Dong Nai promotes urban development in new context

Dong Nai province is gradually restructuring its urban development space to align with the implementation of a two-tier local government model and new urban classification criteria.

A corner of Tran Bien Ward, the central urban area of Dong Nai province. Photo: Pham Tung

As part of its urban development strategy, Dong Nai aims to make more efficient use of underground space, elevated space, digital resources and digital space. At the same time, several areas will be developed following the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model.

Developing a modern and identity-rich urban system

Before provincial mergers, the former Dong Nai province and the former Binh Phuoc province each had 11 urban areas.

According to Resolution No. 05/NQ-HDND on the adjustments of the Dong Nai provincial master plan for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050, which has been adopted by the provincial People’s Council, Dong Nai aims to basically meet the criteria of a centrally governed city by 2030. Under its master plan, Dong Nai targets a total of 22 urban areas by 2030, including 3 Class II urban areas, namely Bien Hoa, Long Khanh and Dong Xoai, along with 19 Class III urban areas.

During this process, major urban centers in the province are planned to be expanded to cover the entire administrative boundaries of wards following restructuring. Some urban areas – former townships located within newly reorganized communes – will be expanded to cover their entire commune or the areas beyond the former township boundaries.

According to Truong Thi Huong Binh, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Director of the Department of Finance, under its urban development planning, Dong Nai places strong emphasis on regional connectivity and aims to create sustainable, smart and green unban areas that are resilient to climate change and suitable for the province’s long-term development.

At the same time, in the new development trend, urban development in the province will also be associated with the TOD model, featuring compact and mixed-use development, and the establishment of characteristic spaces around public transport stations. For urban areas with high population density, the development of underground space for infrastructure or construction works will be considered to optimize land resources.

Especially, in the orientation for urban system development in the province, the Long Thanh International Airport urban area will not only play its role as one of the two new development drivers of the province but also serve as a key urban area, contributing to shaping the identity of Dong Nai’s urban system.

A corner of Binh Phuoc Ward urban area, Dong Nai province. Photo: Collaborator

Harnessing the potential of mountains, rivers, and lakes

According to Dr. Ngo Viet Nam Son, architect and Chairman of NgoViet Architects & Planners based in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai currently possesses a diverse network of rivers and lakes. With the Dong Nai River and Tri An Lake, the province has significant advantages for developing urban areas, particularly ecological and resort ones.

Ho Van Ha, Provincial Party Committee member and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee emphasized that the Dong Nai River and the province’s lake systems are valuable resources for advancing Dong Nai’s growth in the coming years, including its urban development.

To harness these advantages, Dong Nai also plans to develop high-end urban, tourism and resort projects along rivers, mountains and lakes. Key development areas include urban-tourism-service zones near Long Thanh International Airport, as well as urban-tourism areas around Chua Chan Mountain, Nui Le Lake, Suoi Giai Lake, Ba Ra Mountain–Thac Mo Lake, and a chain of riverside urban areas along the Dong Nai River, mainly in Bien Hoa, Long Thanh and Nhon Trach urban areas.

Nguyen Van Ut, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, stated that during the process of adjusting Dong Nai Provincial Planning, the Provincial People's Committee has directed updates to the planning for the Dong Nai River area and existing ecological lakes to develop entertainment areas, tourist areas, and urban areas. "The provincial planning only provides general orientation, and during the implementation, localities will further elaborate and carry out the plans. However, all of these directions have already been incorporated into the planning," said Nguyen Van Ut, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

According to the set goals, Dong Nai province aims to raise its urbanization rate to between 55% and 57% by 2030.

By Pham Tung – Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha