Ho Chi Minh City is setting ambitious goals for 2025, aiming for over 10% GDP growth and an average per capita income of $8,500. The city also seeks to have its digital economy contribute 25% to the local GDP, reflecting a significant push for modernization and innovation.

At the 12th session of the HCMC People’s Council (term X, 2021-2026) on December 9, Vice Chairman Duong Ngoc Hai highlighted the city’s economic achievements in 2024.

Despite challenges, HCMC achieved a 7.17% growth rate (close to the 7.5% target) and collected over 502 trillion VND in budget revenue. Industrial production, tourism, and retail sectors also saw robust growth.

However, Hai noted some setbacks, including delays in public investment disbursement and unresolved administrative bottlenecks, which have hampered further progress.

Building on 2024’s foundation, HCMC has outlined ambitious targets for 2025: Achieve over 10% GDP growth; Disburse more than 95% of public investment; Ensure the digital economy contributes 25% to the city’s GDP.

The year 2025 will focus on key themes, including restructuring government apparatus for efficiency, accelerating digital transformation, implementing National Assembly Resolution 98, and addressing longstanding issues.

Nguyen Thi Le, Chairwoman of the HCMC People’s Council, emphasized the importance of evaluating the city’s performance in 2024 and setting strategic priorities for 2025. Discussions during the session focused on budgetary allocations, public investment plans, and measures to address administrative inefficiencies.

Le urged a comprehensive approach to enhance productivity across key sectors, expedite critical infrastructure projects, and advance green and digital transformations. Additionally, she stressed the need to combat corruption and waste while ensuring effective governance and public trust.

Le acknowledged the significant challenges that HCMC faces in 2025, including global economic uncertainties and domestic structural issues. She called on council members to analyze reports thoroughly, identify objective and subjective factors affecting the city’s development, and propose actionable policies.

The city’s leaders hope to create breakthroughs in socio-economic development, security, and public welfare, contributing to the nation’s growth and celebrating key milestones, including the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification.

HCMC’s 2025 agenda underscores its ambition to lead Vietnam into a new era of growth and prosperity, aligning local efforts with the nation’s broader vision of becoming a high-income country.

Ho Van