The forum gathered over 500 participants from central and local agencies as well as domestic and international organisations.

At the forum, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Viet Hung highlighted the increasingly positive contributions of urban areas to Vietnam’s socio-economic development, noting an urbanisation rate of approximately 43.1% with around 902 urban areas nationwide.

Thanks to the contribution of urban areas, Vietnam’s economy reached 430 billion USD in 2023, with urban incomes standing nearly 1.5 times higher than those in rural areas.

Participants also discussed ongoing challenges such as low urban density and ineffective infrastructure. Issues like pollution, traffic congestion, localised flooding, housing shortages, and insufficient green spaces continue to affect urban living standards. The expansion of urban land and administrative boundaries has further strained efforts to upgrade urban infrastructure.

The Ministry of Construction emphasised that the directives of Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW should be vigorously implemented, focusing on completing institutional frameworks and policies, developing a synchronised and modern urban infrastructure system adaptable to climate change, and enhancing urban economic management and growth.

The improvement of policies and frameworks for urban management requires active involvement from central and local authorities, businesses, experts, residents, and international partners.

The establishment of a unified and effective legal framework is essential to promoting healthy, competitive, and sustainable urbanisation, which will not only benefit Vietnam but also contribute to sustainable global urban development.