The Big Apple and the Pearl of the Orient: A Historic Partnership for Unprecedented Growth

On the afternoon of June 17, Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Agriculture and Environment worked with a delegation from Guangzhou Metro Group, China, to discuss cooperation mechanisms for developing the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model in conjunction with the Metro Line 2 project (Ben Thanh – Tham Luong).

The discussion took place amidst Ho Chi Minh City’s need to restructure its urban space, reduce infrastructure pressure, and promote public transportation. TOD is expected to be a sustainable approach – transforming the metro into a growth driver rather than just a means of transportation.

Representatives from Guangzhou Metro shared their 33 years of experience in developing the metro and TOD systems, focusing on the seamless connection between metro stations, public spaces, urban services, and housing. The TOD model reduces reliance on private vehicles, optimizes land use, and boosts socio-economic development. This system operates at two levels: the station level – emphasizing architectural design and integrated amenities; and the regional level – guiding the development of the surrounding station areas, spreading commerce, and residential areas.

Experts recommended that Ho Chi Minh City consider TOD as a central solution to achieve its low-carbon, smart city, and improved living standards goals. At the same time, the city needs to完善 legal framework and financial mechanisms to attract private sector and community involvement.

Despite its vast potential, Ho Chi Minh City faces significant challenges in metro development. Only about 20 kilometers have been completed out of the total plan of over 220 kilometers. The percentage of residents using public transport is approximately 4%, while motorcycles account for 74% of traffic. Additionally, the lack of linkage between stations and the surrounding urban areas has left many stations isolated, underutilizing investments.

Given this situation, Guangzhou Metro representatives pledged to share their comprehensive experience and support Ho Chi Minh City in implementing TOD. Mr. Yao Shi Feng, the group’s market head, affirmed, “We hold nothing back and are ready to fully support Ho Chi Minh City.”

On behalf of Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Vo Trung Truc, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized the city’s new orientation to implement TOD directly on stations and depots instead of just surrounding urban areas. He also expressed the city’s readiness to send a delegation to Guangzhou to learn from their practical experiences.

Metro Line 2 is considered a key project and could become the first pilot for TOD in Ho Chi Minh City. Guangzhou Metro proposed implementing TOD components at strategic points such as Thu Thiem, the central square, and major transit hubs.

Ho Chi Minh City was also advised to establish an interdisciplinary group to determine priority segments, gather community input, develop technical standards, and formulate supportive policies. Creating a mechanism to reinvest land development profits around the metro would be key to funding public infrastructure.

The meeting between Ho Chi Minh City and Guangzhou Metro is expected to pave the way for smart and sustainable urban development toward 2045.