Developing Dong Nai to match stature of a modern metropolis

Dong Nai City is opening up significant opportunities in its strategy for rapid and sustainable development, with the goal of achieving double-digit economic growth. Many residents hope that issues relating to the environment, transport infrastructure, housing, trade and service sectors will receive synchronized and appropriate investment, thereby contributing to improving the residents’ quality of life.

The riverside road along the Dong Nai River is opening up space for urban development. Photo: Cong Nghia

Architect Khuong Nguyen Duc Chuong,

Chairman of the Dong Nai City Association of Architects:

Developing the Dong Nai River into the city’s “frontage”

Dong Nai’s transition into a city is not merely about changes in administrative structures or the construction of asphalt roads; rather, it represents an elevation in people’s quality of life founded upon a respected natural and cultural heritage. To strike a balance between development and preservation, we should not pursue an extreme “compact city” model everywhere.

In particular, the Dong Nai River is not merely a source of water supply, it must become the city’s primary landscape and economic axis. Along this landscape corridor, development should adopt an open approach, with interconnected riverside parks planned to prioritize community space. These riverside green belts are the most natural solution for climate change adaptation. At the same time, the value of the riverside urban area should be enhanced through the development of waterway tourism linking the Bien Hoa urban area to Cat Tien and down to the Nhon Trach urban area. Marinas and riverside cultural centers should also be developed so that the river can truly “live” alongside the people.

Another issue requiring attention is the creation of distinct identities for bridges spanning the Dong Nai River. Each bridge crossing the river should be designed as a work of art and a symbol of the era in which we live.

 Lieutenant Colonel Le Canh Linh, a cadre of Dai Phuoc commune Police:

Promoting technology application in maintaining security and order

I feel extremely delighted and proud that Dong Nai has officially become a city. This marks an important milestone, reflecting the locality’s strong and comprehensive progress in terms of economic development, urban infrastructure, and regional as well as national standing.

 Alongside that excitement, we are also fully aware that our responsibilities in the coming period will become even greater; the requirements for ensuring security and order must, therefore, be elevated to a higher level, becoming more proactive, rigorous, and comprehensive. Yet it is precisely in this context that every cadre and soldier feels even prouder to directly contribute to maintaining peace and stability for a city that is developing dynamically, modernly, and constantly innovating.

To ensure security and order in the coming period, in my view, several key priorities should be emphasized. Foremost among them is accelerating the application of science and technology and promoting digital transformation throughout the police force, particularly through the completion of surveillance camera systems, residential databases, and digital platforms serving local management, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of crime prevention, early detection, and handling from the outset and from afar, and also enabling the police to serve residents more quickly and conveniently.

Nguyen Pham Phi Van, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Division of Dau Giay ward:

Expecting feasible solutions for Dong Nai’s urban development

Dong Nai’s elevation to city status represents a strategic transition, opening up new development space for the Southern Key Economic Region. This is not only an administrative adjustment but also places higher demands on the governance and management capacity of authorities at all levels in order to keep pace with the scale and speed of development in the new phase.

 This process is expected to generate clear changes in social life. Infrastructure systems, especially in transportation, will receive synchronized investment to improve connectivity, attract high-quality resources and investment, enhance living standards, and reposition real estate values across the region. Alongside this, employment opportunities are expected to increase, and the quality of public services such as education and healthcare will gradually improve.

I hope the urban administration will focus on concrete and feasible solutions. It is necessary to review and definitively address delayed or suspended planning projects; for projects that are no longer suitable or are slow to be implemented, authorities should boldly adjust or cancel them in order to safeguard residents’ rights and ensure the effective use of land resources. 

Bui Thi Nguyet Sa, Member of the Party Committee of Vedan Vietnam Enterprise

Corp., Ltd. (Phuoc Thai commune):

Dong Nai expected to become more attractive to investors

Dong Nai’s transition into a city is a strategic development step, not only for the locality itself but also for enterprises operating in the area. As a member of the Party Committee of a foreign-invested enterprise, I see this as a major opportunity, as transport infrastructure, urban planning, and the investment environment will certainly undergo significant upgrades. This will create more favorable conditions for enterprises in production, goods transportation, attracting high-quality labor, and expanding markets. I believe that, with its existing foundation and clear development orientation, Dong Nai, in its role as a city, will become an even more attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investors, thereby contributing to economic growth and enhancing the locality’s regional standing.

Phung Thi Thanh Van, a resident of Long Binh ward:

Expectations for a new development journey

The moment Dong Nai officially became a city was truly wonderful news for local residents. This is not only an important milestone in the locality’s development process but also opens up numerous new opportunities for economic, cultural, and social life. As soon as the news was announced, everyone in my neighborhood felt excited and proud. All of us wanted to contribute in our own small ways to demonstrate our support and pride as the hometown enters a new stage of development. 

Amid such excitement, the joy goes beyond emotion alone; it also reflects pride and expectations for a new development journey. For many Party members and citizens, this is a meaningful moment after the locality’s long journey of effort and growth, and each individual carries unique emotions while witnessing this historic milestone.

Nguyen Duy Duc Toan, Trade Union member of Pou Sung Vietnam Co., Ltd.:

Hoping for more affordable housing for workers

As a worker who has been living and working in Dong Nai, I feel extremely excited that the locality has become a city. This is not only a source of pride, but also a hope for a better life for workers like us. What I hope for most is that, with Dong Nai becoming a city, transport infrastructure will be invested in synchronously, making travel more convenient and reducing traffic congestion, especially during rush hours after work shifts. In addition, worker housing areas will be developed at reasonable prices so we can settle down and work here for the long term.

 I believe Dong Nai City will continue developing more strongly, creating more stable jobs and attracting additional major enterprises, thereby helping workers improve their living standards and remain committed to Dong Nai for many years to come. Moreover, if there are more recreational spaces and cultural and sports activities, workers’ spiritual life will become richer after long and demanding working hours.

By Reporter Group – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha