If asked to identify the most significant event in Da Nang in 2024, many would agree that the Central Government's decisions regarding the establishment of an urban governance model hold exceptional importance. Previously, in 1997, the National Assembly's resolution designating Da Nang as a centrally governed administrative unit opened up an administrative framework with mechanisms that have fueled the city's development over nearly three decades.

A corner of Da Nang city seen from above. Photo: DANG MINH TU

As the final days of the year approach, one cannot help but resonate with the sentiment captured in To Huu’s verse: “Farewell to the old year, so wistful.” There’s a tinge of regret, a lingering thought about unfulfilled promises, and a restless feeling that a year has passed in the blink of an eye—almost like a gentle reproach for the tasks still awaiting completion. Yet, these emotions give rise to eager anticipation and enthusiasm for the new year, akin to the robust vigor of youth. Another year arrives, not only adding age but also filling you and me with excitement and hope. Our Da Nang welcomes the Spring.

Fresh perspectives and significant challenges

Over the past year, Da Nang has surpassed its local budget revenue targets, with industrial output showing remarkable growth. High-tech industrial products have begun carving out a place in the market, while the tourism sector has made substantial strides, regaining pre-pandemic levels. With its premium services, Da Nang has become a destination for the global elite, and the quality of life for its residents has significantly improved, accompanied by the emergence of a growing middle class. Numerous examples of dedication and excellence are shaping the city’s vibrant energy: the relentless efforts of students and educators, the unwavering commitment of healthcare workers to their patients, the hospitality and meticulousness of those striving to delight tourists, and the dynamism of entrepreneurs. Together, are the contributions to creating a vibrant and energetic Da Nang.

We take pride in the title of Miss International won by a student from the University of Da Nang and admire a fisherman quietly and steadfastly preserving the traditional craft of making fish sauce. It is deeply moving to encounter someone who has dedicated their entire life to writing books about the city’s history or to witness the silent devotion of those caring for the brown-shanked douc langurs on Son Tra Mountain day after day. For every clean and beautiful street in our city, do not forget the hundreds of workers who, at three or four in the morning, brave the biting winter cold to collect waste along every road. Being a citizen of this city and contributing to such transformative changes is truly a source of pride.

From being an administrative unit at the district level, Da Nang has grown into a major urban center in the country, with per capita income rising from approximately $400 in 1997 to nearly $5,000 today, significantly improving the living standards of its residents. However, it is evident that factors that once served as growth drivers—such as land use rights, deep-water port advantages, and geographical location—are no longer effective resources for growth as they once were. The new circumstances necessitate fresh policies and measures; while land remains a crucial factor, it is insufficient to spur rapid development, especially as other localities in the region adopt new strategies and more attractive investment policies.

In this context, the central government's issuance of new policies aimed at developing Da Nang into an urban area with a management model is significant. Notably, this includes the establishment of urban governance, which demands strong reforms in management mechanisms—from administrative processes to investment attraction, budget mobilization, and resource utilization. This marks a historic step forward, signifying a new phase in the city's development.

There will be many initiatives implemented for the first time, accompanied by numerous challenges and shortcomings, as well as resistance not only from natural conditions but also from the inertia within the administrative apparatus. However, Da Nang has never had such promising development prospects as it does today. The establishment of a free trade zone, an international financial centre, the new Lien Chieu Port, industrial parks, high-tech zones, and tourism resources represent groundbreaking steps towards a new vision and renewed momentum. To achieve development, the key issue is selecting the right "link" in the growth strategy. The vision and leadership capacity are crucially demonstrated in the decision-making process to identify the breakthrough link; thus, the decisive factor is the organization of people and the implementation team.

The formatting of the management model and institutions—from government and customs to the circulation of technology and capital within the free trade zone— must ensure the "freedom" factor aligns with global standards. Organizing and operating a secondary financial market that adequately meets the capital needs of corporations is no simple task. All these aspects are new and present numerous challenges. Simply understanding the mechanisms of operation and grasping their scope within a dynamic and fiercely competitive global environment reveals both what we possess and what we lack. Effectively mobilizing social capabilities – particularly from a business community that embodies a spirit of risk-taking, patriotism, and commitment to the city —is crucial. Encouraging their active participation in value creation chains driven by waves of new technology production demands effort, dedication, and, most importantly, exceptional management expertise.

Preserving the essence of our homeland

A year is just a fragment of the thirty-six thousand days in a lifetime. The end of the year is a time for reflection and remembrance. It is said that in Japan, despite modern life, they still uphold traditional practices, one of which is dedicating time to create New Year’s greeting cards. Depending on one's living standards and profession, the format of these cards may vary, but it is common for senders to summarize their accomplishments from the past year and share their wishes for the new year, along with greetings to family and friends.

Amidst the busyness of life, recipients still take the time to send and read greeting cards, viewing this as a refined gesture that encourages a smooth start to the new year. In the final days of the year, Japan's postal service is almost exclusively dedicated to delivering these sentiments. How many cards are sent? Over one hundred million! In contrast, the practice of sending paper greeting cards has nearly vanished in our culture. Now, everything is done online—quickly and simply—which may result in a lack of emotional depth. Often, it feels like reading a congratulatory message and responding is merely a formality to be completed.

How can we recognize development in life? While it is easy to find an answer, creating change that aligns with modernity while preserving the gentle essence of our homeland, along with the richness of the soul and human values, is a challenging task—perhaps the most challenging of all. Decades have provided ample opportunity to truly understand the nature of change.

On the day I graduated and started working at a top school, during my first civil servant Tet in 1982, besides the standard gifts of a pound of tea, a bottle of hawthorn wine, and several packs of cigarettes, I also received 70 kilograms of firewood. Receiving the firewood was a joy, but cutting and splitting it was a daunting task, even more challenging than preparing for a university exam. Today, few remember those times, but I often reflect on how profoundly things have changed by looking at the kitchen. Of course, the essentials for cooking—from pots and pans to food—have seen significant advancements. We no longer worry about having enough to eat or staying warm; transportation is no longer an issue either. Yet, there are still many concerns that linger. Food hygiene is a matter of life and death, but the ways we eat and live are still filled with issues worth pondering. Interacting with one another in a culturally respectful manner remains a persistent challenge, as mutual respect often feels distant from our daily lives.

Developing while preserving cultural identity may sound theoretical and abstract, but life is presenting urgent new demands. It would be shortsighted and detrimental to pursue progress at the cost of a barren spirit. Urban governance is not only about establishing new management mechanisms but also about preserving the soul of our homeland, reminding each of us to look toward Hon Kem Da Dung and to cherish deeply the bonds of family and heritage.

A new era is not granted by others; it is forged by our own actions. The mechanisms and policies for a developing Da Nang, in line with urban governance, ultimately aim to benefit the people. Some have likened this to a revolution in management and leadership thinking. There is lots of work ahead, but a top priority is to build a streamlined and passionate administrative apparatus that can inspire aspirations and confidence in development, allowing us all to feel, as the poet says, “the unusual excitement of the new spring”.

Reporting by HUYNH THUC NHAN – Translating by HONG VAN