Ninh is well connected to industrial zones and major urban centers in the region, while also linking to Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Such connectivity facilitates trade flows, investment attraction, and market expansion. Along National Highway 13 and its feeder routes, residential areas, production facilities, and service establishments have developed rapidly, gradually forming distinct urban clusters.

In recent years, Loc Ninh’s economy has maintained a solid growth trajectory, with total output value in 2025 exceeding VND4.6 trillion. The economic structure has shifted in a positive direction, with industry–construction and trade–services accounting for an increasing share.

Industrial parks have emerged as key growth engines, drawing in businesses and enabling production expansion, thereby creating employment for thousands of workers. As a result, demand for housing, commerce, and services has risen sharply, further accelerating the pace of urbanization.

Meanwhile, the trade–service sector has diversified, supported by hundreds of production and business establishments. The goods distribution network has gradually expanded, effectively meeting the needs of both local residents and migrant workers.

Parallel to economic development, Loc Ninh has made notable progress in upgrading both technical and social infrastructure. Transport networks have been improved step by step, strengthening connectivity between residential areas, industrial zones, and administrative centers, thus facilitating both production and daily life.

Investing in synchronized and modern infrastructure

In reality, Loc Ninh’s urbanization pace has already surpassed the management framework of a traditional commune-level unit. Population density continues to rise, particularly in areas near industrial zones and major transport routes, leading to an increase in mechanical population growth and placing pressure on population management, public security, and service provision. These challenges underscore the urgent need to transition from a commune model to a ward model that is more suitable for an urbanizing context.

According to Pham Thi Thuy Phuong, Standing Deputy Secretary of the commune Party Committee, the establishment of a ward will enhance the effectiveness of state management, especially in areas such as construction, land, environment, and social welfare. This is not only an objective requirement but also a step aligned with the overall development orientation.

“When transitioning to the ward model, the locality will have sufficient legal tools and resources to manage urban areas in a more systematic and professional manner. At the same time, this will provide a foundation for implementing large-scale investment projects, attracting development resources, and improving residents’ quality of life,” she noted.

Within Dong Nai province’s development orientation, the Loc Ninh area is identified as a new urban zone playing a key role in promoting regional socio-economic growth. Accordingly, the establishment of the ward not only meets practical demands but also concretizes the urban planning vision toward 2050. Future urban space will be organized into clearly defined functional zones, including administrative centers, residential areas, industrial zones, and trade–service areas. This approach helps optimize land use, enhance management efficiency, and create a modern urban landscape.

By 2030, Loc Ninh aims to achieve an average per capita income of approximately VND135 million per year, with the proportion of non-agricultural labor exceeding 80%. Infrastructure system will continue to be developed in a synchronized and modern manner, while the living environment will be improved and public security ensured. At the same time, human factors will remain at the center of development.

In this transformative process, youth are identified as one of the pioneering forces. Hoang Thi Ha, Vice Chairwoman of Loc Ninh commune Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and Secretary of the commune Youth Union, emphasized that the transition to ward status represents not only an administrative change but also a comprehensive shift in socio-economic life. In the coming period, the Youth Union will focus on raising awareness among young members about the transition, fostering a sense of urban citizenship, promoting “civilized urban youth” models, accelerating digital transformation in the community, and encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship among young people.

Ultimately, the establishment of Loc Ninh ward is far more than a change in administrative designation. Rather, it marks a significant shift in development thinking, spatial organization, and social governance. With its existing foundations and advantages in location, economy, and infrastructure, Loc Ninh is well-positioned to make a breakthrough and emerge as a dynamic, modern, and sustainably developed urban area.

Key advantages of Loc Ninh in its transition to ward status include: meeting urban standards in terms of area and population; a strategic transport location with National Highway 13 running through the locality; a strong industrial–service base; progressively improving technical and social infrastructure; rapid urbanization with concentrated population; and alignment with the province’s urban planning orientation toward 2050.

By An Nhon – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha