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Nov 08, 2014 / 11:06

Urban planning is essential for Vietnam

Around 400 scientists and specialists from Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan and the host country, Vietnam gathered in Hanoi on November 7 for an urban planning conference.

At the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Construction Phan Thi My Linh said Vietnam’s urbanisation growth rate (34%) is lower than that of the world (over 50%). However, a number of economic hubs have been shaped in the country such as Hanoi, HCM City, Haiphong, Danang and Can Tho, which are attractive to foreign investors.
 
Linh affirmed that rapid urbanisation is not only a motive for socio-economic development but also creates opportunities and challenges including waste of land, exhaustion of natural resources, environmental pollution, people migration, unemployment and social insecurity.  
The seminar provided a good chance for Vietnam to gather invaluable ideas from domestic and foreign experts for the planning of Hanoi and HCM City, Linh stressed.
President of the Republic of Korea’s Planners Association Mack Joong Choi said Asia is undergoing an important transition period, especially in economy. It is facing a number of challenges, such as lack of housing and poor infrastructure in big cities. So, it is important for Asian countries to coordinate in proposing and building a common model for urban development.
Participants also discussed other important issues, including socio-economic planning and development, transport and technical infrastructure, environment and sustainable development, human resources, regional planning training, and regional development management.