Planning cannot stay only on paper: Determined efforts to eliminate “stalled plans”

On September 25, the People’s Committee of Dong Nai Province, in coordination with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), organized a provincial-level scientific conference to gather feedback on the adjustments to Dong Nai Province’s master plan (post-merger) for 2021-2030, with a vision toward 2050.

The conference was co-chaired by Ton Ngoc Hanh, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Council; Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee; and Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao, Chairman of the UEH Council.

Attending the conference were Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee; Ho Van Ha, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee; along with leaders of provincial departments and agencies, as well as scholars, experts, and scientists.

Overview of the scientific conference on feedback for the adjusted master plan of Dong Nai Province (2021-2030 period, vision toward 2050). Photo: Pham Tung

The hybrid-format conference was livestreamed to 95 satellite locations across communes and wards throughout the province.

According to the Dong Nai People's Committee, in the current context, adjusting the provincial planning is not only a legal obligation but also a necessary step to reposition and shape the province's future. The conference was held to gather input from experts and scientists, contributing to the development of a breakthrough, highly feasible plan that embodies Dong Nai’s strong aspiration for advancement.

Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, delivers the closing remarks at the conference. Photo: Pham Tung

During the event, experts, scientists, and business leaders provided detailed feedback on the draft master plan for Dong Nai Province for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050. Their contributions focused on identifying key strengths and challenges in the province’s upcoming development phase, and proposed strategic visions, development pillars, driving forces, and breakthrough solutions for sustainable progress. Notably, many discussions centered on restructuring the province’s development space to meet new development demands.

A representative from the Ministry of Construction presents a report at the conference. Photo: Pham Tung

In his closing remarks, Vo Tan Duc, Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized that the merger of provinces should not be viewed simply as a consolidation of land or population, but as the opening of a new strategic development space. He highlighted that a multi-centered, multi-layered linkage model, centered around growth clusters such as Bien Hoa-Long Thanh-Nhon Trach and the former Dong Xoai-Chon Thanh area, will be key to unlocking the full potential of the new province. In addition, establishing strategic development corridors, such as economic-logistics routes connecting border gates to seaports, and industrial-urban corridors along expressways, will help build a flexible and sustainable development framework. He noted that the ideas shared at the conference offered a comprehensive and insightful blueprint for the new Dong Nai Provincial Planning.

Dr. Ngo Viet Nam Son, an architect and Chairman of Ngo Viet Architects & Planners, shares his views at the conference. Photo: Pham Tung

To ensure the Dong Nai Provincial adjusted master plan for the 2021-2030 period (with vision toward 2050) is coherent, integrated, and builds on previous plans, Vo Tan Duc called on the heads of provincial departments and agencies, and chairpersons of communal and ward-level People’s Committees, to seriously study and fully incorporate the feedback gathered at the conference.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trong Hoai, former Vice President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, speaks at the conference. Photo: Pham Tung

“Planning cannot stay only on paper; practical policies, effective enforcement, and strong oversight must support it. The shared interests of the people and the province must take priority. All levels and sectors should view this as a golden opportunity, post-merger, to lay the foundation for Dong Nai’s development. We must decisively eliminate short-term, year-by-year thinking and put an end to 'stalled planning,' discretionary approval mechanisms, and group interests that influence the planning process. All efforts should focus on ensuring coordination and consistency at every level of planning.” Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Vo Tan Duc emphasized.

By Pham Tung - Translated by Hong Van, Minho