A new urban area in the West of Hanoi. (Photo: Ngoc Ha/ VNA)

According to urban and rural system planning for the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2050, released by the Ministry of Construction on Thursday, the urban economy is expected to contribute approximately 85% to the country’s GDP.

By 2050, Vietnam aims to develop at least five internationally recognized cities, which will serve as hubs for connectivity and development within regional and global networks.

Several national and regional urban centers will be established, meeting urban-level standards in healthcare, education, training, and culture, comparable to the average of the four leading urban areas in Southeast Asia.

The urban planning has clarified the roles and functions of six socio-economic regions, linked with key strategic cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as first-tier cities and localities set to become first-tier cities, said Tran Thu Hang, head of the Department of Planning and Architecture of the Ministry of Construction.

The planning sets forth the requirement to harmonize socio-economic development with protecting the environment and landscapes and ensuring the best possible technical infrastructure conditions, she noted. 

"