For many decades, Da Nang has been one of the fastest growing cities in Viet Nam. However, the city is also facing new challenges to maintain its growth rate, including enhancing its role as the hub of the Central Urban Region in promoting high growth commensurate with its position and potential, and responding to development needs in the context of limited land for development, and new economic and environmental challenges.

The Da Nang center is seen from above. Photo: XUAN TU

It is high time for Da Nang to transform its development orientation, from a growth model in quantity to a growth model in quality. This requires a comprehensive change in the economic, social and environmental development strategy of urban and rural areas, not only to enhance the quality of life of the people but also to create a sustainable and attractive development environment for investors.

Below are 10 proposed strategic directions for Da Nang in the future in the process of transforming from a growth model of "quantity" to "quality".

Restructuring land use planning to prioritize functions that create growth momentum

Land use planning needs to be restructured to prioritize functions and areas that can create momentum for socio-economic growth. This includes the development of clean and advanced industrial parks, hi-tech parks, and service areas.

Currently, hi-tech, IT, electronics, and telecommunications industrial clusters are expected to grow rapidly and account for about 10-15% of GRDP, becoming one of the main pillars of Da Nang's economy. Increasing investment in transport infrastructure and public utilities is also an important factor in attracting investment and developing the economy.

Optimizing land funds for urban and rural development

In the context of narrowing land funds needed for the implementation of new projects, Da Nang needs to focus on optimizing land funds for urban and rural development. This includes reclaiming and restructuring underdeveloped or inefficient areas.

According to the 2024 data, the urban land area of Da Nang that has been re-planned has increased by 15% compared to the previous year, helping to improve land use efficiency and facilitate new development projects.

The Hue Intersection Overpass is one of Da Nang’s important traffic gateways. Photo: XUAN TU

Socio-economic development according to market economy and serving people's livelihoods

It is essential for Da Nang to develop its socio-economic thinking according to market economy, while ensuring good service to people's livelihoods. This includes creating favourable conditions for businesses to develop, while ensuring that public services such as health care, education, and social infrastructure are fully provided for people and of good quality.

According to the Da Nang People's Committee, in 2024, the city housed about 4,200 poor households, accounting for 1.39%, and by the end of 2025, Da Nang will have no more poor households according to the city's multidimensional poverty standards. To ensure sustainable development, the city needs to continue investing in public services and facilitate people's access to these services.

Developing high-income jobs to attract high-quality migrant workers

Da Nang needs to focus on creating high-income jobs to attract high-quality human resources from other regions. Outstandingly, the rate of trained employees with academic degrees in Da Nang over the past decade has often been ranked among the top in Viet Nam, but there is still a mismatch between labour supply - demand and employment.

To improve this situation, the city needs to invest in hi-tech industries, financial services, and high-end tourism. Enterprises need to be encouraged to invest in research and development (R&D) to create products and services with high added value.

The development of national university urban areas and vocational training facilities in Da Nang also needs to be promoted to help further improve labour quality and attract high-quality migrant workers.

Upgrading the level of public management force

To ensure effective management and operation, Da Nang needs to upgrade the level of public management force. This includes streamlining the payroll, enhancing training and skills development for officials and civil servants in parallel with preferential treatment of high salaries and creating good working conditions to attract talent.

According to the 2024 data, the rate of officials and civil servants with university degrees or higher in Da Nang is about 80%. However, to meet development requirements, the city should continue to improve the professional qualifications and management skills of this force.

High-density urban development according to the TOD model

The high-density urban development model according to the TOD (Transit Oriented Development) direction is an effective solution to optimize land use and minimize negative impacts on the environment.

Under this model, urban areas will be developed around public transport stations, helping to reduce the use of private vehicles and encourage the use of public transport. Da Nang needs to invest in a modern public transport system, including bus rapid transit (BRT), subways and trams.

The development of high-density urban areas also helps to optimize land use and create a comfortable living environment for residents.

Aerotropolis development

One of the important strategies is to develop an aerotropolis. This will not only help Da Nang become an attractive destination for global businessmen but also facilitate international conferences, cultural exchanges and friendship connections.

The total number of passengers passing through the Da Nang airport in 2024 reached over 13.5 million, including over 6.2 million foreigners, showing the strong development potential of this area.

The future planning vision of Da Nang y, including the planning of the Aerotropolis and the planning of the urban system connected to the metro line according to the TOD (Transit Oriented Development) model by Architect Kathrin Moore and Dr. Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son. (Photo: NgoViet Architects & Planners)

Railway urban development

Da Nang also needs to establish a planning orientation for the development of a railway urban area, linked to the national high-speed railway network and the public transport network of the city and the Central Urban Region. This will facilitate convenient national and international connections at affordable prices for the people.

Currently, to help reduce travel time between major cities in the country, the plan for the North-South high-speed railway project has been officially submitted by the Ministry of Transport to the National Assembly for investment policy decision, with a design speed of 350km/h and expected total capital of more than US$67 billion.

Developing seaport urban areas and industrial urban areas

Developing seaport urban areas and industrial urban areas in the context of regional cooperation is an important strategy to promote GRDP growth of the entire region.

In 2024, Da Nang focused on key and spearhead economic sectors with important contributions, including industrial development and key infrastructure development, to have solutions to strive for GRDP growth of over 8%, making an important contribution to the economic development of the central region.

A scene of the existing Da Nang International Airport. Photo: NGUYEN XUAN TU

Developing technical infrastructure and social infrastructure facilities

Last, but not the least Da Nang needs to invest much in developing technical and social infrastructure to ensure a high standard of living for its people. These infrastructure facilities should be at the same quality as the those in the central areas of the Ha Noi Capital Zone and the Ho Chi Minh City Metropolitan Zone.

The Da Nang development strategy shifts from quantitative to qualitative growth, requiring a comprehensive change from leadership thinking, to implementation policies, approaches and management. Developing high-income jobs, restructuring land use planning, upgrading the level of public management force, developing high-density urban areas according to the TOD model, developing socio-economics according to market economic trend and serving people's lives, developing urban areas according to advanced models of the 21st century such as aerotropolis and railway urban areas are important factors to ensure Da Nang’s sustainable and comprehensive development to reach new heights.

Written by Dr. Architect. Ngo Viet Nam Son - Translating by A.THU